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Brides / Kristin Kempa
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 often a challenging quest—but it doesn’t have to be! For insight on finding the perfect formal maternity dress for you, we consulted Tiffany London, the founder of Tiffany Rose Maternity.
"It is absolutely possible to fuse comfort with style, elegance, and glamour–so pregnant wedding guests should look equally as stunning and stylish no matter what stage of pregnancy," she says. London recommends empire waist silhouettes, as it's both flattering and comfortable for your bump. You'll also want to consider the formality, venue, and season of the nuptials to find an outfit that's appropriate for the specific event. The most important thing, however, is that you feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful in whatever you choose.
With these points in mind, we researched the best maternity wedding guest dresses. We looked for fabrics that are equally comfortable and stylish, bump-friendly silhouettes, and a range of colors and fabrics to suit all wedding themes.
Best Understated
Hatch The Briar Dress
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Hatch
Size Range: 0-4 | Colors: Indigo, Sky Blue | Material: Viscose
Simple, sweet, and understated, this navy blue maternity dress can do no wrong. The best part is that it's both pretty and practical. It features a nursing-friendly placket, under-the-bust smocking, and an empire waist so you're comfortable and prepared for the evening ahead.
Price at time of publish: $278
Best Cold-Shoulder
ASOS Hope & Ivory Maternity Cold-Shoulder Satin Mini Dress in Red Floral Tile Print
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ASOS
Size Range: 2-12 | Colors: Red Floral | Material: Polyester
Off-the-shoulder necklines flatter most body types and take a subtle approach to showing a glint of skin. This style uses a cold-shoulder silhouette for a whimsical effect. Softly draped fabric highlights the shoulders and arms, while the satiny fabric has a bright floral design. Replete with a dainty drape and a charming tie, the back is best shown off while twirling on the dance floor at the reception.
Price at time of publish: $148
Best Comfortable
ASTR the Label Carlin Off Shoulder Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
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ASTR the Label
Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: Mango, Black, White | Materials: Cotton, Polyester, Rayon
Comfort and head-turning style don’t always go hand-in-hand, but this midi dress has both. The peppy hue brings a festive pop of color to any reception, and the off-shoulder puff sleeves are also perfect for a party. The skirt has a roomy, relaxed fit, while the smocked back is elasticized for extra comfort and give. Depending on the wedding’s dress code, you could make this a bit more soignee with a chignon and some statement jewelry. Or, pair it with beaded sandals for a relaxed destination wedding on the beach.
Price at time of publish: $138
Best Black-Tie
Hatch The Viola Dress
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Hatch
Size Range: 0-4 | Colors: Black | Material: Rayon, Spandex
When the dress code is black-tie, something long, sleek, and dark fits the bill every time. This versatile take on formal attire has a leg slit and an asymmetrical neckline to give it a bit of edge — but its fit is disarmingly comfy. Made from stretchy, soft jersey, the ankle-grazing dress is easy to wear, and to jazz up with formal footwear. For a black-tie wedding, shoes in a fancy texture such as velvet or leather are always a nice touch.
Price at time of publish: $328
Best for a Spring Wedding
Seraphine Floral Silk Maternity Maxi Dress
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Seraphine
Size Range: 2-14 | Colors: Purple Floral | Material: Silk, Viscose
Florals for spring might not be groundbreaking, but they are a classic choice for bringing sweet, seasonal flair to a springtime event. With a roomy empire waist, this silky maxi dress would be perfectly at home at an elegant garden ceremony or twirling on the dance floor at a tented reception. It was designed for use before, during, and after pregnancy, so you can store it for several springtime weddings to come. To highlight the dress’s fresh feel, opt for a soft beauty look with a touch of shimmer.
Price at time of publish: $349
Best Mini
Pinkblush Black Polka Dot Mesh ¾ Sleeve Maternity Dress
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Pinkblush
Size Range: S-L | Colors: Black, Pink, White | Material: Polyester
With a short, swishy skirt and polka dots on its sleeves, this dress embodies gamine wedding-guest style. Ruffles add more whimsy to the party dress, and its empire waistline leaves plenty of room for a burgeoning belly. The dress comes in three colors. The black version — which puts an elegant, nighttime-ready spin on the look— is the most versatile. This dress can be worn before and after pregnancy. And, speaking of gamine, it would pair beautifully with leather ballet flats for some Audrey Hepburn-style flair.
Price at time of publish: $74
Best Boho
Baltic Born Kia Kimono Maxi Dress
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Baltic Born
Size Range: XS-XXXL | Colors: 20 | Material: Polyester
Though not technically classified as a maternity dress, this dreamy, flowy dress falls under Baltic Born’s “bump-friendly” category. With a dark floral pattern and a floor-skimming maxi skirt, the dress is made for a laidback wedding with a bohemian flair. Pair it with a soft beauty look and whimsical accessories with a natural touch. A flower crown, for example, would cap off the look in a perfectly free-spirited way.
