As you sail gracefull down the aisle, the last thing you want, is to hear someone whisper - 'Nice dress, shame about the underwear!'

No, your wedding day is not the day to wear the scarlet stocking and suspender set with black ribbons and frilly, fluffy stocking clips, matching peek-a-boo bra, (two sizes too small, that you fiancé bought you last valentines day). Leave that where it belongs - in your drawer, under the black one he bought you the year before.

When it comes to the question of what to wear under the most expensive gown you'll ever buy, the best advice you'll ever get - is to get a second, a third and fourth opinion. (And I don't mean from your husband-to-be. We both know where his mind is- in the drawer fondling the suspender belt.)

Imagine that you are a second hand car and you friends are prospective buyers. Get them to view you from all sides, to check that your choice of underwear doesn't leave visible bumps, lumps or unsightly bra straps.

The day you take delivery of your gown, take it and your underwear for a test drive around the house. Make sure that the ensemble is comfortable and that movement or even limited gyration won't make straps ride up, or seams start to spread.

If you are an overflowing hour-glass in the breast department, you'll need to decide whether your assets are to be allowed to wallow free and unrestrained or strapped down and submissive.

Strapless dresses may need a boned bodice and require a strapless bra to go with it. Don't let anyone tell you that invisible bra straps are invisible. They aren't.

Remember that full skirts will give you more choice of underwear and thicker fabrics will give you more choice of colours.

Does your thong bulge or your suspender leave bumps in your body hugging skirt? With a tight fitting dresses, designed to accentuate the womanly curves, a skin coloured thong is a good investment. But remember, thongs that are too tight, are apt to give all the bottom fetishists in the congregation a cheap thrill.

TIPS

Figure hugging dresses will remain smooth if you choose seam-free underwear.
Ask your dressmaker or lingerie shop about all in one bodies or corsets and full length seam-free slips.

INCREASED CLEAVAGE
To give a better cleavage, consider silicone bustiers or silicone pads.

LARGER CUP SIZES
If you are a girl whose bust size stretches into the FF's and JJ's, then seek advice from a supplier or manufacturer who specializes in larger sizes.
It might pay to visit the Bravissimo web site at www.bravissimo.com

______Madeleine Dietrich______