I’ve recently discovered that the “Wedding Season” is perpetual. Sure, the most popular months for the Big Day are June and September, but blushing brides have a tendency to plan that once-in-a-lifetime event for at least 12 months prior. As a result, we here at Lille have the pleasure of helping at least a few brides-to-be every week in selecting not only the garments that help keep the dress in place, but also the boudoir ensemble for the wedding night.

Having just tied the knot myself, Ladies, I know what you’re going through. More often than not, this shopping trip is left to the last minute, with in-laws waiting in the car and a million thoughts racing through your mind. Did you remember to add the right number of Vegan entrées to the list for the caterer? Is the DJ bringing his own PA? Who’s taking the party favors to the venue?! A bit of advice for the newly engaged - take care of this part early on. It’s the perfect excuse to treat yourself at a time when you’re overwhelmed by your To Do list.

By and large, the bridal lingerie I have seen is not that impressive. I won’t name names, but brands that charge an arm and a leg for synthetic merrywidows that are sure to leave you itchy and raw on your special day make my blood boil. Of course, depending on the dress, you may need a foundation undergarment that works hard for your money, so hard for it honey. If your dress is a strapless Jim Hjelm ball gown, as mine was, that will surely be the case. Fortunately, we just received the perfect strapless bra by Vera Wang in a soft nude color with a delicate pink trim. This one won’t chafe your sensitive underarms or dig into your ribcage, and it provides a natural shape, not a conical, 80s-era Madonna silhouette.

If you’ve opted for a less constructed dress and just want some pretty underthings for your romantic Monique L’Huillier Sheath, then the white Araks Yanelis Bralette and Liselott Panty could be just the ticket. Sheer cotton crepe and the softest silk blend in exquisite harmony on this sweet set, which is sure to end up on weekly rotation in your lingerie wardrobe. Cotton=comfort, and that has to be the single most elusive sensation on any wedding day.

But enough about the day - let’s talk about the night! The possibilities are endless, really, depending upon your personal style. The more traditional options include a gorgeous white silk and chiffon nightgown by Kumi Kookoon, the sweet and simple Sabrina Empire Nightie by Dessous, or the Delfine Camisole and Sonja Panty by Araks. I wanted something blue for my wedding night, so I opted for the Delicate Lace Bra and Boxer Short set by Princesse Tam Tam, shown here on our lovely model, Brittany:

Whatever you do, just make sure you take the time to enjoy the lingerie buying trip. A little bit of pampering goes a long way to combat the stress of wedding planning!