How to Pick a Wedding Dress While Pregnant
Culturally we've accepted the move beyond the pure white wedding dress and evolved to embrace palettes ranging from blushes and maritimes to SJP's famous midnight black. With the same in mind, many couples wait to marry until they've already owned a home together, or are expecting a child. If you're one of the expectants, a bride or bridesmaid, this article has you in mind.
No longer should the "should's" be considered for today's bride. As an expecting bride, there are numerous options to embrace and deliberately welcome the baby bump in dress shopping, just as there are ways to camouflage and downplay it.
As an expectant bride, consider the same things any other bride would consider: style, fit, color, and that special something. Now we aren't here to say what you "should" wear for your magical moment, we're here to give inspiration and excitement to educate you on some options you now have!
First, many bridal experts highly recommend disclosing your pregnancy to your bridal consultant in order to find the best fitted dress while also recognizing a need for physical growth in your gown. An experienced bridal consultant can help you navigate the need to alter a dress to your growing baby bump while making you feel stunning. Thankfully the new lace lines seem to embrace the stretchy pant modality to create what I like to refer to as the yoga pants of wedding dresses.
Styles to consider for the pregnant bride wanting to show off her bump are fitted and accentuate curves. Think mermaid and trumpet. Now it is very important to remember that the expectant bride will want to schedule numerous fittings to accommodate a growing belly but also to ensure the right fit day of, she should have a fitting one week before the wedding to ensure the perfect fit.
Just as easily to accentuate we have the ability to conceal thanks to trendy bohemian inspired gowns and cuts. Greek Goddess your look and opt for an empire cut with a v-neck to elongate your neck and draw attention away from your midline. Fabrics that are lightweight and flowy (perfect for a summer wedding or the overheated bride) are generally made in these styles. Bridesmaids expecting or hoping to expect should consider this style as well in selecting a gown. This will allow the opportunity to grow without the need for alterations or a last minute spendy purchase.
As many brides find themselves struggling with, remember to de-stress and enjoy. Think of fun ways to reveal your bump to your family and friends if you so choose, or reveal the gender of the baby through a bold colored shoe or by cutting the cake to reveal the traditional blue or pink!