What are the most maternity-friendly dress silhouettes?

Some universally flattering and bump-friendly silhouettes are empire waist dresses, wrap dresses, muumuus, A-line, and body-skimming dresses. However, finding the right maternity dress is all about choosing a silhouette that flatters your body type and makes you look and feel your best.

What dress fabrics are the most comfortable for pregnant wedding guests?

This is ultimately a personal preference. While some expecting mothers may prefer to wear loose-fitting silhouettes crafted from flowing fabrics like jersey or chiffon, others may feel more comfortable in more structured or body-hugging silhouettes made from fabrics such as stretch crepe or crisp cotton.

Can I wear a non-maternity dress?

Absolutely! There are no rules that say you have to buy your wedding guest dress from a maternity brand.

17 Best Maternity Guest Dresses of 2022

off-the-shoulder maternity dress — Courtesy of Shopbop

Whether it’s your first baby on the way or you are expecting a third child, maternity style always manages to feel slightly complicated when it comes to formal events. Regardless of how cute a baby bump can look all dressed up, finding a fun frock that manages to toe the line between stylish and comfortable is not the easiest quest — but it doesn’t have to be that way anymore.

If you’ve been invited to a friend or family’s nuptials and are (or plan to be) pregnant on the big day, the edit of maternity guest dresses below will check off one item on your pre-wedding to-do list. Continue ahead for gorgeous options in an array of colors featuring romantic detailing like delicate ruffles, voluminous puff sleeves, soft velvet textures, and oh so much more. And remember: if you find a dress that lends a flowing silhouette that can accommodate a bump, don’t worry if it’s not from a maternity brand. You make the rules!

Read on for the best maternity wedding guest dresses.

For a Black-Tie Wedding: Kim and Kai Abigail Off-the-Shoulder Maternity Dress

This long black gown exudes elegance and ease. Wear with your hair pulled back into a low ponytail or swept to the side.

For a Fall Wedding: ASOS DESIGN Maternity Pleated Maxi Dress

Jewel tones like deep emerald green are perfect for a fall or winter wedding. Wear yours with gold accessories to complete the look.

Best Cold-Shoulder: Hope & Ivy Floral Maxi Dress

floral maternity dress — Courtesy of ASOS

The mix of spring-inspired florals and elegant cold-shoulder neckline lend this maternity dress major wedding guest points. Wear it with mules for an extra-stylish finish.

Most Comfortable: Hatch The Fete Gown

This stunning gown from Hatch is the kind of fluid dress that’ll make you feel like dancing. The halter neckline is convertible, to boot!

For a Spring Wedding: River Island Maternity Floral Wrap Dress

Allover florals for a spring or summer wedding are always a fitting and romantic choice. This pretty frock features a pretty frilly hem, a belted waist, and a flattering wrap silhouette.

Best Black Dress: Hatch The Ricky Slip Dress

A silky and timeless little black dress with a flattering neckline — you’ll feel stunning all night long. Follow the styling lead and pair yours with a moto jacket.

For a Formal Wedding: Seraphine Maternity Gown With Neckline Tie

If you’re going to a more formal ceremony, this floor-length gown option is a no-brainer. Add in low-heel metallic sandals for a pop of texture.

Best Muted Floral Pattern: ASOS DESIGN Shirred Wrap Dress

When in doubt, a moody floral pattern always does the trick–especially for fall or winter nuptials. Add a faux leather jacket or lightweight wool coat to complete your look.

Best Wrap Silhouette: Christy Dawn Autumn Dress

blue wrap dress — Courtesy of Christy Dawn

Fact: A wrap dress looks especially flattering when worn with a baby bump. We’ll take two.

Most Feminine: Frances Hart Double Layered Peplum Dress

A peplum silhouette looks especially charming with a baby bump, as illustrated by this powdery blue number.

Best Free-Flowing Silhouette: Merlette Anemoon Dress

This NYC brand is all about free-flowing silhouettes, which makes it a perfect option for maternity wedding guest dresses. Just add your favorite footwear.

Best Festive Attire: ASOS DESIGN Velvet Cowl Neck Mini Dress

If you’re attending a wedding during the holidays that calls for festive attire, consider this flattering velvet frock. It’s simple yet refined.

For the Boho Guest: Dôen Pregnancy and Nursing Friendly Dress

Going for that whole free-spirited-outdoorsy-bohemian kind of vibe? This petal pink number should do the trick. This style is both pregnancy and nursing friendly.

Most Versatile: ASOS DESIGN Floral Midi Dress

If you’re hunting for an easy, versatile dress this floral mini is a smart pick. It would go with just about any handbag and footwear pairing.

Best Bold Color: Staud Meadow Dress

This bold gown isn’t maternity, but we have a sneaking suspicion it would look even better worn by someone with a bump. Accessorize with statement earrings to polish things off.

Most Sweet and Simple: True Violet Bow Front

An elegant black-tie wedding calls for sophisticated styles and silhouettes. We love this sophisticated maxi gown complete with a whimsical bow for any formal affair.

Best Budget: H&M MAMA Draped Satin Dress

Minimalist at heart? No problem. This pared-down black dress is ideal for a fuss-free guest attending a semi-formal wedding.

What to Look For in a Maternity Wedding Guest Dress

There's no need to sacrifice style for comfort when it comes to maternity wedding guest dresses. In fact, there are scores of styles out there that are not only bump-friendly but fashion-forward, too. When shopping for a maternity wedding guest dress, keep in mind that the fabric and silhouette will play a big role in the overall comfort and fit of the garment. Dresses made of stretch cotton, lace, jersey, and stretch crepe are much more breathable than other fabrics while styles with elastic, adjustable, or no waist require little or no adjustments. Additionally, dresses designed with a stretch lining also make for a relaxed and flattering option that doesn't require too many alterations.

FAQ

What are the most maternity-friendly dress silhouettes?

Some universally flattering and bump-friendly silhouettes are empire waist dresses, wrap dresses, muumuus, A-line, and body-skimming dresses. However, finding the right maternity dress is all about choosing a silhouette that flatters your body type and makes you look and feel your best.
What dress fabrics are the most comfortable for pregnant wedding guests?

This is ultimately a personal preference. While some expecting mothers may prefer to wear loose-fitting silhouettes crafted from flowing fabrics like jersey or chiffon, others may feel more comfortable in more structured or body-hugging silhouettes made from fabrics such as stretch crepe or crisp cotton.
Can I wear a non-maternity dress?

Absolutely! There are no rules that say you have to buy your wedding guest dress from a maternity brand.

Why Trust Brides

Nicole Kliest is a freelance fashion and travel writer based in New York City. With over 11 years of experience in the digital publishing industry, her work has appeared on sites including Who What Wear, The Zoe Report, Cools, Popsugar, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle. Nicole has been contributing to Brides since 2020.

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