20 Gorgeous Maternity Wedding Dresses
If you're pregnant and getting married, you might be wondering exactly what to wear your wedding day. After all, your body is rapidly changing. The good news is, there's a wide variety of chic maternity wedding dresses available to choose from. You may think you won't have as many options as a non-pregnant bride, but there are actually lots of fashion-forward maternity wedding dress options out there. Whether your style is classic or modern, sleek or flowy, you'll be able to find a style that suits you and your baby bump.
Here, we offer tips on finding the perfect wedding dress while expecting, plus 20 of the best maternity dresses on the market you can add to your cart right now. You're bound to find a style you'll love.
How Do You Buy a Materntiy Wedding Dress When Pregnant?
When you're a pregnant bride shopping for a wedding dress, timing is everything. That's because more than just your bump will grow. While there's no way to know what your exact size will be in one, three or six months' time, you can probably bet you'll be bigger on your wedding day than you are when wedding dress shopping—and yes, that includes in areas other than your belly, including your arms and hips.
When in doubt, size up. It's much easier to alter a dress to make it smaller than it is to let it out to make it larger. Depending on how far in the future your wedding day is, one or two sizes larger than your current one should do the trick.
Then, schedule several fittings. A preliminary one is a good idea. But have your last alterations done the week of the wedding, if possible. That way, your seamstress can get the adjustments exactly right.
How Do You Hide a Baby Bump in a Wedding Dress?
If you're pregnant and not quite ready to break the news to friends and family yet, there are a few ways you can hide a baby bump. First, look for dress silhouettes that don't emphasize your midsection. That includes empire waist dresses, which are most fitted above the waist and are wider at the bottom, which can help disguise your bump. Or, opt for a dress that's not fitted at all, like a shift dress.
Another thought: To draw attention away from your belly, choose a wedding dress with lots of embellishment at the neckline, or opt for dramatic jewelry that'll draw everyone's eyes upward. Another great trick is to dress in layers, so consider pairing a chic jacket or cape with your gown.
What to Look For in a Maternity Wedding Dress
Room for a baby bump is important but beyond that, look for a style that makes you feel beautiful and like you. This is a prime opportunity to express your personal style, whether it's glamorous, bohemian, modern or vintage. Whatever kind of look makes you feel most like yourself on your day is available in a maternity wedding dress.
Also, keep comfort in mind. You may not want to plan to wear sky-high heels, since your feet could be swollen and your center of gravity changes as your bump grows, making you more likely to teeter around. So, look for a dress that'll look great with lower heels or flats. Fabric and fit should feel good as well, since your skin may be more sensitive during pregnancy.
Can a Wedding Dress Be Altered for Pregnancy?
Many wedding dresses can be altered for pregnancy—it depends on the style, silhouette and how much of the dress you'd like to change. For example, an empire waist dress with lots of flowy fabric on the skirt may only need some letting out at the waistline or may not need to be altered at all, depending on how far along you are. A body-hugging sheath, however, likely can't accommodate a baby bump, unless perhaps, the skirt is replaced entirely. If you already have a non-maternity dress you'd like to wear, and you're interested in having it altered, take it to an experienced seamstress to see what your options are.
The Best Maternity Wedding Dresses to Shop Now
Looking for some maternity wedding dress inspiration? Our friends over at The Bump have a list of their recommendations, and we have some favorites as well for you to consider.
Looking for a maternity wedding dress with a timeless feel? Consider his elegant silk chiffon gown with lace sleeves and a classic V-neckline.
Seraphine Long lace V-neck maternity wedding dress, $499, Seraphine.com
This sleek, sheath maternity dress is a stunning way to show off your curves.
PinkBlush Ivory solid off shoulder maternity maxi dress, $68, PinkBlushMaternity.com
This embroidered white mini would look lovely and breezy for a beach wedding or any warm-weather ceremony.
Pietro Brunelli Embroidery maternity dress, $158, PeaInThePod.com
For the bride going for a boho vibe, this ruffled midi-length wrap dress fits the bill.
Show Me Your Mumu Samantha ruffle wrap maternity wedding dress, $198, ShowMeYourMumu.com
A vintage-inspired lace bodice adds eye-catching detail, while a chiffon skirt keeps it comfy.
Tiffany Rose Elizabth gown, $555, TiffanyRose.com
Hello, Greek goddess! Sure, it's a relatively inexpensive maternity wedding dress, but its flowy silhouette and dramatic draped sleeves make a beautiful statement.
PinkBlush White chiffon cold shoulder maternity wedding dress, $109, PinkBlushMaternity.com
Playful meets timeless with this empire waist silhouette maternity wedding dress, featuring sheer polka dot tulle sleeves.
Tiffany Rose Silvia maternity wedding dress, $510, TiffanyRose.com
Want to add a little color to your day? You might consider eschewing tradition and choosing a pale blush maternity wedding dress.
Birdy Grey Lianna bridesmaid dress in pale blush, $99, BirdyGrey.com
A V-neckline and faux-wrap silhouette are ultra-flattering—whether you're expecting or not.
PinkBlush Ivory lace overlay wrap maternity maxi dress, $85, PinkBlushMaternity.com
Show off your bump—and a killer pair of shoes—in this streamlined number with a trendy halter neckline and high slit.
Dessy Sleeveless halter maternity dress with front slit, $252, Dessy.com
You can't go wrong with a modern wrap dress—we're willing to bet it looks good on just about everyone.
Tiffany Rose Willow maternity dress, $290, TiffanyRose.com
Another lovely option for the bride who doesn't want to wear white—how about a blush, berry or black maternity wedding dress? This one converts, so you can choose an open v-neck or gathered neckline.
Hatch The Fete Gown in silk or polyester (depending on color), $348, HatchCollection.com
A one shoulder neckline gives this breezy maternity wedding dress an of the moment update.
Show Me Your Mumu Celine one shoulder maternity wedding dress, $128, ShowMeYourMumu.com
How chic is this midi maternity wedding dress? We're envisioning this for a city rooftop wedding, but really, you could wear it to most any nuptials.
Seraphine Ivory pleated maternity midi dress, $405, Seraphine.com
Made of luxe chiffon, this strapless maternity wedding dress with a beautifully draped bodice will stand the test of time.
Dessy Draped bodice strapless maternity dress, $284, Dessy.com
This may not technically be a maternity wedding dress, but it's flowy silhouette is forgiving enough to accommodate your bump. Plus, the lightweight material and effortless silhouette make it perfect for outdoor nuptials.
Free People Heat Haze maxi dress, $128, FreePeople.com
Are you a total trendsetter? This unexpected floral print maxi dress with puff sleeves brings the whimsy.
Pietro Brunelli Tessa maxi maternity dress, $188, PeaInThePod.com
With its blouson sleeves and full-length skirt, this maternity wedding dress is fit for a princess.
Seraphine Satin devore chiffon maternity wedding dress, $675, Seraphine.com
Go for glitz in this eveningwear-inspired maternity wedding dress with crossover straps and sparkly fabric.
Show Me Your Mumu Dazzle crossover maxi maternity dress, $128, ShowMeYourMumu.com
It's the unique draped design and the ruched bodice that sets this gorgeous wedding dress apart from the rest.
Katharine Polk Nicole gown, $3,900, KatharinePolk.com