How to Find the Perfect Maternity Wedding Dress

Shopping for a wedding dress is undeniably exciting, but it's also an experience that many brides-to-be find a bit challenging. After all, this is likely going to be one of the most special (and highly documented days of your life), and you'll want to wear something that makes you feel beautiful, comfortable, and confident. As an expecting bride-to-be, the task might feel like a much taller order. Not only do you have to find a wedding dress you absolutely love, but it also has to be a design that can accommodate your growing bump.

Here's the good news: Experts agree that finding a maternity wedding dress—or a bridal gown that can easily be adapted to suit your body—doesn't have to be complicated. "My top tip is to look for maternity-specific options or dresses that can be customized for pregnancy," says Charles Dieujuste, the designer behind the wedding dress brand Scorcesa. Stephanie White, founder and creative director of Odylyne the Ceremony, echos this sentiment, adding, "Being pregnant while wedding dress shopping does not mean you are limited to "maternity" style dresses only. Try to find the perfect dress that allows movement and softness. You also want to find a silhouette that can give you the versatility of sizing."

Here, Dieujuste, White, and two other experts share their best advice for finding your dream wedding dress as a pregnant bride-to-be. Heed their tips and you'll be well on your way to scoring the gown of your dreams.

Give Yourself Enough Time

While this is an important note for all brides-to-be, it's especially critical when you're pregnant as you'll likely need to factor in more fittings. "A pregnant bride-to-be should start looking for a wedding dress as early as possible to allow time for fittings and adjustments," Dieujuste explains. Naturally, your body will change over the course of your pregnancy, so the size you are when you purchase your gown won't be the same size you are on when your wedding dress is delivered or on the big day; giving yourself ample time to both choose your big-day look and have it expertly tailored will be key.

Consider What You Want to Look Like on the Big Day

Before you set foot in a single bridal salon, consider what you want to look like when you say "I do." This will ensure you start your search with the appropriate designers, something that's especially important when your timeline is tighter. "Research is key here," says White. "Choose a designer that speaks to the pregnant version of yourself. You want to look the best at the most special time of your life so choosing a designer that will enhance the features you currently have while acknowledging the growth is really important."

Call Ahead to Any Bridal Salons You'd Like to Visit

Preparing always ensures a better result, so confirm that any bridal salons you'd like to visit have an array of sizes and styles available to you. "It's important to communicate your needs and concerns with the bridal salon or designer you are working with," says Dieujuste. "They can offer guidance, suggest suitable options, and provide expert advice to help you find the perfect wedding dress for your special day."

Ultimately, you should be able to find a gown at nearly any salon, so if your initial inquiries are met with mixed responses, it's best to move on. "A pregnant bride-to-be can definitely find a wedding dress at various salons and from different designers," Dieujuste adds. "Many bridal salons and designers offer maternity wedding dresses or can make alterations to accommodate a changing body shape."

Choose the Right Silhouette

First and foremost, ask yourself what you want to look like on your wedding day: Are you hoping to accentuate your growing baby bump, or is your overarching goal to minimize it? This will guide you toward the right wedding dress silhouette. For pregnant brides who are trying to keep their growing tummy under wraps, a strapless wedding dress with an empire waist and a lace or tulle overlay is a smart choice. Dieujuste says an empire waist—which will highlight the smallest part of your torso—or A-line silhouette will be your best choices for your a growing belly.

If you're hoping to highlight the fact that you're expecting, look for form-fitting gowns made from material with give to ensure you're comfortable. "Try to find the perfect dress that allows movement, softness, comfort, and a silhouette that can give you the versatility of sizing," says Madeline Gardner of Morilee. Remember: Maternity absolutely does not have to be matronly—especially if that's not what you want.

Always Size Up

Don't forget that most wedding dresses take at least four to six months to be delivered; while you could pay rush fees to have it hand sooner, you'll never walk out of a bridal salon with a dress the same day you try it on unless you buy an off-the-rack look or a sample. For that reason, it's best to size up. You can always take a wedding dress in, but letting it out—especially to accommodate a growing baby bump—can be tricky.

A good rule of thumb is to add at least one inch for each month of pregnancy remaining to your waist line, but rely on your bridal salon and consultant to help you make an informed decision. White says, "I suggest ordering a size based on where you are in your pregnancy. Typically, ordering one size up if you’ll be three to five months pregnant at your wedding. And If you’ll be more than six months pregnant, go up two sizes."

Know Your Fabrics

Fabric can go a long way when it comes to the comfort and feel of your maternity wedding dress. Stick to materials that will give you room to grow without constricting your bump. "The fabrics that work best are soft, ethereal tulle or chiffon," says Gardner. "Softness and flowing details are always lovely. Also, stretch fabrics in crepe or jersey will contour the body and allow for a very comfortable fit."

Dieujuste adds, "Choose fabrics that are comfortable and provide some stretch, such as jersey, chiffon, or stretch lace. Avoid heavy or restrictive fabrics that may not provide enough flexibility as your body changes."

Embrace Extra Panels and Corsets

If, when your wedding dress arrives, it's still too tight, don't panic: There are some solutions available to you, including panels and corseting. Your salon should be able to order extra fabric straight from your wedding dress designer, and you can then rely on a great seamstress to create a panel that suits the style of the gown and gives your belly a bit more space. Dieujuste says, "It's also a good idea to consider adjustable or corset-style backs for flexibility."

Keep It Simple

There's no need to go overboard with an intricate, over-the-top gown or tons of statement jewelry for pregnant brides. "You need to remember that your bump should be thought of as an oversized accessory; don't try to compete with it," explains Emmy Award-winning stylist and author David Zyla. Plus, the more simple the style, the easier it will be to make adjustments should they be necessary. A heavily-beaded wedding dress is harder to alter than one made from tulle.

Make Comfort a Priority

Our experts all agree on one thing: Comfort is key when choosing your maternity wedding dress. You'll look your best, baby bump and all, when you truly feel your best in your wedding dress.