Why What You Wear to Try On Wedding Dresses Matters

Congrats, bride-to-be! You’re engaged and it’s time to begin wedding dress shopping. While exciting, the experience may also seem daunting. As always, we’ve got you covered! This comprehensive guide outlines how you can prepare and what you should wear to your upcoming bridal appointments.

While most brides prepare for their wedding dress appointments by thinking (and daydreaming) about the gowns they’ll try on, how a bride arrives and the undergarments she wears to a bridal salon itself creates the foundation for a successful day of finding the perfect dress.

Here’s the truth: What you wear to try on wedding dresses actually matters. The right choices can make a huge difference in how a gown looks and feels.

Feel Your Best

While we will provide tips and tricks regarding the best shapewear, bras, and footwear, we’re here to assure you that there is truly no right or no wrong when it comes to what’s best for you! Every individual and every body is different, so most importantly, honor yourself and your own unique preferences. Depending on whether you’re small busted, big busted, prefer shapewear or no shapewear, the perfect undergarments will vary from bride to bride.

First things first, arrive at your bridal appointment looking and feeling your best–whatever that means to you! Start with taking time for yourself. Go on a walk, work out, take an everything shower, relax with your fiancé, or take a little extra time to sip your morning coffee. Consider booking yourself an appointment with a hair stylist or schedule your wedding hair or makeup trial. Wear an outfit that makes you feel beautiful and confident. It doesn’t hurt for it to be a little white ensemble that you’d love to be photographed in with an “I said ‘yes!’ to the dress” sign either! Next, fuel your body. Staying well hydrated and fed will help you not only make the best decisions, but ensure that you remain present and fully enjoy the day. Finally, arrive at your bridal appointment with an open mind, positive mindset, and a couple of loved ones who will uplift and support you throughout your journey.

Moral of the story? When you feel good, you’ll look good!

Now that we’ve covered what’s most important, we’re diving into the universally-best undergarments that brides can wear during their wedding dress consultations. Plus, we have great news for you! The only item required at any bridal appointment is some form of underwear or panty due to sanitary purposes. As for everything else? It’s optional! Cups and boning within most wedding gowns provide structure and support. For most brides, this eliminates the need for a bra entirely. Pedestals in luxury bridal salons provide brides with a little lift which allows you to go barefoot throughout the duration of the appointment.

Wear This: Foundation Pieces That Work With Any Dress

One of the biggest mistakes brides make is arriving with brightly-colored, patterned, or bulky underwear. Especially when it comes to unlined samples or sheer wedding dresses, wearing distracting or unfit undergarments can make visualizing the final look more challenging. Instead, choose undergarments that stay hidden, are well fitted, a neutral color, and preferably seamless. Consider wearing:

• Nude and seamless underwear, panties, or thongs won’t show through white, ivory, or sheer fabrics.
• Strapless bras or adhesive cups eliminate the chance of being exposed when trying on sheer bodices.
• Shapewear helps mold and sculpt the body and is helpful if you plan to wear it on wedding day as it provides a better understanding of the gown’s final fit.

This foundation will give you a much more accurate sense of how a dress will look and feel once it’s been altered to you.

Shoes

While it is perfectly acceptable to go barefoot or wear socks during your bridal appointment, some brides may prefer to wear shoes. If this is the case, bring shoes with a similar heel height to what you plan to wear on your wedding day. Whether you’re wearing a flat, kitten heel, or stiletto, shoes contribute to better posture and allow you to walk with more confidence. It also helps you gauge how the gown moves when you walk and is a closer representation to the final look. Note that you do not need to have your actual bridal shoes finalized until your first alterations appointment.

Skip These: What Not to Wear

While it’s crucial to know what to wear, it’s just as important to know what can cause damage to the sample gowns. Luxury bridal salons, like Kleinfeld, are constantly trying to keep sample dresses fresh and clean for all brides to enjoy, Please avoid: 

• Excessive perfume, body sprays, or oils: These can absorb into fabrics causing discoloration or a lingering odor.
• Spray tans, heavy makeup, or red lipstick: These can transfer onto light-colored fabrics resulting in stains or discoloration that is difficult to remove.
• Excessive, sharp, or unnecessary jewelry: Watches, rings, necklaces, and bracelets can easily snag or get caught on delicate fabrics such as lace, tulle, and beading.

Other Helpful Items

When in doubt, bring it with you! Once you arrive at your bridal appointment, your stylist will be happy to guide you and offer advice as to what’s best to wear or not wear during your consultation. Want to show up extra prepared? Consider bringing these items:

• Bridal Inspiration: Screenshots from Pinterest, Instagram, the Kleinfeld site, etc.
• A fully-charged phone or camera
• Hair ties or clips

Book Your Kleinfeld Bridal Appointment

Ready to get started? We can’t wait to welcome you! Book your Kleinfeld bridal appointment, so you can experience your very own once-in-a-lifetime say “yes!” moment.

Seeking more guidance or bridal advice? Check out more of our Bridal Guides located on Kleinfeld’s Bridal Blog:

• What to Expect
• What to Bring
• How Far in Advance Should I Buy My Wedding Dress?
• Top 7 Questions to Ask During Your Wedding Dress Consultation
• 5 Key Differences Between a Regular & a VIP Appointment at Kleinfeld
• Inside Look: What Sets a Luxury Bridal Salon Apart?
• Research & Preparation: Everything You Need to Know Before Wedding Dress Shopping