Pregnant brides used to hide under baggy dresses or marry as quickly as possible to avoid showing a baby bump at the altar. Today's maternity wedding dresses make these worries obsolete, with long flowing fabrics and elegant dress designs to celebrate the bride's upcoming motherhood and the family to be.
Maternity Wedding Dress Styles
Choosing a dress style will depend on how the bride is carrying and how far along the pregnancy is. Women who are still early in their pregnancy can usually get away with a regular wedding dress in a slightly larger size, while those who are further along may need to shop specifically for maternity wedding dresses. Regardless, there are dozens of styles from elegant to modest wedding dresses. Some of the most popular include:
- A-Line Dress – A classic for brides, the A-line shape translates well to maternity dresses. Smaller on top, with a wide flaring skirt and plenty of fabric, this type of gown looks fresh and beautiful on almost any bride.
- Empire Waist Dress – Empire waist (also known as "princess line") means that the dress is gathered in a high waist, just under the breasts, leaving a long flowing skirt to cover a pregnant bride's curves. This dress style is elegant and romantic, with plenty of flair.
- Fitted Bodice – This elegant ball gown style is a classic for brides, but often doesn't work as well for mothers-to-be. Despite the challenge, some designer maternity wedding dresses can be found in this style.
- Sheath Dress – The occasional dress can be found in a sheath shape designed for a pregnant bride. This style adds height and elegance to any figure.
Colors and Fabrics for a Maternity Wedding
Most pregnant brides still choose to get married in a traditional white dress, while others scoff at wearing virginal white as they walk down the aisle. For those who decide they'd rather be wed in a dress of a different color, there are plenty of options.
Pastel colors are popular for wedding gowns, especially pale ivory, blue, grey or rose pink. Other brides who look good in darker colors prefer to be married in vibrant red or rich royal blue, the traditional color for wedding gowns until the mid 19th century.
Dresses for the pregnant bride-to-be are available in all the same fabrics as ordinary wedding gowns, making it easy to find silk, satin, jersey, taffeta, chiffon, lace and more in maternity dresses for weddings.
Wedding Dress Tips and Tricks for the Pregnant Bride
Whatever style of maternity wedding dress the bride chooses, there are a few other things that will help her keep stylish and comfortable on the big day:
- Comfortable shoes can go a long way toward making a pregnant bride's day on her feet more enjoyable. Make sure to plan ahead and find shoes that will match the dress, in time to have the length of the skirt or train adjusted (if necessary). Flats are comfortable but may require that the skirt be taken up.
- Lingerie isn't only for the wedding night – the right lingerie under the bridal gown can make all the difference in comfort and in providing the most elegant silhouette.
- Whatever style of maternity dress the bride chooses to wear, it's a good idea to keep a good dressmaker – or the store that sold you the wedding dress – aware that they may be needed for last-minute alterations. It's impossible to predict whether or not this precaution will be necessary, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
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