Lingerie Tips for Bridesmaids and Mothers of the Bride

While bridal dresses may have a built-in corset, bridesmaids and mothers of the bride usually need to take care of that foundation separately.

After all, you’re going to be in many of the wedding photos, and also want to make the best impression in those important mementos. With the investment you’ve already made on the dress, shoes, hair, accessories and more, don’t neglect the essential ingredient of an attractive and comfortable wedding day outfit.

Without proper-fitting lingerie, mothers of the bride and bridesmaids may not feel or look your best, constantly adjusting or pulling at straps or waistlines, instead of focusing on the precious occasion.

Depending on your outfit, bridesmaids and mothers of the bride may need:

• Strapless bra
• Halter bra - if the front of your dress comes down lower, you can try a transferable bra that can either go across the back or be worn like a regular bra
• Control wear for nice smooth lines

Tips for buying lingerie for a special occasion:

• Plan ahead and shop early (some items and sizes may need to be special ordered)
• Bring the dress or a photo of you wearing the dress
• Have a professional fitting - you'll be amazed the difference it makes and once you have a proper fitting bra you'll want to wear it every day

Fun Ideas for Bridal Showers

Are you planning a bridal shower this summer? Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:

Boasting a beautiful waterfront, Barrie would be the perfect place for a bridal shower on the beach (check out these décor ideas). Set up manicure and pedicure stations for the ultimate pampering experience for the bride and her guests.

Match the shower theme to the bride’s interests, whether that means starting with a round of golf or a DIY craft activity. Then move on to refreshments, gifts and party games.

Purse bingo is perfect as an icebreaker for groups where not everyone knows each other. Make up some bingo cards with common (and not so common) items, and call out one at a time. The catch is you have to find someone else who has the item in their purse – it can’t be in your own purse. When you find someone with the item, circle the item on your card, until someone fills up a row and calls “Bingo!”

A lingerie store is a fun and unique setting for a bridal shower. Guests can bring cash instead of gifts, and the bride creates a wish list of lingerie items to spend her gift dollars. All guests can have a personal fitting to see and feel the latest products on the market. If guests do choose to purchase anything, some stores like Brabary apply a portion of that amount towards the bride’s purchase.

Wherever your bridal shower is located, the one-size-fits-all Hanky Panky thongs make a fabulous gift. You can even throw in a pair of Saxx for the groom.

Getting Fitted for a Breast Prostheses

In a previous post, we discussed the importance of breast prostheses, not just for confidence and self-esteem, but for health and comfort to compensate for the missing weight of whatever portion of the breast or breasts was removed.

After recovering for 3-6 weeks in a post-surgical camisole, it will be time to visit a specialty boutique and get fitted for a breast form. At Brabary no appointment is required, but check with your local store to be sure. You want the swelling gone completely from the surgery in order to get a proper fit. It’s also important for all the sutures to be healed and closed to prevent infection when putting on something more tightly fitted like a bra.

Here are a few things to note:

Breast form (prosthesis): One brand, Amoena, includes a silicone additive that helps equalize your body temperature and keep you cooler.

Swimwear: There are special prostheses available for swimwear, with a special cavity so water flows through and doesn’t add any more weight.

Bras: A breast prosthesis requires a good bra. There’s weight to it, and the bra must be able to support it, or it will be uncomfortable and you won’t want to wear it. At Brabary we can customize any bra for a prosthesis by adding a pocket – free of charge; you don’t have to buy a pre-made prosthesis bra.

Government assistance: In Ontario, the government will reimburse you every two years for 50% of the cost of a breast form. If there is a significant size change in your breast form, because of swelling or significant weight loss or gain, the government will reimburse you in between that two-year period. See the Ontario Ministry of Health website for more details and the most current regulations.

At Brabary, we will fill out the reimbursement claim form for you. You should also check with your insurance company to see if they cover the balance. Whatever is not covered by either the government or your insurance, can likely be claimed as a medical expense on your tax return (check with your accountant to be sure).

Also give your accountant all of your mileage records and receipts for gas, meals and parking for all medical appointments and procedures so you can claim those as well. These costs all add up and you’ll find that every little bit helps.