For this unique painting party bridal shower, bride Jordynne and her guests started the day off with a painting class at Olive’s Mud Puddle, a sip and paint shop in South Carolina, where they each created a personal “Tree of Love” paintings. When Jordynne got home, she found a secret shower set up for her—Victoria’s Secret, that is! The house was decorated in pink and black everything, including plenty of bags filled with lingerie and a stunning custom cake topped with a stiletto. Phylicia of Posh Moments Photography was there to capture every special moment of the day.
As we discussed in part 1 of this series, Victoria’s Secret has become such a household name in women’s lingerie that it’s often the only option we even think about when trying to figure out where to shop for a lingerie shower. I mean, you’re not going to pick her up a pack of Hanes at Walmart, am I right? Vicky Secret it is! But the reality is there are lots and lots of beautiful (and yes, affordable) brands out there waiting to be discovered. As you survey the sea of gifts at the party, you can be proud that yours is the only one not in a pink striped bag. You might even find a new favorite in the process and end up picking out a little something for yourself! See more alternative lingerie brands here.
True & Co.
True & Co.’s goal is to change the way you shop for lingerie. Each style is crafted to fix common undergarment woes, like slipping straps, spill over, too-tight bands or extra material in all the wrong places. Once you take a short fit quiz about your bra experience, they’ll create a personal shop filled with styles that will work for you. Ask the bride to take the quiz or just opt for one of their can’t-fail, timelessly sexy styles, like the longline lace Bardot or the so-soft-and-stretchy lace Gramercy bralette (seriously the best bra I have ever owned).
Bride not so much the “vixen in black” type? The playful pieces from Honeydew Intimates feature lots of quirky prints and bright colors perfect for a bride with a bright personality. The line also carries a full range of loungewear, so a tomboy bride can enjoy her honeymoon breakfast in a cute pair of lounge shorts and a comfy-cozy top.
This romantic New York-based line extends far beyond lingerie, carrying everything from silky kimonos for honeymoon lounging to flowy sheath dresses perfect for a sunset stroll on the beach. The real stars are their lacy bra and panty sets though—try the slightly naughty Golden Key set in bridal white, complete with a tasseled blindfold ($132).
BHLDN (pronounced Beholden) is a little bit boho, a little bit Victorian and a whole lot of gorgeous. Their lacy underpinnings are perfect for the vintage bride. Plus, there really is something for everyone, as the line runs from sex kitten in thigh highs and a garter belt to demure maiden in a camisole and tap shorts. Treat her to a heritage piece of lingerie with the Guipure Lace Demi Bra, crafted from real Leaver’s lace. Their Painted Petal Robes would also be the perfect gift for the bride the morning of her wedding. (Be sure to check out the Sale section as you can find their signature pieces dramatically marked down at the end of each season and snap them right up.)
Want to splurge on a gift that will keep on giving? Check out SkivvieBox, a monthly subscription service for lingerie (yep, that exists)! At $59.99 a month, it’s a bit pricey, but think about asking each bridesmaid or a group of friends to chip in for a month each. Every month the bride will receive a designer lingerie set valued at $100-$150 and custom-picked just for her depending on her style, whether she’s a beautiful basics or party underneath type.
This post contains a few affiliate links. All products are selected because we love them—if you love them too, you’re helping support Ultimate Bridesmaid. So thanks!
So, the title of this post might make you think I have something against Victoria’s Secret, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. I buy their underwear and love it! I’m wearing a pair now (TMI?). But that’s just the point—Victoria’s Secret is so ubiquitous and is the go-to for so many women that when it comes time to buy something for a lingerie shower, it just doesn’t feel that special. The bride could easily buy these pieces for herself. She might already have one or two! She’s certainly seen it in the store before. And, especially if you are purchasing from VS’s bridal line, there’s a good chance you’ll end up buying something that another guest has purchased too.
