Forget What You Think You're Supposed to Wear
One of the biggest misconceptions about bridal nightwear is that it has to be white or ivory.
Classic satin, silk and lace will always be popular, and they look incredibly elegant. If you've always imagined yourself in a long ivory chemise with a matching robe, then that's probably exactly what you should choose.
But if that's not you, don't force it.
In more than 20 years of fitting brides, I've seen this misconception play out again and again. One bride I helped had convinced herself she needed a traditional chemise because that's what brides wear (if you're weighing this one up yourself, I've written more about the elegance of a chemise and what makes the style so timeless). The trouble was, she didn't actually enjoy wearing chemises. Once we got talking about what she normally wore to bed, it became obvious she'd feel far happier in a beautiful cami and shorts set with a delicate blue and white print.
She paired it with the matching robe, and the photographs from her wedding morning were absolutely gorgeous. More importantly, she still wears it years later.
That's exactly how bridal nightwear should work. If you're still deciding on what to wear under your wedding dress, the same principle applies there too: comfort and confidence should always come before tradition.
There Are No Rules
Your bridal nightwear should make you feel like the best version of yourself. Whether that's an elegant silk nightdress, a pair of luxurious pyjamas or a cami set covered in pink elephants, the only opinion that really matters is yours.
Start With What You Already Love Wearing
Whenever I'm helping a bride choose her nightwear, one of the first questions I ask is surprisingly simple: what do you usually wear to bed?
If you live in soft modal pyjamas every night, buying a structured satin chemise just because it's traditional might not make you feel your best. Equally, if you love luxurious silk and lace, your wedding is the perfect excuse to treat yourself.
Your wedding day isn't the time to become someone else. It's about feeling like the very best version of you.
Think About Your Wedding Morning
One thing that has changed over the years is wedding photography. More couples now have photographers capturing the morning preparations, and that's had a real influence on what brides choose.
I'm seeing far more brides looking beyond plain ivory. Soft prints, subtle colours and coordinated sets often photograph beautifully and can really stand out in the images. It's also becoming increasingly popular for the bridal party to wear coordinating robes or nightwear while getting ready together.
If those photographs matter to you, it's worth thinking about how your nightwear will look as well as how it feels.
Choose Something You'll Wear Again
This is probably the biggest piece of advice I give every bride.
Don't think of your bridal nightwear like your wedding dress. Your dress may only be worn once. Your nightwear shouldn't be.
A beautiful silk chemise, luxurious pyjamas or elegant robe can become something you reach for again and again long after the big day. Every time you wear it, it'll bring back memories of your wedding, your honeymoon and everything in between. Beautiful nightwear deserves to be worn, not folded away in a drawer as a keepsake.
Which Fabrics Work Best?
There isn't one perfect fabric, but there are some firm favourites.
Silk, Satin and Lace
These are the timeless classics. They feel luxurious, photograph beautifully and always have that unmistakable bridal feel. White and ivory remain popular for good reason, especially if you're after something elegant and traditional. If silk is calling to you, my guide to silk nightwear goes into more detail on what to look for and how to care for it.
Modal
If your style is more relaxed, don't overlook high-quality modal. It has a beautiful drape, feels wonderfully soft against the skin and offers effortless comfort while still looking sophisticated. For many brides, it's actually the piece they end up wearing most often long after the honeymoon.
The Moment You Know
One of my favourite parts of my job is watching a bride find the right piece. You can usually see it on her face before she says a word.
Suddenly she's no longer standing in a fitting room. You can almost see her picturing herself on the morning of her wedding, feeling excited, confident and ready for the day ahead.
That's when you know you've found the right one.
My Favourite Bridal Nightwear Brands
Over the years I've found myself returning to a handful of brands because they consistently create beautiful pieces that brides genuinely love.
-
In Bloom by Jonquil for elegant satin and lace styles
-
Lise Charmel for luxurious silk pieces with exceptional craftsmanship
-
Marjolaine for exquisite French silk nightwear that's timeless enough to treasure for years
-
Aubade for brides looking for something with a more modern, fashion-led feel
The best choice isn't necessarily the most expensive one. It's the one that feels like you.
My Advice to Every Bride
Your wedding day is long. It's busy, emotional, exciting and over far more quickly than you expect.
Don't spend it worrying whether your nightwear is what someone else thinks a bride should wear. Choose something that makes you feel comfortable, confident and happy.
If that's an ivory silk chemise, wonderful. If it's luxurious pyjamas, perfect. If it's a beautiful printed cami set because that's what makes you smile every time you put it on, then that's the right choice too.
As long as you feel fabulous, you've chosen well. And when you wear it again months or even years later, those wonderful memories will come flooding back all over again.
