SELECTION

Choosing the right underwear goes hand-in-hand with picking the perfect dress for your wedding day. The right bridal lingerie can help shape your contours exactly the way you want them, smoothing out your silohuete.

There is much to consider when purchasing a corset to wear beneath your gown. A corset is a substantial garment, made up of multiple linings, interlinings, steel busks and steel, spiral stays throughout. Therefore, the type of fabric, lining, cut of the gown, etc., will impact how a corset will look beneath the gown. 

Whether purchasing a corset around the gown, or a gown around the corset, key features one must consider before purchasing are:

- Fabrics, colours, and cut.

- The rise of the corset versus the drop in the gown.

- Body type - Selecting the right corset.    * See also Sizing & Measuring

- Weight Loss.   *See also The "skinny" on Weight Loss

- Time Frame - Fitting and wedding date.   *See also Processing Time Frames

- Use - One time or for all time.

- Price versus use.


FABRICS - COLOUR IS KEY

Satins are the most common fabric selected for use under bridal wear, avoiding decorative lace trims and/or ruffles. While they add elegance and are fanciful, such trimmings are usually bulky and create a lumpy, un-smooth appearance. Lighter brocades can be used, keeping in mind this is a heavier fabric, adding slight bulk to the corset. Additionally, patterned material may be visible, if the gown is not comprised of a heavy fabric or lining. 

Rule of thumb: White is visible through White and darker colors should be selected, unless the gown is a heavy fabric, or heavily lined. Champagne, Cashmere, Beige, Nude and even Black satin's are suitable colours. White on White brocades and Coutil's are commonly used as outer or under wear. However, it may be difficult to find off White or Ivory brocades and Coutils.


THE LOW DOWN ON LOW BACK GOWNS

The problem low back drops in gowns presents for lingerie is simple: there is no support. In lowering the back band of a bra, you immediately lose the main structural support. Therefore, it’s tricky to make things work. The same theory also applies to corsets. 

Most overbust styles are cut the same height in the back as the front. Styles such as those with actual cups, are typically cut an inch or two below the highest point of the cup, while other styles may rise above the front. Simply put, a corset would not be a corset, if the back were cut away. It is the back lacing feature that allows cinching ability and control. 

What’s the solution? Provide the support from below, using an overbust corset, or an underbust style paired with a bra (strapless if needed). Depending on the bride’s cup size, one of these options should provide enough support while staying hidden under the dress. When all else fails and the corset simply won't accommodate the cut of the gown or body type, a tight fitting foundation type garment or shape wear is recommended. Results may not be as dramatic as using a corset. However, they will aid in smoothing out contours and may offer support.


OVERBUST VERSUS UNDERBUST

Overbust styles will provide support in the bust, and bust enhancement, depending on how much you have to work with. The larger the cup size, the more enhanced the bust will appear. Smaller cup sizes tend only to be compressed by styles cut straight across the bust, and padded cup styles are recommended for added enhancement. 

Underbust styles primarily focus on the waist region, offering no support in the bust. They may be paired with a well fitting bra, if the waist is the only area of concern. Larger waist sizes may need to select longer styles, to prevent excess skin from buldging at the top or bottom of the corset. The same would apply to overbust styles.

A word of warning on long line styles: Due to the length, these styles may create discomfort when sitting and are not suitable for shorter torso's. While the full hip coverage is addressed, long line styles fitting at, or just above the crotch tend to dig into the thigh's when sitting, pushing the corset up into the underbust or under arms. Additionally, sitting will put added stress on the corset, thus shortening the life span.


WEIGHT LOSS - DESIRED GOALS & CORSETING

For those brides wishing to "lose a little" before their special day, corseting can aid in weight loss. Keep in mind, ordering a corset during weight loss is not recommended, unless you intend to order more than one corset - one to aid during weight loss, and one for the special event. 

A corset is sized and cut, based on the measurements provided at the time of ordering. Weight loss will effect how the corset fits, depending on how much weight is lost and where, during the 4-6 week processing time frame and actual wedding date. Therefore, ordering closer to when the desired goal is reached is recommended, remembering to allow for the processing time frame.

See also The "Skinny" on Weight Loss


TIME IS RELEVANT

Being that custom corsets are designed according to the customers fabric and trim specifications, there is a certain amount of time involved in creating the requested garment. Corset making is a lengthy, involved process, which should not be rushed for the best results. With that in mind, one should allow enough time for construction and completion, in coordination with fitting and wedding dates. 

See also Processing Time Frames


ONE TIME OR FOR ALL TIME

When ordering a corset for as bridal attire, one thing to consider is your budget, as if that is rarely far from thought! Wedding planning is expensive, and most brides to be do not have a "Trump" checkbook, thus never having to give thought on how much they spend. Every penny is usually counted and stretched as far as possible. Therefore, how much you spend on a corset, should be determined by the amount reserved in your budget, and if the corset is only intended for your wedding, or will be used frequently afterwards. Something to consider during fabric selection. 

For those rare few that need not worry about wedding expenses, skies the limit on how much it costs, how it looks, and how frequently it will be used. However, for those on the tight budget, simplicity is usually least expensive. Selecting fabrics that are both functional for the special event, as well as use on a regular basis will give you more for your money. After all, the bridal gown is the main feature and center of attraction. The corset is seen, but un-seen.

Brides ordering corsets as the bridal gown bodice paired with a skirt, or as a key component over the bridal gown, can afford more elaborate fabric and trim options. This route is easily much less expensive than a traditional gown, depending on the finishing touches added to the bridal corset bodice. Most 
brides will only ever dawn their wedding dress once. While a bridal corset used as outer wear may be more functional and likely to be worn again, fabric selection is a consideration in further use once again, but should not necessarily determine your spending allowance or fabric selection. After all, this is your one and only special day, which will be captured for many years of remembrance.


MORE FOR YOUR MONEY - PRICE VERSUS USE

As mentioned above, how much you spend on your bridal corset and what the frequency of use or non use will be, are things to consider when purchasing a corset. Weighing the cost, versus getting what you want, and getting the most out of what you get, can create indecision, only adding to the stress of wedding planning. It is wise to allow adequate time for such decisions, as last minute shopping most often ends in dissatisfaction and disappointment. Brides should be happy on their wedding day. Disappointment captured throughout images of your special day are a sour reminder for ever after. 

We want happy memories captured and brides to get the most for their money, as well as making the selection and ordering process as comfortable and stress-free as possible.




See OVERBUST Bridal Corsets 

See UNDERBUST Bridal Corsets   

 See CONTEMPORARY Bridal Jewelry
                    
TRADITIONAL coming soon