With upwards of 20% of brides now expecting before they marry, the pregnant bride no longer has to worry her wedding dress choices. In the past they were extremely limited and many brides truly had to compromise on their dream gown. However, times have changed.
And even the once forbidden "white gown" has taken its rightful place as an acceptable colour choice for maternity brides.
Today a bride can select from a variety of styles and fabrics. Designs range from those featuring full and formal to sleek and clingy that leave little to the imagination. Wedding gowns these days are designed around brides' individual tastes and lifestyles.
You have two choices when looking for a dress - either you want to minimize or maximise the fact that you are pregnant.
If you want to minimize your growing tummy then look for an Empire or A-line style dress that breaks away at the bust line. These styles can be found as off-the-shoulder, strapless, detailed upper bodice or with simple lines.
But if you choose on the other hand to show off your pregnancy then choose something more form fitting such as sheath style gowns in soft fabrics e.g. stretch silks will not add bulk but will instead show off your curves.
The challenge you have when being pregnant that you are going to be of a different size and shape between the time when looking for the dress, buying the dress and wearing the dress. Therefore it is crucial to look for dresses, which will accommodate your changing shape but also buy only from suppliers who are prepared to make more fittings around your growing shape. They need to be flexible and prepared to make changes until the day of your wedding dress. The problem with being pregnant bride is that everyone is growing in a different shape to another and it is impossible to foresee what your shapes, forms and weight will be in several months time. Don't forget your bust line can change dramatically, so don't go for a very high neckline if you want to be safe! If your arms are going bigger in your pregnancy don't despair and choose a medieval - style dress with long, flowing sleeves for your wedding dress.
The big day is a long day and, if you're expecting you are bound to get tired more easily than usual. That means that comfort has to be paramount when choosing your dress, but also when choosing your shoes. Go for a comport heel and as well for a shoe, which is flexible to stretch - in case you get tired feet
Depending how far you will be down your pregnancy, but a veil can be overpowering when being a pregnant bride. Though there are many veils to choose from there are more chances of getting it wrong than right.
Some headpieces can be a nice feature, because it will give some additional height when being pregnant. But again here more chances of getting it wrong than right. A highly pregnant bride wearing e.g. a tiara just looks awkward and wrong. Try instead to go for a look which is complementing and celebrating your pregnancy and choose e.g. flowers instead.
Of course style need not be sacrificed for the sake of comfort, but for most pregnant women clinched waists, very tight-fitting dresses and the currently fashionable tight, laced bodices will be out. Instead, why not show off your new curves with a focus on the shoulders and bust?
Empire line, princess line or a-line dresses are perfect styles for pregnant brides - the dress flares from under the bust, although the empire line has a straighter skirt. You could also add a chiffon overdress to complete the outfit, or plump.
When pregnant your dominant colour- based on skin, eye and hair colour is very likely to change. Your feature will soften and very likely the colour of your skin in your face and décolleté will change in colour as well. Therefore choose a softer white rather a pure white for your wedding gown.
If you feel you need help and advice to find your wedding dress, then get in touch with on michaela@joyofcolour.com or on 0780 313 9755.
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