For your big day, invest in lingerie as breathtakingly beautiful as it is functional, like this corset, which boasts intricate lace detailing as well as discreet boning that nips you in at the waist. Agent Provocateur "Kate" corset, agentprovocateur.com.

These high-waisted panties feature a reinforced panel to compress your tummy area. Spanx "Hide & Sleek" high-rise panty, spanx.com. OnGossamer "Biscayne Lace" demi bra, ongossamer.com.

Known in the lingerie world as a "long line," these pantyhose boast built-in thigh shapers that lift and lengthen. Donna Karan Hosiery sheer satin toner; Va Bien ultra-lift convertible bra; barenecessities.com. Valentino "Classic Mena" peep-toe sandals, saks.com.

This tank's interior boning creates an hour-glass shape, while the smooth exterior guarantees a perfectly seamless silhouette. (Bonus: The subtle padding will give you great cleavage, too.) Le Mystere "Seduction" bustier, saks.com. Her Look "Commando" thong, herlook.com.

To slim your tummy, rear, and thighs all at once, look for a thigh-length slip with stitching that both smoothes and controls. Cass "Invisibellas" cami dress slip, bloomingdales.com.

A lengthening bustier with a center panel that supports and lifts your bustline is all you need. Jezebel "Caress Too" lace bustier, barenecessities.com. Her Look "Commando" thong, herlook.com.

This back- and shoulder-baring bra has a plunging neckline yet offers plenty of support; subtle adornment makes it pretty enough to wear on your wedding night. Marie Jo "Dorothy" halter bra, myintimacy.com for stores.

The high rise and thick waistband on these briefs keep your tummy flat so as not to distract from the bustline; a full-coverage bra keeps your twins where they belong. Victoria's Secret "Body by Victoria" hipkini, and bra, victoriassecret.com.

The wide lace band on these stay-in-place panties won't ride or roll up on the hips. Chantelle "Chantilly" panty, my intimacy.com for stores.

A smoothing slip keeps wobbly bits in check and provides control for the least forgiving cut of all: the sheath. Hanro of Switzerland babydoll slip, neimanmarcus.com.

A Hollywood-style dip doesn't mean you have to go without support -- just look for wide-set demi cups, like those shown here, to give your decollete a gentle boost upward. Victoria's Secret "Very Sexy" demi push-up bra, victoriassecret.com.

Many strap-free styles dip low in the back, making it difficult to wear just any strapless bra. Enter adhesives, which stick to your skin and can be cut, tailored, and padded to fit both you and your gown. Sassybax Shapewear Very Bare backless bra, sassybax.com.

An alternative to the thong, microfiber boy shorts eliminate the possibility of having an unsightly panty line while providing a smooth surface even under a tight fit. Eres "Clarele" panty, eres.fr.

Once the exhaustion catches up with you, you'll be happy it's made of cotton jersey -- and he'll be head-over-heels for the skin-baring lace. Pfiff "Artisanal Reflections" camisole, and boy shorts, bloomingdales.com.

Special enough for the big night yet still sweet enough to add to your regular bra rotation, a lace detailed shelf bra like this one will more than earn its keep. La Perla "Cocoon" balconette bra, laperlausa.com.

Surprise your new husband by wearing the classic sultry accessory underneath all those complicated layers of tulle and silk. Hue fishnet tights, hue.com. Valentino "Classic Mena" peep-toe sandal, saks.com.

A barely there bodysuit spun from delicate netting will not only look sweetly sexy but can also make a sophisticated addition to your trousseau. Eres "Elma" bodysuit, eres.fr.

Add some tomboy charm to your honeymoon lingerie. Affinitas Intimates "Alice" bra, and hipster panty, laurensilva.com.

These hot-pink boy shorts are fun and flirty. Hanky Panky ruched boy short, nordstrom.com.

A sweet spring color with lots of support. Victoria's Secret Dream Angels demi bra, victoriassecret.com.

Perfect to give as a gift at a lingerie shower or to wear at the rehearsal dinner. Pfiff "Moments of Seduction" bralette and "Tanga" panty, Anthropologie, anthropologie.com.

A sweet and delicate set with smooth lines. Eres "Constance" bra, and "Daliane" panty, eres.fr.

Lacy accents look gorgeous on this pretty set. Eres "Shannen" bra, and "Lenny" panty, eres.fr.

This scalloped cami set is pure innocence with a twist of fun. Affinitas Intimates "Ingrid" camisole and panty, laurensilva.com.

Pure luxury with girlish bow accents. Alberta Ferretti Intimo stretch chiffon triangle bra and stretch chiffon bikini briefs, Alberta Ferretti L.A. Boutique, 310-652-9000.

Since you probably don't wear convertible bras, garters, or corsets on a daily basis, it might help to wear your undergarments when you're out to dinner one evening or dressed up to attend a prenuptial party, to get used to the way they feel. That done, they should be safely tucked away until you begin to dress for your wedding day. Don't forget to take a moment to enjoy the ritual of dressing -- fastening corsets or bustiers, attaching garters to stockings -- and to savor the soft, delicate fabrics before they're all hidden from view. This set is a modern twist on a traditional look. Felina "Tricia" demi contour bra in ginger and skirted garter belt, designerintimates.com.

Get some extra support with this Angels by Victoria's Secret Angels Air push-up bra and lace hipkini, victoriassecret.com, 800-888-8200.

Take off a few pounds with this slimming and smoothing slip. Sassybax Shapewear "Slimming Slip," sassybax.com.

You'll get body smoothing and support when you don this neutral Simone Perele "Andora" bra and culotte, myintimacy.com.

This simple and smooth T-shirt bra set is a great basic with smooth lines. Affinitas Intimates "Amanda" T-shirt bra and bikini brief, laurensilva.com.

Although undergarments shouldn't be chosen until you've found your dress, they should be selected as early as possible. "The biggest mistake brides make is coming in at the last minute to buy underwear for their dress," says Barbara Ladd, manager of La Petite Coquette. Ladd advises bringing pictures of the gown (front and back views) as well as precise measurements of how low the back is cut or how wide an illusion panel is. Get support and shaping from the Sassybax Shapewear underwire "Torso Trim," sassybax.com.

A neutral camisole that is sure to become a wardrobe staple. Le Mystere "Dream Tisha" lace camisole, nordstrom.com.

A pretty padded bra and panty set with lace accents. Elle Macpherson Intimates "Dentelle" bra and panty, barenecessities.com.

For a deep V-neck dress or shirt, this bra does the trick. Victoria's Secret U-plunge push-up bra, victoriassecret.com.

Sweet stitching and lacy accents are a perfect combination on this Chantelle "Rive Gauche" push-up bra and panty, myintimacy.com.

The fabric of your gown determines whether you can wear richly embellished, lacy underpinnings or if you should choose smooth, unadorned garments. In general, dresses made of sheer, lightweight fabrics such as chiffon or charmeuse need simple lingerie that will reveal no lines underneath. Heavy materials like brocade or velvet can conceal lace, ribbons, or embroidered trim on seductively feminine undergarments. This bra is smooth and strapless for the slinkiest of dresses. OnGossamer mesh strapless pushup bra, ongossamer.com.

No one has to know that these beauties do double-duty as body shapers. Haute Contour peekaboo lace camisole and luxe thong, spanx.com.