30 Bump-Friendly Wedding Guest Dresses, Plus Tips for Shopping

We'll be the first to admit that figuring out what to wear to a wedding—or any fancy event, for that matter—while pregnant is not easy. Maternity wedding guest dresses require a level of functionality and comfort that you may not otherwise be looking for. And, on top of those considerations, you'll also want to feel pretty and confident, maybe more so than ever.

As with selecting a wedding guest dress any other time, you'll need to consider the wedding dress code and seasonality first (if you're a fashion-forward dresser, you may also want to consider wedding guest dress trends). Then, you want to think about practicality. Can you easily get in and out of the dress for frequent bathroom breaks? Will it feel comfortable after spending all day (and night) in it? Can you dance?

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We turned to someone who knows the maternity fashion landscape well, The Bump's e-commerce editor, Martina Garvey, for tips on where to shop and what to look for in the best maternity wedding guest dresses. Then, we rounded up 30 options for every type of wedding, dress code and style preference.

Top 8 Bump-Friendly Wedding Guest Dresses: Editor's Picks

Our list below is comprehensive, but here's a quick snapshot of eight top picks.

• Best Cocktail Attire Maternity Wedding Guest Dress: Seraphine Olethea Reversible Halter Neck Dress, $159
• Best Black-Tie Maternity Wedding Guest Dress: Jenny Yoo Ariana Dress, $290
• Best Maternity Slip Dress for Wedding Guests: Hatch Talia Bias Slip Dress, $248
• Best Non-Maternity Maternity Wedding Guest Dress: Pomander Place Soleil Gown, $148
• Best Beach Maternity Wedding Guest Dress: Légoe Heritage Resort Dress, $121
• Best Long-Sleeve Wedding Guest Dress: Club L London Abeam Dress, $130
• Best Maternity Wedding Guest Dress Rental: Susana Monaco Gathered Slit Maternity Maxi, $35
• Best Western Maternity Wedding Guest Dress: Light Olive Floral Smocked Square Neck Maternity Dress, $83

In this article:

• Top 8 Bump-Friendly Wedding Guest Dresses: Editor's Picks
• Where to Buy Maternity Dresses to Wear to a Wedding
• How to Choose a Maternity Dress for a Wedding Guest
• The Best Maternity Wedding Guest Dresses

Where to Buy Maternity Dresses to Wear to a Wedding

The best places to buy maternity wedding guest dresses—or at least where to find the largest variety of options—are traditional maternity retailers (like PinkBlush and Seraphine). But consider where to buy bridesmaid dresses and dress rentals, as well, plus your favorite non-maternity retailers, for some bump-friendly styles that might surprise you. Here are six places to start your search.

Seraphine: Kate Middleton, Carrie Underwood and Anne Hathaway all wore Seraphine during their pregnancies—so you know it's good. "Seraphine has tons of fabulous occasionwear for moms-to-be," Garvey says. "I like that most of their clothing is nursing-friendly so that you can also wear it post-pregnancy."

Quince: Rising star retailer Quince has just about everything, including a variety of maternity fashion. Worth noting: The brand's maternity dresses are sustainably made with minimal environmental impact, so you can feel good about—and in—what you're wearing.

Club L London: "If the dress code reads cocktail attire, head straight to Club L London," Garvey says. "The brand offers figure-hugging maternity dresses perfect for glamorous moms-to-be." Its gowns come in various fabrics, silhouettes and colors, with plus and petite sizes available, too.

PinkBlush: This maternity go-to has everything from casual daywear to formal wedding guest dresses for pregnancy. With a focus on quality, affordability and on-trend designs—plus plenty of nursing-friendly styles for your postpartum era—you can feel confident that the brand's styles will flatter your body through pregnancy and beyond.

Rent the Runway: For fashion-forward options you don't have to splurge on (because who wants to spend a lot on something you won't wear for long?), check out this rentable retailer. Its inventory has everything from beachy sundresses to floor-length gowns, all from some of the best designers, in both traditional maternity and bump-friendly silhouettes.

Jenny Yoo: For black-tie attire, the bridal and bridesmaid designer offers maternity takes on some of her most popular dresses. They're crafted in the same high-quality fabrics she uses for her non-maternity styles and are on the pricier end for maternity wear—but for formal or black-tie events, it doesn't get better.

How to Choose a Maternity Dress for a Wedding Guest

It can be difficult enough figuring out what to wear to a wedding even when you aren't pregnant. What does the dress code mean? Will I be cold? What's the most comfortable footwear? Add in working around an ever-growing bump, and dressing up gets even more difficult. Here, Garvey makes it easier by offering a few key tips.

