How to Shop for Wedding Lingerie, According to an Expert

Every bride looks forward to shopping for a wedding dress, but finding the perfect gown is just one step toward achieving the ultimate bridal look. And while planning a reception and after-party ensemble takes priority when it comes to your wedding day fashions, there is another important "outfit" that typically gets sidelined and forgotten about: the lingerie. From silk pajamas to robes and undergarments, your lingerie is an essential part of your day-of attire and should be highly considered before walking down the aisle.

For some, choosing to wear lingerie underneath a wedding gown is a way to feel special and confident, while others opt to wear these pieces on their honeymoon as a way to bring a sexy element to their trip. No matter the reason for purchasing these pieces, though, shopping for them can oftentimes be intimidating and overwhelming. So, to help you feel comfortable and empowered throughout this intimate experience, we asked an expert for her best shopping tips and advice on how to find your wedding-day lingerie. (Hint: It all depends on your personal preferences). Read on to learn more.

What to Consider Before Shopping for Lingerie

Before you start shopping for wedding lingerie, it's important to understand your personal needs and requirements. For instance, do you plan to wear your lingerie as your wedding day undergarments with your gown? If so, be sure to consider the style and color of each piece in order to ensure that everything effortlessly blends in with your day-of ensemble.

The most popular wedding lingerie styles include matching bra and panty sets, robes, garter belts, babydolls, teddies, corsets, and bustiers; but since every person is different, there may be a style outside of this selection that works best for you. In general, a great rule of thumb to follow when shopping for lingerie is to find pieces that make you feel confident, sexy, and the best version of yourself.

What's more, it's extremely popular to wear lingerie on the honeymoon, so be sure to account for your post-nuptial trip when searching for specific pieces. We even recommend bringing a variety of styles to your destination in order to match your different moods and desires for your trip.

When to Start Shopping for Lingerie

You can easily begin shopping for lingerie as soon as you get engaged and start planning your wedding. However, the one exception to that rule is that if you're wearing lingerie underneath your bridal gown, you'll want to hold off on purchasing those pieces until you've found your dress.

"Most brides start with what they functionally need under their wedding look, so they’ll shop as soon as they finalize their dress," says Fleur du Mal founder and CEO, Jennifer Zuccarini. "A month before your big day is usually fine [to start shopping]. I would wait until after your shower and bachelorette (if you’re having one) since you might receive lingerie as gifts."

Wedding Lingerie Shopping Tips

There are so many lingerie brands out there for every size and budget, so whether you're a first-time buyer or it's been a part of your nighttime wardrobe for years, you're sure to find something you love for your wedding. But for those who need a bit of help with securing the right styles, here are a few tips to consider when shopping for your most intimate pieces.

Buy the right size.

Fit is one of the most important factors to consider when buying lingerie, especially if you're wearing it underneath your wedding dress. We recommend popping into a lingerie store to get sized for your bra cup and band size first, which will help ensure the most comfortable and seamless fit (even if you plan to purchase your pieces online).

Do a wear test.

Once your measurements have been confirmed and you've bought your desired styles, don't forget to try them on. "Make sure to try on the undergarments with your dress and move around," says Zuccarini. "Bend over and jump up and down to make sure it’s all staying in place."

Budget appropriately.

Just because lingerie is made from a small amount of fabric doesn't mean it's cheap. Good, high-quality styles might cost more than you expect, so make sure to shop around if you're on a budget or save up for a few luxury items that you can keep in your collection for years to come. "It’s worth investing in quality pieces made from fabrics that will feel great against your skin," says Zuccarini. "At Fleur du Mal, we use French laces and stretch silks that are luxurious but also stand the test of time."

Experiment with different styles.

Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone! Lingerie is a fun way to express yourself and try on a different "look" for the evening. Your partner will certainly welcome and appreciate the surprise—trust us!

Have fun.

Shopping for lingerie is supposed to be fun, so don't put too much pressure on yourself to look a certain way. Remember to enjoy yourself, laugh, and be kind to your body. "I recommend starting with a glass of champagne and your best friend in tow," says Zuccarini.