Every Bride dreams of being surrounded by her best friends and/or sisters (if she has them) at her wedding. You plan, you shop, you try on gowns and sometimes even after the plans are made and the gowns are ordered...something unthinkable happens.
"You're....PREGNANT?"...exclaims the Bride.
The professional Bridal Stylist at salons like
Michelle's Bridal & Tuxedo, in Urbana, IL have heard this exclamation hundreds (maybe THOUSANDS) of times. Don't panic. Here is some time-tested advice on how to do babies and weddings at the same time.
If your bridesmaid already knows she'll be expecting a baby when they accept the offer of being an attendant, that's easy. Many companies offer a maturity line of bridesmaids gowns. Their gowns are most often soft, flowy material, and can have ties or adjustments to accommodate a growing belly. Designers like
Alfred Sung,(black)
Bill Levkoff, (hot pink) and
Alfred Angelo (purple) have many fashionable styles to choose from.
Trying to get pregnant? Choose your styles wisely. Many gowns can be skillfully altered and made into beautiful maternity styles. Choose a gown with a fuller skirt, and preferably a waistband, or an empire style. These styles are most likely to give the belly room to grow and a natural waistband can be easily altered into an empire style, if necessary. No one can predict how big or small they may be, so trust the advice of your stylist. They have dealt with alterations and sizing for many pregnant maids. They will give you the best ideas for what may or may not be possible.
Choosing a non-traditional, or different style for your expectant maid is another great option. It's not necessary to try to make all your girls look the same. Having a pregnant maid changes everything. Do what is necessary to make her feel comfortable and beautiful, not just making her match.
The right attitude will make your wedding day a stunning a memorable occasion for all involved. Your expectant maids with look lovely and glowing by simply choosing a flattering style with them and their bellies in mind.
Alterations, Alterations, Alterations...
The key to an amazing maturity gown is getting good alterations. If the gown you ordered ends up being too small, additional fabric is most likely available. This usually also means waiting until the last minute to make alterations for an always changing belly. Visit your gown retailer for advice on whether ordering additional fabric is necessary, and setting up a consultation ahead of time with a seamstress to best plan for the alterations ahead.
As the Bride, it's important to remember to be flexible. All expectant mothers are not the same. Be accommodating, and sympathetic if she needs a different style, different shoes, or straps.
No matter what they wear, just enjoy having your expectant bff as your bridesmaid! After all, you will be making memories that will last for generations to come!
©
Mark Romine Photography
©Brian Beachy Photography