Look for bump-friendly silhouettes. "There are no rules for pregnancy fashion, but certain silhouettes do tend to work well," Garvey says. "An empire-waist dress is cinched under the bust and has a free-flowing skirt that allows plenty of room for a baby bump. With a wrap dress, you can adjust the fit for added comfort."

Consider fabric. "In terms of fabric, opt for something soft and breathable," Garvey adds. "Natural materials like silk, cotton and linen work well for spring and summer weddings. For winter celebrations, bring extra layers to keep you warm. Your skin may be more sensitive than usual, so avoid anything with itchy tags or scratchy fabric."

Pair your look with comfortable shoes. Garvey's top tip for attending a wedding while pregnant? Wear sensible wedding guest shoes. "Swollen feet and ankles are common side effects of pregnancy, and uncomfortable footwear may aggravate the symptoms," she says. "So ditch the high heels in favor of comfortable flats like this pair from Birdies."

The Best Maternity Wedding Guest Dresses

Whether they are official maternity wear or just bump-friendly gowns, the best maternity wedding guest dresses are comfortable, practical and on-trend. Here are 30 dresses that check all the bump boxes.

1. Best Black-Tie Maternity Gown: Jenny Yoo Ariana Maternity Dress

Photo: Jenny Yoo

It can be hard to feel like yourself when you're pregnant, but nothing quite ups the confidence like putting on a black-tie gown. For something as formal as black-tie, opt for high-quality fabrics like this satin back crepe and look for a dress that's specifically made for maternity rather than sizing up in regular clothing. Jenny Yoo has some stellar options: This maternity wedding guest dress is a favorite, especially in rich jewel tones like hibiscus and emerald.

Size range: 00–32

2. Best Formal Maternity Wedding Guest Dress: Seraphine Arbor Shirred Maternity Maxi Dress

Photo: Seraphine

While jewel tones are recommended for black-tie, guests can feel free to go bold with color in formal dress codes. This rich red pairs beautifully with gold jewelry—but the real gold standard is its versatility. This formal gown maternity dress has a shirred middle that can stretch to fit at any stage of your pregnancy, and transitions to a nursing dress so you can get even longer use out of it.

Size range: 2–16

3. Best Cocktail Maternity Wedding Guest Dress: Seraphine Olethea Reversible Maternity Dress

Photo: Seraphine

Cocktail dress codes are all about creativity: Look for vibrant colors, fresh patterns and unique silhouettes. This dress is exactly that: Rendered in a bold cobalt blue, it can be worn multiple ways to switch up the vibe. Try it loose and free-fitting (especially for those months you're trying to hide the bump) or belted; it can even be worn backward or forward for different necklines.

Size range: 2–16

4. Best Semi-Formal Maternity Wedding Guest Dress: Show Me Your Mumu Romance Ruffle Dress

Photo: Show Me Your Mumu

Some maternity dresses to wear to a wedding aren't maternity at all but rather bump-friendly; expanding your search to include this phrase can help find labels, such as Show Me Your Mumu, that do the research for you and categorize dresses as such. This ruffled semi-formal slip maxi dress comes in sunny yellow for summer weddings, a fresh floral for spring and more than a dozen other hues.

Size range: XXS–3X

5. Best Casual Maternity Wedding Guest Dress: Hill House Home The Maternity Ellie Nap Dress

Photo: Hill House Home

Hill House Home's cult-favorite nap dress is the perfect maternity wedding attire (though the original style is already bump-friendly, the brand does offer a specific maternity version). Fabric is a key factor in determining a dress's formality, and here, a fresh poplin lends that casual but still appropriate feel.

Size range: XXXS–XXXXL

6. Best Beach Maternity Wedding Guest Dress: Légoe Heritage Resort Dress

Photo: Légoe Heritage

Quite literally called the resort dress, this maternity dress for a wedding guest is ideal for destination weddings. It's made from breathable cotton, which is key when you are pregnant in hot weather, and rendered in a sunny yellow shade. Légoe Heritage is focused on pieces you can wear even after the bump, so you'll get lots of use out of this. (Psst, be sure to check the sizing notes, as the brand uses its own 1–4 system for maternity pieces.)

Size range: XS–4 (check sizing notes)

7. Best Long-Sleeve Wedding Guest Dress: Club L London Abeam Maternity Maxi Dress

Photo: Club L London

Long sleeves can take otherwise more casual pieces into formal maternity dresses for the wedding, like they do in this powder blue bodycon style. The mesh sleeves and angled neckline are unique touches—and if you're more of a pants person, this also comes in an off-the-shoulder jumpsuit version.

