There’s that famous rhyme that we’ve all grown up hearing: “First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage.” Well, what happens when the baby comes before the marriage? You rock your baby bump in a flattering wedding dress, of course! Whether you just have a hint of a belly or are in your third trimester, shopping for maternity wedding dresses isn’t as difficult as most people think. Here are some of our top tips for a less stressful wedding shopping experience for expecting brides:
Sizing
The general rule of thumb is to add 1 inch per month of pregnancy to your dress measurements or to simply get the next size up. However, no one can really predict how much change a woman’s body will go through during her pregnancy, so if you want to avoid purchasing a dress that ends up being too tight, consider getting a corset back wedding dress. Corset dresses are highly recommended for expecting brides as they allow the wearer to easily tighten or loosen the laces, instantly achieving a custom-fit bodice.
Style
For those who want to flaunt their baby bumps, we recommend focusing on stretchy fabrics such as jersey and dress silhouettes such as sheaths and A-line gowns. Alternatively, for those wanting to conceal their bump, look for empire waist dresses, which are fitted around the bust and flow from the bust down. They are also made from airy and light fabrics such as chiffon and organza, which are comfortable to wear easy to move in.
Accessories
Just like you picking your wedding dress to accommodate your changing body, you will need to consider that your feet will expand as well. Foot swelling is very common among expecting mothers, so you must take this into account and choose the proper shoes for your big day. Whether you prefer flats or mid heels, the most important thing is that you’ll be comfortable in them. If you’re unsure about sizing, buy a spare pair in the next half-size or size up so you have another option if your feet swell up.