With pregnancy hormones raging, planning your perfect wedding when expecting is difficult enough, and that’s before we throw in the challenge of wedding dress shopping.
However, expecting brides don’t have to compromise on style or glamour to make room for their growing bumps. Pregnant brides-to-be can have maternity the options of bridal gowns just as stylish and elegant as non-maternity wedding dresses.
Looking your blooming best on your wedding day is easier than you think. With the following top tips, you can accommodate your growing bump, and look and feel incredible on your wedding day.
Choose a cut that complements
Every bride, pregnant or not, has to consider how to dress their specific body type to find the most flattering fit. Whilst the range of maternity wedding dress designs has exploded in recent years, there are still some cuts that are more complementary than others.
The stage of pregnancy you’ll be at on your wedding day will also influence the styles that will suit. Tiffany London, the bridal designer behind maternity wedding dress brand Tiffany Rose, explains what every expectant bride should consider when shopping for the perfect gown:
“We strongly recommend searching out maternity wedding dresses which are designed and tailored specifically for pregnancy. During your pregnancy your body will change shape – you won’t just see your bump growing, but your rib cage will widen and your bust expand – and so well-tailored maternity dresses will accommodate these changes without the need for alterations. From the fabric selection to the shaping, tailoring and final finish – these are just some of the factors to consider when aiming to enhance growing curves without restriction.”
The empire line is a popular choice for expecting brides-to-be at all stages of pregnancy. This particular cut highlights the smallest part of the waist to provide an elegant and tailored bridal look.
Decide whether to conceal or flaunt your bump
The biggest challenge expectant brides face is deciding whether to conceal or flaunt their bump. Whatever choice you make, the right wedding gown cut and design will enable you to dress to impress.
A strapless empire line with a lace or tulle overlay is a great option if you are looking to conceal your growing tummy. Brides wishing to show off their bundles of joy should consider a more fitted look – just like Chrissy Teigen did in her maternity gown for the Grammy Awards. Remember, you don’t have to swap comfort for a tailored bridal look. There are many fitted maternity wedding dresses that allow movement and comfort as well as give you a stunning silhouette.
Leave plenty of room to grow
Most brides start their wedding dress shopping journey at least 12 months before their wedding date, and find and buy ‘the one’ with just 8 months to go. This timeline may not work for expecting brides-to-be but you don’t have to brave a last minute rush to buy your wedding dress.
Brides in their first trimester when dress shopping needs to leave plenty of room for their bump to grow if their wedding date is months away. Many bridal designers recommend going two sizes up for brides shopping during this early stage of pregnancy. Some bridal boutiques even provide maternity pillows to simulate bigger bumps, and ensure the right dress design and size prior to ordering.
Whatever your chosen style, it’s better for a gown to be too big rather than too small, with those last minute wedding dress alterations guaranteeing the perfect fit for you and your bump.
