The Subtle and Fun Detail Often Overlooked...

This guest post is by Alaina Lockhart. Owner of Lockhart's Wedding & Special Occasions bridal boutique. 

For all the years you have dreamed about your wedding day, you have no doubt envisioned your gown, veil, and possibly your shoes but have you stopped to think about what intimate apparel you will want or need under your gown? It is actually one of the most commonly asked questions we receive from our brides. The reality is that there are no real rules when deciding what to wear. However, our best advice is to wear items that are going to complement your figure, provide comfort, and perhaps even add a touch of romance for your special day. Here are a few things to consider as you plan your wedding trousseau.  

What style is your gown?

A strapless gown - Many strapless gowns from the Lockhart's collection are crafted with boning and support through the bust. However, not all brides consider that support enough to feel comfortable. A bustier will provide support and lift while also slimming and smoothing through the waistline.   

The Mermaid gown – Mermaid style gowns are very popular at this time. Brides choosing this style will want to focus on garments that flatten the tummy and smooth out the hips and thighs. In order to maintain those lovely lines that drew you to the mermaid gown, consider a high waisted slimming garment.  

A Sheath gown – Sheath dresses often are made of sheer fabrics such as chiffon. These fabrics have lovely flow, are light and very comfortable but are less forgiving of panty lines and such. Be sure to look for seamless garments that are a nude shade to ensure that your unmentionables don't steal center stage on your wedding day. 

Interesting necklines - Many gowns have very interesting necklines such as halters, deep sweethearts, or sheer insets. Keep this in mind when choosing a bra to ensure that you don't spend the day checking for wardrobe malfunctions. There are many options available such as convertible bras that allow for halter necklines and plunge cut bras to address your needs.

You will want to make decisions about your undergarment shortly after deciding on a gown as you will need to have them with you for your fittings. The seamstress will be able to provide a much better fit for you if she knows exactly the shape your body will be on your wedding day. But there is no need to be overwhelmed. 

Start by asking your bridal consultant what she thinks you will require and then seek out a specialty store such as The Girls Bra shop for your needs. We recommend that you have a proper bra fitting with one of their professionals before making your choice and then the sky is the limit in regards to the lacy bits you can choose from to complete your wedding day look.



Ann & Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Prom: Finding the Perfect Dress and Bra

New fashions are arriving weekly at local boutiques and we're getting prom fever! Such a magical night.

When you go dress shopping for that absolute to die for dress, don't forget about the bra. The right fitting bra will give you the shape, comfort and confidence to really stand out.

Going Strapless?

Fantasie

A strapless bra is a specialty bra that is strong enough to support your girls without extra help from the straps. Most of the time this type of bra comes with straps and can then be worn as an everyday bra, halter style or cross back style for racer back shirts.

Strapless bras do not suit every body type but the amazing styles we have are the best on the market.

Tip: When trying on a convertible bra, remove the straps to see how it feels if you are planning on wearing it as a strapless bra. Not all convertible bras are meant to be worn strapless.

CASS

Smooth Operator

When you get fitted for a prom dress you may find you want or need shapewear, like spanx. Good shapewear smooths out your curves and can make your prom dress fit better. Many prom dresses have boning throughout the dress. Good shapewear can relieve some of the stress and discomfort from this boning.

Tip: Be sure to take along the bra and shapewear you plan to wear prom night to any and all dress fittings, as it can significantly impact necessary alterations. And vice versa, if you already have your dress, take it with you to your bra fitting.

Calvin Klein

Perfect Panties

What you want in a panty will depend on the fit of your gown and overall desire for comfort. Too-tight undies cause unsightly lumps and bulges that you can see through your dress, so choose a seamless panty. There are plenty of materials to choose from. If prettiness is a factor, go for lace. If you're only concerned about function, choose a panty that is breathable.

                                                                        

When to Buy The Bra

Since every gown is about as different as every girl's body, we recommend you talk to a fitter that you trust. Before committing to the dress, make sure you can get the proper bra, shapewear and panties to go under it.

Like the dress, you may need to order the bra or shapewear that you want. Allow for the same amount of time as your dress to be ordered.

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YOU WOULDN’T ORDER THE FLOWERS A WEEK BEFORE...

Too often we are finding Brides and bridal parties leaving a very critical part of their attire to the last minute. Thousands of dollars and many hours are spent on the bride’s and bridesmaids’ gowns and yet the foundational garments that are meant to make the dresses look good become an afterthought. Not everyone remembers to pay enough attention to what goes on underneath. In reality you should be finding the proper bra, corset, shapewear needed to work with your dress before forking over the cash. The right undergarments can make or break your dress.
Remember, 50% of all women are larger than a D cup. Most strapless bras do not come in the larger cup sizes and while we do try to keep as many sizes in stock as possible sometimes they have to be ordered in. Special Ordering can take several weeks and should not be left to the last minute. In addition, many gowns are constructed in such a way that finding undergarments that fit and don't show above the dress is tricky at best.
Know your size – while the statistics say 80% of women are wearing the wrong size we are finding the percentage to be much higher. Knowing your size is an important factor in getting a beautiful fit on your wedding day. A poor fit shows through the dress, creating unsightly bulges. Take the time to be properly fit.
Finding the right, corset, bra, or other undergarments can be done right. Just don't assume that your usual ones will do the job, and start shopping early. What you wear under your dress can make a big difference in what it looks like on the outside, so getting it right is important if you want to look your best on your big day. Every outfit begins with a good foundation.