Size range:4–12

8. Best Maxi Maternity Wedding Guest Dress: PinkBlush Pleated Ruffle Off-Shoulder Maternity Maxi Dress

Photo: PinkBlush

Pregnancy dressing is all about finding pieces that do double duty, and an off-the-shoulder maxi dress does just that. The style can be worn two ways: Dressed way up with jewelry and heels for formal weddings, or dressed down with flats for a more bohemian flair. This maxi by PinkBlush is ultra bump-friendly and comfortable.

Size range: S–L

9. Best Midi Maternity Wedding Guest Dress: PinkBlush Pleated Maternity Halter Dress

Photo: PinkBlush

Maternity dresses for weddings still need to fit with what's trending, and midi dresses are peak for wedding guests right now. This halter neck style is an especially flattering cut for big bumps, and the optional tie belt allows you to embrace or hide it as you prefer.

Size range: S–L

10. Best Short Maternity Wedding Guest Dress: H&M Mama Sequined Dress with Low-Cut Back

Photo: H&M

Short dresses for weddings ride a fine line of appropriateness, pregnant or not. If you're going the mini route, make sure other areas are covered—such as with long sleeves, like in this sequined design—and the overall vibe is still formal. We love this for a New Year's Eve wedding with sheer black maternity tights.

Size range: XS–XXL

11. Best Maternity Wedding Guest Dress Rental: Emilia George Sabrina Gown

Photo: Rent The Runway

Renting maternity formal attire is a great idea since you won't want to splurge on pieces you might only wear once throughout the pregnancy. Luckily, Rent The Runway is stocked with maternity and bump-friendly styles. This chiffon maxi gives basic black an upgrade with cold-shoulder sleeves and a sweetheart neckline.

Size range: XS–XL

12. Best Amazon Maternity Wedding Guest Dress: Milumia Maternity Floral Strapless Bodycon Maxi Dresses

Photo: Amazon

We love a bodycon look for pregnancy—embrace the bump!—and this one from Amazon makes a great maternity wedding dress for guests. The strapless midi silhouette is on-trend, and the stretchy fabric is light and airy for optimum comfort. Plus, the price is right: Stock up on the style in different prints and patterns for various occasions.

Size range: XS–XXL

13. Best Flutter Sleeve Maternity Wedding Guest Dress: Dessy Group Flutter Bell Sleeve Empire Maternity Dress

Photo: Dessy Group

For formal and black-tie maternity gowns—for both wedding guests and bridesmaids—check out Dessy Group's offerings. The brand designs with weddings in mind, and this bump-friendly flutter-sleeve style is ideal for a variety of wedding types. We can see it at a formal tented affair, a rustic barn wedding or a ballroom event.

Size range: XS–3X

14. Best Western Maternity Wedding Guest Dress: PinkBlush Floral Smocked Square Neck Maternity Maxi Dress

Photo: PinkBlush

Western wedding wear is trending, and you're likely to see it on invites for rehearsal dinners and welcome parties in the coming year. If you're expecting, opt for an easy, flowy frock and look for natural tones like olive, rust and cream.

Size range: S–L

15. Best Basic Black Maternity Wedding Guest Dress: Quince Recycled Knit Maternity Maxi Dress

Photo: Quince

You can't go wrong with a black dress, and this one can be styled in countless ways, so it's a great maternity investment. Do it up with a bold necklace or earrings—maybe even a neck scarf—for a wedding, then pair it with sneakers and a shoulder-draped sweater for your day-to-day.

Size range: XS–XL

16. Best Fringed Maternity Wedding Guest Dress: Show Me Your Mumu Gatsby Maxi Dress

Photo: Show Me Your Mumu

Just because you're looking for bump-friendly wedding guest dresses doesn't mean you can't have fun with fashion. This pink-fringed midi is playful and whimsical and has enough stretch in the middle to accommodate a bump. Wear it to a summer affair or a creative cocktail attire event.

Size range: XS–XXL

17. Best Maternity Wedding Guest Dress to Hide the Bump: Reformation Maribelle Dress

Photo: Reformation

If you aren't quite ready to announce your pregnancy (or want to wait so you don't steal the couple's moment), look for a loose-fitting but stylish style that will disguise the bump. Reformation's Maribelle Dress is a good example with a fitted bodice and full skirt.

Size range: 0–12

18. Best Maternity Wedding Guest Two-Piece Set: PinkBlush Pink Floral Off-Shoulder Maternity Maxi Skirt Set

Photo: PinkBlush

We love a two-piece set for practicality (there are lots of bathroom breaks when you're expecting) and this maternity wedding outfit is fun and fresh for destination affairs. Because it does show off part of your belly, the style is best for those ready to embrace the bump.

