Photo: Bella Bridesmaids | Jordan Keenan

Being in a wedding party is a big deal and a huge honor!

You get to wear a pretty dress and make a grand entrance into the reception. You’ll enjoy a fun girls’ night out at the bachelorette party. And best of all, you have the honor of standing beside one of your best friends as she says her “I do’s”!

But how do you take on all those fun bridesmaid duties if you’re pregnant?

From how to choose a dress to when to get your alterations, here’s everything you need to know if you’re a bridesmaid who’s also a mom-to-be!

What Size Bridesmaid Dress Should You Order if You’re Pregnant?

Designers like Jenny Yoo and Amsale sell maternity bridesmaid dresses made for pregnant women.

But you may not need a “maternity gown" at all.

You may still want to order a “regular” dress style in a size larger than your normal/pre-pregnancy size to accommodate your new figure. It all depends on your usual size and how far along you’ll be on your friend’s wedding day.

Whether you choose a dress that’s ruched, pleated, detailed with a high slit, or adorned with ruffles, here’s how to know what size dress to order at different pregnancy milestones:

Bridesmaids who’ll be more than seven months pregnant should order a yard of extra fabric. You could need more extensive alterations at the last minute!

Certain brands, such as Dessy, offer a full range of fabrics you can buy by the yard, including luxe jersey, soft tulle, chiffon, and stretch crepe.

Shop our full collection of maternity bridesmaid dresses!

How To Choose the Right Bridesmaid Dress When You’re Pregnant

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Scottsdale | Ryann Lindsey

Finding the right dress for a growing belly is easier than you may think. The fabric and the dress silhouette are the most important things to pay attention to when looking for a dress.

What’s the Best Silhouette for a Pregnant Bridesmaid?

If you feel comfortable doing so, let the bride know how pregnant you’ll be on the wedding day before you start dress shopping for bridesmaid dresses. Your changing body might actually help her in the dress-choosing process.

Many pregnant bridesmaids prefer flowing silhouettes like empire waist dresses and wrap dresses. They’re comfortable and flattering to a fuller waistline because they flow away from the body. 

However, others feel more confident in structured silhouettes that fit snugly to the body and accentuate their baby bump. If your bride has her heart set on a more fitted silhouette, don’t worry. 

With the right alterations, you can make any dress fit well and make you look amazing for her special day! 

What’s the Best Fabric for a Pregnant Bridesmaid?

Lightweight fabrics, stretch fabrics, and flowy fabrics, such as chiffon, stretch jersey, and stretch velvet, are ideal when you have a growing belly.

They move and are more forgiving. They’re also generally more comfortable to wear than rigid fabrics or woven fabrics, such as sequins and satins that don’t stretch.

Tip: Consider Asking the Bride if You Can Mix & Match Dresses 

Mix-and-match bridesmaid dresses always look chic!

Many brides simply choose a fabric and color. They then let their bridesmaids decide whether to wear a V-neck, cowl neck, off-the-shoulder, strapless, or halter neckline.

Many brides also leave it up to their bridesmaids to decide if they want to wear spaghetti straps, sleeveless dresses, or flutter sleeves.

If your bride-to-be doesn’t have one specific dress in mind, tell her what styles you feel most comfortable in. Then, you can choose a dress that both of you love!

Read: Who Decides? Bridesmaid Shopping Etiquette in 2025

Some of Our Favorite Maternity Dresses

Maternity bridesmaid dresses come in every color, silhouette, and fabric imaginable! 

Here are a few gorgeous options that might be perfect for the big day:

Jenny Yoo Sullivan Dress 

Jenny Yoo Sullivan Dress

The Jenny Yoo Sullivan dress is effortless. It features luxe stretch velvet fabric with a straight-cut skirt, a high empire waist seam for all-day comfort, and a chic halter cowl neckline. 

Amsale Magda Dress 

Amsale Magda Dress

The Amsale Magda dress is polished and refined. It comes in textured faille fabric with a structured circle skirt, an empire waist, and a V-neck bodice with wide, supportive straps. 

Bari Jay 2403-M Dress 

Bari Jay 2403-M Dress

The Bari Jay 2403-M bridesmaid dress will flatter your baby bump with its fit and flare silhouette. It features a sleeveless, one-shoulder bodice, draping across the bust, and an oversized bow on the shoulder. 

Maternity M448 Dress 

Maternity M448 Dress

The Maternity M448 bridesmaid dress is ultra comfortable with its elastic waistband. It comes with flutter bell sleeves, a flattering V-neckline with little buttons, and a pretty V-back. 

LulaKate Abby Bodice with Maternity Midi Skirt 

LulaKate Abby Bodice with Maternity Midi Skirt

The LulaKate Abby Bodice with Maternity Midi Skirt features a structured silhouette with a below-the-knee A-line skirt and a sleeveless bodice with a high halter neckline. 

When To Order Your Bridesmaid Dresses

All bridesmaids — pregnant or not — should order their dresses at least six months before the wedding day and should do so at the same time.

Why?

Because ordering your dresses at the same time ensures that the dye lots and fabrics will match! Otherwise, you could end up with slightly different shades of the same color and less-than-perfect wedding photos.

It doesn’t matter if your color scheme is mauve and gray, burgundy and blush, or light blue and sage green. Place all of your dress orders on the same day.

Dress Fitting Timeline for Pregnant Bridesmaids

You can be certain that you’ll need some alterations.

That’s true whether you order a…

Your first dress fitting should be about four to six weeks before the wedding — pregnant or not. Your tailor can do simple alterations, such as taking up the hem, ensuring long sleeves hit the right point, or adjusting short sleeves that hang too long.

Bridesmaids who aren’t pregnant typically schedule their dress pick-up and final fitting two weeks before the wedding.

However, pregnant bridesmaids should schedule their dress pick up/final fitting ONE week before the wedding to get the most accurate fit.

Just be sure to book your appointment far in advance. Tailors book up quickly in peak wedding season!

Try on your dress once more two or three days before the wedding, just in case you need some last-minute adjustments.

Want to schedule a fitting at one of our 40+ showrooms? Find a Bella Bridesmaids location near you & book an appointment today!

When To Tell the Bride That You’re Expecting

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Madison | Ardent Zeal

If you feel comfortable, let the bride know you’re pregnant when she asks you to be in her wedding party. If you prefer to wait until the end of your first trimester, you can do that, too. 

Choose what’s best for you! 

Before accepting the invitation to be a bridesmaid, consider how pregnant you will be on the wedding date.

If your due date is several weeks or months after the wedding date, say yes. Be a bridesmaid! 

If you expect to be 9 months pregnant on the day of the wedding, you may want to politely decline the invitation. You never know if you’ll go into labor a bit early and be unable to attend the wedding.

In this scenario, let the bride know that it might be best if you attend her festivities as a wedding guest. You can still help plan the bridal shower and prepare for her big day!

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Being a bridesmaid who’s expecting is no different than being any other bridesmaid. The only exception is possibly needing more extensive alterations.

Support the bride, help her in any way you can, and show your love and loyalty to her on the big day!

And just know this:

No matter how big your belly may be at the wedding, you’ll look fabulous in that dress!

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