Price at time of publish: $77
Best Long-Sleeved Dress
Show Me Your Mumu Thalia Maxi Dress
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Show Me Your Mumu
Size Range: XS-XXL | Color: Cantaloupe | Material: Satin, Polyester, Spandex
In a poppy hue with a satiny gleam, this long-sleeved style has a throwback appeal. Its poet sleeves and built-in neck scarf give it a touch of retro glamour, while its loose, flowing fit will keep you relaxed and comfortable during the ceremony and through to the last dance. A sleek chignon will play up its party-ready appeal, and a bronzed beauty look would pair nicely with its beachy hue.
Price at time of publish: $198
Best Slip
Hatch The Easy Slip Dress
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Hatch
Size Range: 0-4 | Color: Jade, Rosewood | Material: Polyester
A simple slip dress is a comfortable option for a wedding with a more casual dress code — and it oozes ‘90s nostalgia. (After all, the era’s iconic bride Carolyn Bessette wore a slip dress on her wedding day.) This bias-cut style by Hatch has a breezy silhouette and is available in a Jade color that lends some jewel-hued glam. Add some festive shoes to give the dress more of a special occasion feel. And if the ceremony is in a church, bring a shawl to cover your shoulders.
Price at time of publish: $298
Best for a Beach Wedding
Pinkblush Pink Tropical Print Smocked Tie-Sleeve Maternity Maxi Dress
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Pinkblush
Size Range: S-L | Color: Pink | Materials: Cotton
If there’s any setting that calls for tiers, tie sleeves, and a pattern that’s as bright as a tropical-fruit mocktail, it’s a beach wedding. This floor-grazing— or should we say sand-grazing?—style is extra comfortable. It has an empire waist and a stretchy smocked top for a breezy, relaxed fit. Play up its brightness with a bold beauty look: This is your moment to play with a coral or bright pink lip.
Price at time of publish: $82
Best Patterned Dress
Baltic Born Marseille Embossed Maxi Dress
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Baltic Born
Size Range: XS-3XL | Color: 24 | Materials: Viscose, Polyester
The sartorial equivalent of a lush, wild rose garden, this dreamy dress oozes fairytale appeal. Its embroidered pattern puts a textured twist on a more typical floral look and its floaty sleeves are covered with delicate vines. With a roomy elastic waistline, the dress has a crossover top that makes it friendly for nursing. Such an eye-popping pattern speaks for itself, so this look plays best with simple accessories. Consider a classic ballet flat and a dewy beauty look that melds with the dress’s storybook-chic aesthetic.
Price at time of publish: $142
Best Budget
Boohoo Maternity Off the Shoulder Wrap Dress
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Boohoo
Size Range: 4-20 | Colors: 6 | Material: Polyester, Elastane
The beautiful blush hue and an elegant off-the-shoulder neckline are at once romantic and sophisticated. And the uniquely structured sleeves add an eye-catching touch. Is pink not your thing? Opt for one of the six other color options available.
Price at time of publish: $20
For a Fall Wedding
Tiffany Rose Maternity Lucy Dress
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Tiffany Rose
Size Range: 0-6 | Color: Black, Pink | Material: Polyester
If you’re hunting for an easy, versatile dress then this floral mini is a smart pick. It would go with just about any handbag or footwear pairing, and the earthy florals make it perfect for a fall ceremony.
Price at time of publish: $255
For a Formal Wedding
Seraphine Maternity Gown With Neckline Tie
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Size Range: 0-14 | Colors: Navy, Sky Blue | Materials: Viscose, Elastane, Polyamide | Length: Floor
If you’re going to a more formal ceremony, this floor-length gown option is a no-brainer. We especially love the lace back with keyhole detailing. Add in low-heel metallic sandals for a pop of texture.
Price at time of publish: $300
Meet the Expert
Tiffany London is the founder and creative director of Tiffany Rose Maternity–a British brand specializing in maternity occasion dresses and bridal wear.
What to Look For in a Maternity Wedding Guest Dress
Comfort and Fabric
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.
"I think everything you would look for in a beautiful dress should stand regardless of whether you’re pregnant or not–today you should not have to compromise one jot," says London. "Of course, I would always say that comfort is paramount."
When shopping for a maternity wedding guest dress, keep in mind that the fabric 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. Addtionally, dresses designed with a stretch lining also make for a relaxed and flattering option that doesn't require too many alterations. . Made from cotton and featuring a stretchy smocked back, the ASTR the Label Carlin Off Shoulder Puff Sleeve Midi Dress is our pick for most comfortable.
Silhouette
"We would always recommend an empire line silhouette when choosing your perfect maternity occasion dress–simply because it’s the most flattering fit when you’re dressing a bump and so is a great place to start," says London. Empire waists can range from short like Pinkblush Black Polka Dot Mesh ¾ Sleeve Maternity Dress to long like Baltic Born Kia Kimono Maxi Dress.
Dress Code
You'll also want to consider the formality, venue, and season of the nuptials to find an outfit that's appropriate for the specific event. For a summer wedding on the beach, consider a bright maxi dress like Pinkblush Pink Tropical Print Smocked Tie-Sleeve Maternity Maxi Dress. For a black tie wedding, you can't go wrong with a timeless black gown like Hatch the Viola Dress.
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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