You know the drill – a properly fitting bra makes you look ten pounds lighter, three inches taller, and curvy in all the right places. Over the years you’ve likely built an arsenal of perfect bras and lingerie, but the big day presents a unique challenge: how can you possibly conquer a complicated neckline without sacrificing support?

Fear no more, brides to be. FashionableBride.com’s team of styling pros has assembled your go-to guide to picking a bra that works with your wedding gown. Whether you’re an A-cup or an F-cup, you’ll find the support you need in one of our hand-selected undergarments, all available at Nordstrom.com. Be sure to ask their sales staff for a free in-store fitting – they’re the best of the best.

THE PERFECT BRA FOR:

The Strapless Neckline

Seems like a no-brainer, right? A classic strapless neckline calls for a classic strapless bra, but be sure to check your fit carefully before you pull out your credit card. A strapless bra should have a silicone lining so it sticks to your skin and doesn’t slide down your torso, and it should always be sold with straps for extra versatility. These two passed the jump-around-in-the-dressing-room test with flying colors.

For smaller busts:
The Wacoal Strapless Push-up Bra ($50).
For larger busts:
Chantelle Intimates Sensual Convertible Bra ($76).

The Halter Neckline

Halter-top wedding gowns get a little more leeway when it comes to undergarments, since you have the added support of a neck strap to keep everything in place. When in doubt, a regular convertible bra is usually easy to turn into a halter by adjusting the straps. Regardless of the style, be sure to try any bra with your gown before the big day to make sure the straps line up with your specific neckline.

For smaller busts:
Josie Posh Push-up ($38).
For larger busts:
La Mystere No. 9 Lolita 7759 Convertible Strapless Underwire Bra ($76)

The Plunging Neckline

Donning a wedding dress with a deep neckline takes guts, so feeling confident you’re safe from wardrobe malfunctions is crucial to looking great when you walk down the aisle. Pick a bra specifically made for low, plunging necklines to ensure the center gore (that’s the part between the cups) doesn’t show. Small cup sizes have a wide range of options when it comes to plunging bras, but large cups should take a look at bras with a clear silicone center gore to get the support they need.

For smaller busts:
Nordstrom Intimates U-Plunge N29674 Bra ($28).
For larger busts:
Natori 132005 Convertible Underwire Bra ($50)

The One-Shoulder Neckline

Though you might be tempted to turn to a simple strapless bra when you’re wearing something asymmetric, beware mixing levels of coverage. One-shoulder necklines often hit much lower on one side than another in the bust, so picking a skimpier bra might save you some embarrassment as the night wears on. Many convertible bras now have one-shouldered configurations, so try adjusting your optional straps to give you a little extra insurance.

For smaller busts: Hanky Panky Signature Lace Bandeau Bra ($37).
For larger busts:
Nordstrom Intimates New Infinity Bra ($36).

The Backless gowns

Certainly the most precarious style to properly outfit, backless wedding gowns aren’t for the faint of heart when it comes to support. Slews of stick-on bras and tapes abound, but dancing the night away at the reception can lead to a dicey situation when you start to sweat. When it comes to backless wedding gowns, we recommend brides with larger cup sizes steer clear – there just isn’t a stick-on bra strong enough to support your bust and ensure you won’t be stuck tugging on it the entire night. Smaller busts have a few options, but pro stylists nearly always end up choosing what’s called a Nu-Bra. Comprised of two silicone cups linked by a subtle strap, a Nu-Bra keeps you in place but doesn’t offer much lift, so be sure to try one before you sign on the dotted line and pick a backless wedding dress.

For smaller busts: Nordstrom Intimates N8450 Nu Bra ($65)

 

All undergarments listed are available at Nordstrom.com