Size range: S–L

19. Best Maternity One-Shoulder Guest Dress: Lulus Goddess Aura One-Shoulder Maxi Dress

Photo: Lulus

A one-shoulder maxi dress—especially in a vibrant hue—is a summer wedding personified. The style also works great all the way throughout a pregnancy: Wear it with the accompanying sash tie to show off your bump or without to disguise it. Use code THEKNOT20 for 20% off first-time purchases.

Size range: XXS–XXL

20. Best Maternity Wedding Guest Jumpsuit: Jaki Audrey Satin Jumpsuit

Photo: Jaki

A wide-leg jumpsuit is always a yes for weddings—the style looks formal and sophisticated but offers ease of wear (and allows you to break it down on the dance floor). This one has adjustable straps to adapt to your growing belly.

Size range: XS–XL

21. Best Maternity Wedding Guest Shirtdress: H&M Mama Before & After Shirtdress

Photo: H&M

Shirtdresses can sometimes read too casual for weddings—but splash them with a bold print and the look is instantly dressier. This one's exotic print and mid-length sleeves make it a perfect pick for fall weddings; pair it with heeled boots and gold jewelry. (Pss: Note that H&M's Mama collection is only available online.)

Size range: XS–XXL

22. Best Summer Maternity Wedding Guest Dress: Quince Poplin Maternity Smocked Midi Dress

Photo: Quince

Summer weddings call for cotton and citrus hues. This maternity wedding guest dress has both, plus a shirred bodice, bump-friendly tiered skirt and adorable ruffled sleeves. Accessorize with wedges and a rattan clutch.

Size range: XS–XL

23. Best Maternity Wedding Guest Dress for Spring Weddings: Red Dress The Felicity Cotton Midi Dress

Photo: Red Dress

While not an official maternity brand, Red Dress has a plethora of bump-friendly styles like this one, which features a stretchy smocked bodice and tiered cotton skirt—just like the above maternity dress. Here, light blue cotton and shoulder ties are adorable details that stand out for spring weddings.

Size range: S–L

24. Best Maternity Wrap Dress: Yumi Kim Tilda Maxi Dress

Photo: Yumi Kim

Wrap dresses are super flattering for just about any body type, including pregnant ones. They also make great maternity clothes for a wedding because they're usually pretty comfortable and formal at the same time. With its layered ruffles and floral print, this one is a perfect pick. Use code KNOT15 for 15% off.

Size range: XS–XL

25. Best Dropwaist Maternity Wedding Guest Dress: Hatch The Fiona Strapless Knit Dress

Photo: Hatch

The trending style is actually perfectly on point for pregnant bellies, so this maternity dress for weddings says you haven't given up on fashion. Its straps can be worn two different ways (or not at all) to mix up the look. (Before you buy, get familiar with Hatch's size guide: They have a 0–4 system that aligns with pre-pregnancy sizes of 0-16.)

Size range: 0–4

26. Best Non-Maternity Maternity Wedding Guest Dress: Pomander Place Hot Pink Soleil Gown

Photo: Tuckernuck

Quite a few non-maternity styles made our list here, and this style takes the cake thanks to its expansive size range and loose-fitting silhouette. Plus, it's beautifully wedding-ready with an interesting asymmetrical detail and side slit for ease of movement.

Size range: XXS–XXXL

27. Best Maternity Slip Dress for Wedding Guests: Hatch The Talia Bias Slip Dress

Photo: Hatch

Don't pack away your love for slip dresses during pregnancy; instead, look for ones made to accommodate the bump (that way, the maxi length won't be affected). This perfect pink piece is flattering with a halter neck and looks formal dressed up with jewelry.

Size range: 0–4

28. Best Floral Maternity Wedding Guest Dress: Club L London Late Night Maternity Ruched One-Shoulder Midi Dress

Photo: Club L London

This isn't the classic "florals for spring" print—instead of watercolor hues, it's rendered in a chic and sophisticated deep red and cream palette. An asymmetrical hemline mirrors the single shoulder and allover draping is both flattering and elevated.

Size range: 4–12

29. Best Babydoll Maternity Wedding Guest Dress: Lulus Unbelievably Lovely Babydoll Mini Dress

Photo: Lulus

A silhouette that feels made for bump bellies—if by name alone—is the babydoll dress. This one feels particularly formal with a weighted woven fabric, chic floral print and delicate bows. The square neckline and empire waist are flattering maternity details.

Size range: XXS–XXL

30. Best Pleated Maternity Wedding Guest Dress: Petal & Pup Vikki Dress

Photo: Petal & Pup

Pleats can add a pretty dimension to otherwise simple slip dresses, and they work beautifully with a bump. This maternity gown for a wedding guest is award-worthy in gold and features an asymmetrical hemline for added detail. Use code PETALXKNOT for 15% off.

Size range: 0–16