In that spirit, I wanted to introduce you to a few brands outside the norm, beyond the pink stripes. This will give you a chance to shop around and to gift her with something completely unique and unexpected. Who knows, you might even decide to mix up your own lingerie routine!
Journelle
Want a one-stop shop to rival Victoria’s Secret? Journelle is it. This retailer carries many of the brands mentioned here—like Eberjey, Princesse Tam Tam, Myla and more—as well as their own line of intimates and sleepwear. Founder Claire Chambers found lingerie options to be lacking in the United States after living a few years abroad and founded the company to make designer brands accessible to all. You can visit one of their four locations in NYC or cyber shop to your heart’s content on the website. Not sure of the bride’s intimate style and want to send her a gift card instead? This is a great option.
Eberjey has a relaxed, sexy vibe that makes these the perfect romantic yet comfy undies to lounge in all day—hopefully in some exotic locale. The color palette is soft and feminine and the styles incorporate intricate yet modern cuts. Their bridal collection includes fluttery chemises for only $49 or gorgeous statement bras for up to $65. Want something with a little more edge? The black scalloped Carmen underwire bra ($65) does sexy-chic right.
Inspired by her South American roots, CLO Intimo founder and Colombia native Claudia Ochoa creates striking modern lingerie in earthy colors that accentuate the natural curves of the female body. Choose from the lacy Fortuna collection (bras $52, thong $24) or the more sporty colorblocked Kali collection (bra $49, thong $22).
This high-end British brand makes statement lingerie incorporating Leaver’s lace and hand-done details. The quality and construction of the pieces make them practically keepsakes—and they do have a price tag to match. The Eustacia bridal line is crafted from Swiss tulle and French eyelash lace and the bra alone is $280. But one of my personal favorite collections, the more modern Arietta line, has a slightly lower price point at $150 for the lacy black and royal blue contoured bra and $100 for the matching thong. This is a gorgeous and timelessly sexy option, perhaps to go in together with another guest at the shower for a joint gift.
This made-in-the-USA brand specializes in underwear that is a little bit cheeky and totally colorful, all at a modest price point. Their signature look is lacy and bright, using a custom stretch fabric that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. They also have a good selection of plus size and maternity styles, celebrating that every body is beautiful. (And for the Lily Pulitzer-obsessed, check out their collaboration that incorporates some of the brand’s bold prints!)
This French label does peekaboo pretty with sophisticated flair. Their lacy underpinnings incorporate sheer patterned panels that can show just a little (like the Maryline lace bra, $72) or a lot (the Amber underwire bra, $83, perhaps).
Naja’s bold patterns and saturated colors make this perfect honeymoon lingerie. I’m like a little bit obsessed with their Talavera Blue collection because it just screams “honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast” to me. If you’re looking for more of a Mexican holiday vibe, try the Andalusia collection’s lacy neon yellow pieces. The price point is great as well, with a high-waisted brief for $32 or a lacy bralette for $42. Special and affordable.
A lingerie shower is by far one of the most popular themes for a bachelorette party, but too often the result is tacky rather than sweet. I recommend keeping things delicate and fresh with light colors and lace—no hot pinks please! We’re going for bridal, not stripper. I decided to infuse a bit of a Parisian vibe since France is known for its lingerie, so I wanted macarons…but it was really hard to pick which ones! Finally I landed on lemon with blackberry filling because I loved the pop of neon sprinkles on the white icing. I carried through the French connection with champagne in glamorous gold-dusted glasses and an “ooh-la-la” invitation. A clothesline to display the underpinnings is a must and I like daffodils for the flowers because they feel so fresh and sweet. These lingerie favors are some of my favorites—each is filled with chai tea or hot chocolate mix!
