Is shapeware necessary

Nope its not a requirement, you can try some on with your dress to see if it makes any noticeable difference or just go with out. Whatever you are most comfortable with.

My dress was an empire-waist ball gown (under which I wore an a-line petticoat, so it flowed more like an a-line) and I definitely didn't wear shapewear underneath. I did have to wear a bustier, because it had a low enough back that I couldn't wear a regular bra with it.

Not required for an A-line. I had a gown sort of in between A-line and ball gown and I didn’t really wear any shape wear. The closest thing to that I wore was one of Soma Intimates high-rise no-slip panty with slight tummy control. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable underneath, especially with a lot of wedding dresses being as heavy as they are.

I might wear some smooth biker shorts so my thighs don’t rub together

I think shapewear is a personal choice. Enjoying your day is what's most important. If you feel good in your own skin, do you! Congratulations!

View Quoted Comment Love that!! My first wedding I had thermal underwear on, lol.

I also have an A-line with a low/open back, so I'm not wearing shapewear, but as a previous commenter said, I plan on wearing some form of biker shorts to avoid my thighs rubbing together (ceremony is outside in 12 days and temps are still upper 80s around here)

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This is kind of what I'm considering....

I think shapewear means different things to different people. I know my sister hates wearing it because it’s very uncomfortable for her. I on the other hand like how it makes me feel more comfortable and like the extra coverage it gives me, I don’t necessarily use it to suck in or hide my flaws. So depending on what your needs are, do whatever makes you most comfortable!!

I think it depends on what kind of dress you have! There are some kinds of shape wear that doesn’t hurt as bad. But I would try it on with your dress and see if you like it and if not don’t wear it. But if you do like it I would wear the shapewear around for a while to get use to it.

On a youtube video for Ava's Bridal Couture, she was getting word out about the way to add custom boning panels to dresses to give them more structure. She even said she could train other seamstresses how to do this. Just something to consider.

I won't be wearing shapewear because I want to be comfortable.