Once you've sorted your wedding dress, it's time to turn your attention to what lies beneath (aka, your underwear). Of course, your choice of bra and knickers depends entirely on the dress. If your bridal gown is corseted and full-skirted (i.e. supportive on top with a puffy situation on the bottom), you'll have quite a bit of freedom. You could, depending on your cup size, get away without a bra, using some strategically-placed fashion tape to stop your straps moving instead, and choose whatever underwear you like without worrying about VPL.
If, however, you've chosen a more fitted silhouette or a slightly unforgiving fabric, you might need something more heavy-duty. For shapewear that really works, from supportive bodysuits to high-waisted briefs and thongs, a few brands remain unparalleled when it comes to lingerie that a) sculpts and b) doesn't show.
Spanx is, of course, the name that;s become synonymous with shapewear. Heist has bodysuits and tights that work wonders but are comfortable, too. And then there's the sensation that is Kim Kardashian's SKIMS, which has a brilliant shapewear offering that's size-inclusive (its bodysuits come in five sizes, from XXS/XS-4X-5X). Nubian Skin's seamless underwear, meanwhile, is always reliable if you're worried about panty lines.
The only other thing worth mentioning is to make sure to bring your underwear to your last dress fitting (or try everything on at home) so that there aren't any surprises on the big day.
SHOP: The Best Bridal Underwear
1 of 14Rosie For M&S, Silk & Lace Wired Full Cup Bra A-E
The Rosie Huntington-Whiteley range at M&S, one of the best collabs on the high street, has some lovely sets in silk and lace.
2 of 14Rosie For M&S, Silk & Lace High-Leg Knickers
These knickers are crafted from the loveliest silk and lace but are still only £15. They're also available in sizes 6-28.
3 of 14Agent Provocateur, Skylee Balconette Underwired Bra
Agent Provocateur has some of the most glorious lingerie available. From beautiful bras in every shape to matching knickers and even glamorous bridal nightwear, these are investment pieces you'll want to wear far beyond your wedding day.
4 of 14Bravissimo, Luxe Strapless Bra
A strapless wedding dress needs a strapless bra. This one is perfect if yours has a sweetheart neckline.
5 of 14Savage x Fenty, Baroque Bondage Teddy
If you're looking for great underwear you can wear well after your wedding day, look to Savage x Fenty's new bridal range. From balconette bras to bodies like this one, there's truly something for everyone.
6 of 14SKIMS, Sculpting Bodysuit Mid Thigh W. Open Gusset
If you want to wear shapewear under your wedding dress, SKIMS should be one of your first port of call.
7 of 14Boux Avenue, Longline Basque Bra
If you're looking for something structured but pretty, this is a winner. In fact, there's a reason why Boux Avenue remains one of the UK's favourite underwear brands – it has everything from garters to pyjamas at an affordable price.
8 of 14Eberjey, Naya Longline Bralette
If you want to wear a bra but not feel like you're wearing a bra, how about this lace bralette by Eberjey?
9 of 14Eberjey, Naya Bikini Briefs
You may want to match on your wedding day, in which case this Eberjey set will make you feel excellent.
10 of 14Bluebella, Adeline Wired Bra White/Sheer Adeline Wired Bra White/Sheer Adeline Wired Bra White/Sheer Adeline Wired Bra White/Sheer Adeline Wired Bra White/Sheer Adeline Wired Bra White/Sheer Adeline Wired Bra White/Sheer Adeline Wired Bra White/Sheer Adeline Wired Bra White/Sheer
If you do want some support but need something fairly sheer and lightweight, this bra is perfect. It comes with matching briefs, too.
12 of 14John Lewis & Partners, U-Plunge Stick-On Bra
This backless strapless stick-on bra is brilliant if your bridal gown has a plunging front and low back.
13 of 14Dora Larsen, Lumi Embroidery Underwire Bra
Bridal underwear doesn't get more beautiful than this blossom-embroidered set from Dora Larsen. And it can double as your something blue.
14 of 14Freya, Temptress Plunge Bra
For plunging necklines, you couldn't do better than this bra from Freya.