No matter how well organised a bride you may be, there are some things you just can’t plan for, especially babies and, though babies are a cause for joy and celebration, when it comes to bridesmaids – and their growing baby bumps, – babies do mean you’ll need to put a little more thought into your style of bridesmaids’ gowns. Thankfully, there are plenty of beautiful and very flattering dresses designed especially for pregnant bridesmaids.
Lace is the perfect fabric for pregnant bridesmaids as it is ultra-feminine and flattering at the same time. Look for dresses with lace sleeves that provide a little more coverage than most bridesmaids’ dresses without looking too matronly.
Knotted or tie front dresses are a great choice for bridesmaids coping with the fuller bust of pregnancy as they provide coverage while accentuating those gorgeous new curves. The knot or tie draws the eye into the slimmest part of the body and then lets the material cascade down over the bump.
Draped dresses are big news right now, with fitted sections combined with looser swathes of fabric to create a modern outline. This style of dress looks fabulous on bridesmaids wanting to show off their legs – as well as their baby bumps.
Babydoll style dresses are ideal for pregnant bridesmaids as they’re fitted around the bust, usually with straps, and have skirts that falls from the empire line to the knee or slightly above.
Babydoll dresses are cute-as-a-button, as well as more comfortable than more fitted styles of dresses.
The empire line maxi dress is a classic look for pregnant bridesmaids. Available in a range of styles from strapless to halterneck, maxi dresses can be worn with flats instead of heels which will be a welcome relief for heavily pregnant ladies.
Kimono style bridesmaids’ dresses can be a fabulous choice for pregnant bridesmaids as they can be wrapped and tied to suit your bridesmaid’s baby bump perfectly. Short skirts, full sleeves, and waist ties add detail to these oriental style dresses, creating an elegant and unusual look.
Two tone or colour block dresses are becoming popular for bridesmaids, and this can work particularly well for pregnant bridesmaids. Look for a dress with a patterned or brightly coloured top half and a dark or single colour skirt to slim the tummy area. A pretty sash can separate the two and emphasise the bump beautifully.
Strappy dresses are generally more comfortable for pregnant bridesmaids than strapless styles as they’re able to fit a bra underneath. A scoop neck design with wide straps and a pleated bust is a particularly flattering choice and this works with an empire line dress of any length.
While we adore the idea of accentuating your baby bump, not everyone does. Single shoulder dresses really suite the pregnant figure but they also draw the eye upwards and away from a self-conscious bridesmaid’s baby bump all the way up to the shoulder. The ruched material and pencil skirt of the Isabella Oliver dress pictured above create a sensational side-on silhouette.
A wrap dress is a very practical choice for your pregnant bridesmaid, especially if you’re buying it quite some time before the wedding and you’re not sure what size she may be at the time of the wedding. Wrap dresses are highly adjustable and can simply be tied tighter or looser as necessary. They’re also great for accentuating pregnancy curves.
