The resounding answer is yes! Your wedding day undergarments can be both functional and elegant, as long as you keep a few general rules in mind.
Be Smart
First, make smart choices about the basics -- choose comfortable fabric and flexible materials that will breath and won't itch, such as satins, silks, and cottons. Comfortable underclothing with a nice weave feels nice against your skin, and helps to remove the tension and stress which may accompany your wedding day. Make sure that all parts of the garment move with your body, including any boning (supports) which may help to shape your figure so you look your best.
Make it Match
Second, match your lingerie to your wedding dress -- when shopping, bring photos or magazine shots of the front and back of your dress, as you'll need to know the neckline, plunge, and back in order to find the lingerie that will best complement your gown. When having your dress fitted, wear the undergarments you've chosen to create a true preview of your wedding day look. Regardless of the unmentionables you choose to wear, consider a buff or nude color (rather than white) to ensure that there's no unsightly "see-through" behind your gown.
For every wedding dress and body shape, there's a lingerie style to match. With low or wide-cut necklines or a slender strap dress, a simple strapless bra will allow your beautiful skin to be seen. If you're wearing a strapless dress and need a bit more support, a bustier may be your best friend, especially if you're full-figured or wearing a gown with a low-cut back. A one-piece body shaper works for these sorts of dresses, too.
A halter-style or backless dress will likely match well with a backless bra that hooks at the waist, or you might consider sewn-in or adhesive cups, forgoing a typical bra altogether. For those wearing long, slim dresses, a simple slip may be enough. If your gown has a full skirt, a slip made of multiple layers of nylon or crinoline will provide better support to keep you breezy and radiant through the day.
Wedding Lingerie Accessories
Beyond bustiers and bras, there are lots of other kinds of lingerie you may be wearing for your wedding. When choosing panties, look for a pair that's form-fitting, sleek, and comfortable. If you're wearing a slender dress, make sure no panty lines are visible. A pantyhose-underwear combination may be ideal for a slim-fit skirt. Garter belts are also popular options, but be sure you find one that fits well and which won't snap while you're dancing!
When selecting hosiery, it pays to go for quality apparel that is less likely to snag, tear, or droop as the day goes on. Some brides choose to buy a backup pair of hose for each member of their bridal parties, just in case someone gets a runner. If you love dancing barefoot, consider knee-highs that can be easily removed along with your shoes.
Finally, no matter what kind of wedding lingerie you've got your eye on, don't be afraid to ask for advice from the experts! Friends and family members are an obvious first choice, but don't forget about the salesperson at your bridal salon for great ideas and tricks to help keep you relaxed and beautiful when it comes to lingerie.