Gown shopping, undergarments?

I haven't been gown shopping yet... but when I do I plan on wearing leggings & a strapless bra. (leggings so I'm not getting down in nothing but underwear- it can be chilly in dressing rooms!)

All of the salons iv been to offer you upstairs garments like strapless bras and corsets as well as the puffy slips (i dont know what they are called lol). but i would definitely wear underwear and a bra (especially if you dont want to wear the ones the salon offers) i would also go strapless and white for both top and bottom garments just to be on the safe side if you try on a sheer dress. have fun!

@Kimi-leggings!!! why didnt i think of that?! great idea!

It depends on waht you plan to wear on your wedding day. I wore spanx when I went shopping, but I wear them often anyway.

You can wear your own bra and panties. I just suggest a white bra and full coverage panties. You don't want the consultant to see you in a thong... And make sure you shave appropriate areas for the day of- legs, underarms, bikini line, etc...

A strapless bra and panties are fine. Most places will supply you with a good, long line strapless bra to wear anyways, but not all places, and if needed a petticoat/slip. If you want to wear a shape wear that is fine too, but its not really nessecary. IMHO I think it is better to try them on without so you can see the dress as it really is. No surprises later on. Just keep in mind that the samples are "softer" and will not fit the way a new dress will fit. New dresses are a little fuller, the color is brighter, and the beading catches the light better.

Leggings are a smart idea, but the fitting rooms actually get VERY warm as you go on, especially if you are in a salon where your consultant is in your room with you. Plus the dresses can weigh up to 20 lbs, depending on what style you are going for. If you are going to do leggings, I would do an athletic pair that breathes very well, or lightweight opaque tights.

I hope to have the bra cups sewn into my dress so I don't have to worry about it. That said, for a tropical DW, there will be no hose or spanx, and heaven help me if I don't lose enough weight to conceal the bumps and lumps!

When I went to Davids Bridal, I wore a strapless bra. However when I started trying on dresses, the lady gave me a slip and strapless body thingy to wear. I would call ahead to your salon to see what they do.

You got great advice here. Let me just add that I went gown shopping in a regular bra. And yes, full coverage panties :-) I just told the ladies in the salon that strapless bras don't fit me, and it was all fine. We found the dress, they live to tell, and I live to tell. I was thinking of getting a strapless bra just for gown shopping. Good thing I didn't because now I have to search for a different type of an undergament anyway. So don't fret!

Thank you for all the advise so far! I should have added that I am a plus size girl. Do you think that would matter at all?

When I tried on my dress, the woman helping told me that many dressed are the equivalent of 2 - 3 bras so you should plan to not wear a bra under it. She told me that they have a way of creeping into photos. Totally depends on the type you want though, if there is no structure in the dresses you like, then obvi - bra.

I think strapless and nude underware is fine. But she had me take the bra off - so...

No, but I would call ahead and make sure they have lots samples to try on close to your size, at the salon I worked for the biggest complaint we got was other stores not having a large selection of plus size gowns. We had a huge selection, It will make a difference in your shopping experience.

I think it's important that you wear garments that you are comfortable wearing and will likely wear the day of your wedding. I don't think it matters what size you are. I think if you are going to a good salon, they will be able to give you advice on the best undergarments to wear underneath your gown. If you are trying on different dress styles (which you most likely will be), you will likely need different undergarments. If you have a convertible bra, that would probably be best to use, as well as full coverage panties. If you are going the bodyshaper route, you need to go with what is most comfortable to you. Don't go out spending a million dollars to prepare for dress shopping. You will be able to make it work until you figure out what type of dress you want and the appropriate complementary undergarments.

@Cloie, it doesn't matter for undergarments, but as Romona said, check if they carry sizes closer to yours. But keep in mind that usually gowns run small, so chances are you won't fit into your street size.

Shave... legs and armpits.

Wear nude panties that cover your butt. (you'll be flashing your butt, maybe even wear leggings)

and a hair clip... it gets hot getting in and out of those dresses.

Bring a camera and a note book. (some don't let you take pictures but you can write down the designer tag name... and some have style # on the Bridal Shop tag *sometimes they are the designer#, sometimes it is the designer # reversed)

Wear a strapless bra. (some provide one)

Bring some heels.

Don't wear too much foundation - if it is too noticeable they will ask you to wash your face.

Only bring 1 or 2 people... too many opinions will drive you crazy

Try on EVERYTHING!!!!! NEVER trust the hanger... you may hate it on the hanger but it could be THE ONE when you get it on.

Don't turn away a dress because it is not what you were looking for. Your "dream dress" might not fit your body. Try all silhouettes.

When you start saying "I like it but not as much as the last one" you know you are getting close - you will start referring to one as "the one"

Don't feel pressured into getting it that day. I found "the one" and still went to 2 stores and tried on more dresses and went back the next week to buy "the One" when I was absolutely sure.

and HAVE FUN!!!!!

good luck!

I'm trying on dresses for the very first time next Thursday. I plan on wearing a mid-thigh to underbust Spanx, and a strapless bra. I know some dresses have built in bras, but some don't, and it's easier to just take mine off than be like "oh no!" I've been panicking for weeks about trying on dresses. Still am.

I had spanx on because when the ladies at the store help the dress on you it can get weird where they have to put their hands in order to pull the inside of the dress down. It makes everyone a little more comfortable plus it hides all the little extra "somethings" that we wonder what the dress would look like on our wedding day.