The Bridal Bump: Considerations for the Expectant Bride
expectant bride
Will you be a glowing bride who will also “have that special glow?” Lucky you! Congratulations! There’s a whole world of flattering bridal maternity fashions to choose from, so don’t be afraid to make the most of your shapely profile and flatter your newfound curves.
The Dress
First of all, yes, you can still wear a white wedding dress. More and more brides, especially those celebrating their second wedding, are discarding old-fashioned etiquette rules in favor of the gown they’ve always wanted. This doesn’t mean you’re limited to white, of course. If you fancy a hot pink wedding dress or a black wedding dress, it’s your big day and your decision.
Empire waists are your friends. Evoking sweet images of old-fashioned romance, this cut can also look surprisingly modern if paired with the right material and style. Gathered, stretchy material in the torso will hug and flatter your curves. Look for gowns with adjustable waists that lace or tie in the back, so you can be assured of a perfect fit no matter how your silhouette changes over the next few months.
If you worry about outgrowing your gown, no problem; order a few sizes larger than you think you’ll need. That way, as the wedding date nears, you can get alterations done to bring the gown down to your exact size. It’s always easier (and less expensive) to get a gown altered to be smaller rather than trying to add panels of matching material. It’s also physically safer to err on the larger side; trying to squeeze into a tight gown on the big day isn’t comfortable for you or the baby.
Simpler wedding gowns often make for better maternity wear. You want to be the star of the show, after all; don’t let yourself get upstaged by a million poufs of tulle. Simple lines emphasize your curves in an elegant, understated way.
Remember your other features. Not only should your gown flatter your belly, but it should also show off your favorite assets like your graceful neck and toned arms, or bring out the green in your eyes.
Practicalities
We don’t mean to sound like your mother, but honey, a woman needs supportive undergarments. Go get yourself some practical lingerie that will keep you comfortable throughout the day. You can always change before the honeymoon.
Good shoes are a must-have when you’re carrying an extra passenger. Skip the heels and opt for flats with good arch support, or embrace comfort fully with a pair of all-white tennis shoes. You can replace the laces with a white satin ribbon for a charming touch. If you don’t feel like flaunting your practical footwear, find a wedding gown that brushes the floor.
It’s a good idea to buy your shoes close to your wedding date, so even if your feet swell, you’ll still be guaranteed a good fit.
When planning your catering menu, be sure to leave yourself plenty of “safe” options like virgin drinks and fish with low mercury levels. If you’re experiencing nausea, be sure there are blander items like crackers handy. You don’t have to plan the whole menu around your pregnancy (unless you and your spouse want a dry celebration for other reasons), but you do want to make sure you can partake in the merriment.
Rejoice!
Pick poses that show off your belly in your engagement and wedding photos. These will be your first “family portraits” and you’ll be able to share them with your child after he or she is born.
Don’t forget to pamper yourself. Enjoy a relaxing day at the spa before your wedding, or get a complete beauty treatment done by a cosmetics professional. If you’re “glowing” from your pregnancy anyway, you’ll have a head start on a gorgeous complexion.
Your wedding will be even more than a celebration of two people in love; it will also mark the start of your new family. Proudly show off your curves as you walk down the aisle. Just be sure to plan your wedding date with plenty of time to spare, so you’re not surprised by a little wedding crasher!