It’s so exciting to be a bridesmaid of your best friend and also exciting and happy to be a mom. When the two happy things meet each other, you will have a challenging time shopping for a perfect maternity bridesmaid dress.
This article will explore the key factors and tips for ordering a bridesmaid dress that comfortably accommodates your baby bump. Furthermore, we will explore dress alterations and adjustments. After reading through the article, you will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to shop for a perfect dress while fulfilling your role as a cherished member of the wedding.
Table of Contents
Part 1. Considerations for Choosing the Right Dress
- Your body changes during pregnancy. The overall gaining weight will cause a larger size, and a growing baby bump leads to much larger waist measurements, calling for an empire waist dress that accommodates the bump. It is essential to choose a dress that allows ample room for your expanding waistline, typically 2-3 sizes bigger than your actual size now, leaving enough room for growth in the last 1-2 months before the wedding.
- Fabric choices: Opt for comfortable materials like chiffon, satin, and stretchy jersey that offer flexibility and ease of movement. These fabrics can provide a comfortable fit while allowing the dress to drape gracefully over your baby bump.
- Best styles that flatter and accommodate a baby bump: Look for dresses for pregnant bridesmaids. Dresses with a higher waistline, which begins just under the bust, are ideal as they provide a generous skirt volume to accommodate the growing bump. However, remember that not all empire waist dresses are designed large enough to accommodate a baby bump, so choose a style that offers a pregnancy cut.
- Dress lengths: Opt for dresses explicitly tailored for pregnant bridesmaids. These dresses often have a longer hemline in the middle front, ensuring that even if the bump takes up the volume, the overall look appears to be floor length. Alternatively, you can select a dress with a longer hemline than your current measurements and have it hemmed a short time before the wedding to accommodate additional growth.
- How much room should be reserved for the bump: This question depends on how many weeks you are pregnant and how many weeks it will be by the wedding. If you are in your early pregnancy period, for example, if you are six weeks now and will be 19 weeks by the wedding, you will need to add about 4-5 inches based on your actual belly measurement. However, if you are 20 weeks now and will be about 30 weeks on the wedding day, you will need to leave more room. 7-8 inches will work. You can also consult the seller with your measurements, pregnancy weeks, and wedding date. Experienced sellers will give you professional advice; eDresstore.com, for example, is one of the best destinations for Maternity Bridesmaid Dresses. They have both bump-friendly designs and professional cut and service.
Part 2. Timing and Measurements
As a pregnant bridesmaid, giving yourself ample time when ordering the dress is essential. Pregnancy introduces more uncertain factors, and ordering early can help alleviate stress. It allows for potential alterations and ensures that the dress arrives well before the wedding day, providing peace of mind during this exciting but busy time.
Tips for taking accurate measurements during pregnancy: Precise measurements are crucial when ordering a bridesmaid dress. Here are some tips to ensure accuracy:
- Measure around your bust, underbust, hip, and belly: These measurements will help determine the appropriate size for your dress, considering your changing body shape. Be sure to measure the fullest part of each area.
- Consider your height and shoe height: Pregnancy might affect your posture and height. Measure your height, including the shoes you plan to wear on the wedding day, to ensure the dress is the correct length.
- Communicate with the seller about your pregnancy weeks: Inform the seller or dress designer how far along you will be on the wedding day. This information will help them guide you on the appropriate size and make any necessary adjustments for your growing baby bump.
- Estimate the open room you need to reserve: Consider the additional room required for comfort and flexibility as your pregnancy progresses. Discuss with the seller or dress designer to determine the ideal amount of space to reserve in the dress to accommodate your growing bump.
Part 3. Dress Alterations and Adjustments
Working with a professional tailor or seamstress experienced in formal wear. Here are some common alterations that may be necessary to ensure the dress fits and flatters your changing body shape:
- Adding or expanding the bodice: If the dress does not provide enough room for your bust or baby bump, the tailor can add fabric or create panels to expand the bodice. This modification allows for a comfortable and flattering fit.
- Altering the skirt or pleats: The skirt or pleats of the dress may require adjustments to accommodate the additional volume of the baby bump. The tailor can modify the skirt’s shape or wrinkles to ensure a balanced and elegant silhouette.
- Modifying closures or adding elastic inserts: Depending on the design of the dress, closures such as zippers or buttons may need to be adjusted or replaced with elastic inserts to accommodate your changing body shape and provide ease of movement.
- Hemming the dress: The growing bump will take up the skirt. Hemming ensures that it falls at overall the same length, instead of wearing a significantly high-low dress.
Part 4. Accessorizing and Styling
- Selecting comfortable and supportive footwear: As a pregnant bridesmaid, prioritizing comfort is essential. Opt for shoes that provide support and have a comfortable heel height, or consider elegant flats or sandals if they suit the dress style. Remember, your feet may swell during pregnancy, so choose shoes with room for added comfort.
- Hairstyles and makeup that enhance the pregnant bridesmaid’s natural beauty: Embrace your pregnancy glow and choose hairstyles and makeup that enhance your natural beauty. Consider soft, flowing hairstyles, like loose waves or an updo that frames your face gracefully.
Being a pregnant bridesmaid should be a joyful and memorable experience. Embrace your pregnancy journey and approach dress shopping with confidence. Remember that you are an essential part of the bridal party and deserve to feel beautiful and comfortable on the wedding day. Trust in finding a dress that complements your changing body and allows you to shine alongside the bride. Cherish this particular time in your life and celebrate the love and happiness surrounding the occasion. We wish you a memorable wedding experience of love, joy, and beautiful moments. Embrace your role as a bridesmaid, showcase your radiant glow, and create lasting memories that will be treasured for a lifetime. We have some top recommendations for pregnant bridesmaid dresses. Get inspired and ready for the coming wedding.