A good wedding day look requires a good number of facets to be working together flawlessly. The hair, the makeup, the dress, the jewelry, the veil, the shoes. All brides want these pieces to come together effortlessly and beautifully, creating a vision in bridal beauty, no doubt. One piece of the puzzle that doesn’t get its moment in the spotlight but is still hugely responsible for the overall look coming together is the undergarmentry. Without the proper underwear, it’s easy for a beautiful dress to drape awkwardly over any one person’s body, a rather unsightly smudge on the otherwise ideal look.
In order to avoid any lumps or bumps in my mid-section, I decided to invest in my first piece of shapewear for w-day. I decided to go with Spanx Super Power Panties, as seen here:
Image via All Things Chic
I opted for this model because I was looking for something to go above my navel without being too high up on the mid-section, and I thought this was a perfect fit. I’d heard all about the wonders of Spanx from many of my female friends, but I’d never really had an outfit or event that warranted investing in any shapewear pieces. For that reason, I was pretty curious and nervous to see what all the fuss was about, and how they would actually work on yours truly.
In order to get a clear picture of the Spanx effect, I decided to take a couple before and after shots in my rehearsal dinner dress, just to (objectively) see what differences, if any, emerged. Here are the results!
No Spanx:
Looking at the Spanx against the width of my torso:
With the Spanx on:
And, for easy comparison’s sake…
Before (left) + After, front:
Before (left) + After, profile:
The final verdict? They’re definitely keepers. I’m not completely razzled and dazzled by their slimming attributes, but I am quite content with the way they just smooooooth everything out, making you look like frozen yogurt instead of lumpy gravy. Everyone likes frozen yogurt better than lumpy gravy!! I’m pretty confident that these “power panties” will help me to look smooth and toned for the rehearsal and wedding day, allowing me to eat and drink a bit without getting any excessive pooch. Plus, they’ll prevent any weird belly-button suction thing in my gown, which is always a plus. The only downside is that there’s no easy way to relieve yourself in these. I’d heard that other Spanx have little openings to make bathroom trips logistically easier, but no such luck on these bad boys. Thankfully I’m like a human camel, but I guess it wouldn’t be a bad idea to brainstorm some solutions to this quandary between now and August…
Are you wearing any shapewear for your wedding? Any great bathroom tips for other shapewear brides?
(All photos personal unless noted. Sorry if me talking at length about my underwear dilemmas made you uncomfortable, Dad!)
I bought these, too for my big day- great thing for “chub rub” 
you referenced the “PH” so eloquently.
and i think you are a superhottie either way.
Maybe it’s just me, but I can’t see a difference! If you feel good about it, more power to you! I, too, have to solve the bathroom logistics, but that’s because I have a 5 foot train and, well, it could get awkward.
Lookin’ fantastic with or without the Spanx, SC…but if the Spanx (even without a PH) make you feel more confident…then, you’re right, they are keepers indeed 
I don’t see much difference, either. You look fine with out it. I tried on some shape wear and it didn’t really do much for me. Same with my friend. All she found was it smooshed her butt in a bit but did nothing for the stomach ponch.
they definately do some tush lifting, that is why I am getting some for my wday
I lerve my Spanx. The best part about them is since they don’t have any wire boning in them, they are super comfy.
Honestly, I really can’t see a difference, but as a die-hard spanx wearer, I know that it is more about how you feel wearing them. You look great either way!
i was focused on your tummy to see a difference… and then i noticed your butt… it makes you look like you just did a thousand squats!
Hm, I would love to wear those if they help, but I feel like where they go up is just going to push my belly and make a big roll on top. You’re pretty darn thin in the first place (I don’t see a difference either), but do they make some that go up higher? Like… to my boobs? haha
I liked this post! I have a pair of spanx and have not yet decided if I will be wearing them on my big day. I find they do smooth things out nicely (I could notice the smoothness on your pictures especially where your underwear line was) but personally for whatever reason after a few hours with Spanx on I get a huge, terrible stomach ache. It happens with all things tight around my midsection, belts, skirts etc…but for whatever reason I can’t get through a spanx session with a full on killer stomach ache. As soon as I take them off within about 30 mins I’m back to normal. I indend on eating/drinking a fair bit on my wedding day, so I think I might pass up on them, althought I’m not 100% sure.
either way you look fabulous!
I’m not wearing shapewear for the big day! I made a goal a couple years ago to not have to be held in on my wedding day. Now – I do NOT look as good as you do without shapewear But I’m happy with how I look and my FI likes it! Yay!
Oh man, I can’t tell the difference. Lucky you!
I do have to say, Spanx seems to work great for smoothing things out a bit, but I don’t think it will do much for a food belly–it’s not that kind of shapewear. If anything, it might give you a stomachache after you eat. So I’d test it out a few times (not within the couple of days of the wedding).
I can’t tell the difference either, but, if they make you feel better, then do it.
I can’t tell the difference either!
I was thinking of investing in these, and then my MOH pointed out that my dress is tight to around my hips + the high waist of spanx = awkward going to the bathroom. And she loves me, but not enough to be searching for my underwear several times that evening.
I love my shapewear… esp with Maxi dresses. It keeps from those unsightly wedgies… I can’t see much difference on you, except the booty… definitely gives a lift. As for the restroom breaks… no tips here. Just figure if your dress already was going to make it difficult, why not add a step!
I just had my first dress fitting and decided to go purchase something similar to this. My dress is fit and flare, so my legs get stuck together at the thigh. I was so hot during the fitting and began to worry about what would happen the wedding day because I was starting to rub raw between my thighs. I’m sure the new undergarments will help out in that area.
thank you so much for posting this! i have been on the fense about buying my own pair of spanx for my gown. your before and after pics sold me!
Mrs. Snow Cone, Pittsburgh/Johnstown, PA Age and Occupation: 23, Public Health Graduate Student Fiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Engineer Engagement Date: April 9, 2010 Wedding Date: August 2011 Venue: OMOS Church ceremony/Sunnehanna Country Club reception About Me: I’m one of the lucky ones---I met my future husband at the ripe old age of 13, started dating him as a mature woman of 15, and have been enjoying the ride ever since. Here we are, 8 years later, living in Pittsburgh, planning a "homestination" wedding in the place our school romance began---Johnstown, PA. I thrive on talking a mile a minute, eating my weight in chocolate, and internet shopping. I love a lengthy to-do list almost as much as I love a healthy amount of chaos in my life. Mr. Snow Cone and I watch countless episodes of Friends and The West Wing on repeat, root for rival college sports teams, and make each other laugh each and every day. We’re putting together a small-town wedding with a big personality and a classically modern (or modernly classic?) look for 250 of our closest family and friends. It’s been 8+ years in the making, and sometimes I still can’t believe I’m finally getting to marry my high school sweetheart!
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