Fine Wine
Women and wine—we just click. I loved the smoky charcoal grey and fuchsia of this Girls Night Out invite and added lavender to complete my wine theme. Incorporate wine bottles into your decor by making them into art pieces like these neon paint-dipped ones, by simply filling them with flowers, or by dressing them up with these faux-fur bags. These creative favor packages include some great ideas, like sending your guests off with bath salts, a corkscrew, chocolates, and wine, of course. Sounds like a perfect bath in the making. The food was too fun. Two words: Cheese cake. Literally. For dessert, incorporate the theme with dark chocolate merlot cupcakes or sweet and tart champagne raspberry popsicles.
For more bachelorette inspiration, visit my Pinterest board.
This post contains a few affiliate links. All products are selected because we love them—if you love them too, you’re helping support Ultimate Bridesmaid. So thanks!
I’ve been trying so hard to sum up this absolutely stunning shower shared by Alixann Loosle Photography and finally I realized that it just contains too many things I love. Bride Maddie’s parents with the help of her friends pulled everything together in their home in Lindon, Utah. The decor is vintage classic at its very best, with heirloom suitcases stacked to display party favors, an old washtub re-purposed as a drink cooler and a weathered chest of drawers serving as part of the buffet. The ambiance is sugary sweet with rock candy, soft pink roses and a dainty fruit pizza bar, but the delicate lace panties strung up across the porch add just the tiniest touch of naughty at a shower that is oh-so-nice. From the ballooned bicycle welcoming guests to the backyard to the miniature potted plants waiting for each guest as they leave, this shower is utter perfection.
All right, we’re going there, ladies. Lingerie for the shower. The first thing you’ll learn when you start shopping is that good lingerie—you know, the delicate kind with lace—is expensive. I mean, it can be really expensive. Bras can run your $60 easy. I think there are two gift approaches when going into a lingerie shower. Option 1: Team up with another guest to get the bride one really nice set, something she would never buy for herself and may very well use to seduce her husband (but don’t think about that part). Option 2: Go for a more affordable everyday item, something in cotton or jersey that’s cute and comfy and that she’ll wear all the time. This post addresses option one, though I’ve tried to keep things reasonable. Seductive and admittedly beautiful Agent Provocateur pieces will set you back $200 for one bra…not a proposition I’m personally willing to entertain.
To me, black and lace is the ultimate in classic sexy. It will never go out of style. This gorgeous Espirit set comes in at only $60 for the bra and panties, or swap out a chemise in the same pattern for $50.
Though black is the ultimate in sex appeal, every bride does need some wedding white.
I love the intricate details on this Elle McPherson bra ($60) and panties ($34).
Or what about this bralette from Only Hearts, currently on sale for $40?
Want some color? I cannot get enough of these dotted bralettes and boyshorts from Madewell ($53 for a set).
Finding invites for a lingerie shower can be a monotonous task of wading through pink and black, lipstick kisses and corsets. So, I’m always on the lookout for invitations that step outside that box and come off as classy and cute. Like these!
Simple and sweet, this invite makes lingerie modern. It’s not showy or fussy, and feels chic and clean.
As a woman who greatly appreciates detailed schedules, this is my kind of invite. It’s perfect for a packed bachelorette weekend, giving the guests a sneak peek when it arrives in the mail and a quick reference throughout the event. I love the personalized icons—they make the invite feel really special!
I fell in love as soon as I read the sweet little poem (incorporating the groom’s name) and saw the dainty pastel lingerie. This invite feels a bit Parisian to me with the flowing cursive and striped envelope liner (not included). J’adore!
Most of the “women in retro lingerie” invites really annoy me, but I think this one is the exception. It’s all in the execution. First, the woman looks chic with her messy bob, chandelier earrings and demure pose. She’s not trying to be sexy, she just is! And the pen-and-ink technique gives this more of a ’20s vibe, which I prefer to the ’50s pin-up look. The round corners are the perfect finishing touch.
Ok, maybe “cheers bitches” isn’t the definition of cute and classy, but how can you argue with a call to “libations and debauchery”? The typography is simple and the colors are customizable on this cheeky invite.
