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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.
To help you narrow down your search for maternity guest dresses, we've researched and rounded up the best options with these features in mind. For a formal black-tie affair, we love the Kim and Kai Abigail Off-the-Shoulder Maternity Dress and the Seraphine Maternity Gown With Neckline Tie. Looking for a gorgeous floral frock? You can't go wrong with the River Island Maternity Floral Wrap Dress.
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.
Read on for the best maternity wedding guest dresses for every style, season, and budget.
For a Formal Wedding
Seraphine Maternity Gown With Neckline Tie
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Courtesy of Seraphine
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
Best Color
ASOS Maternity Wrap Slinky Blouson Sleeve Midi Dress
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Courtesy of ASOS
This head-turning bold green hue is perfect for a spring or summer wedding. Plus, the V-neckline and wrap design make it oh-so-flattering for your growing bump. Wear yours with gold accessories to complete the look.
Price at time of publish: $49
Best Cold-Shoulder
Hope & Ivy Maternity Cold Shoulder Maxi Dress
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Courtesy of ASOS
The mix of spring-inspired florals and the elegant cold-shoulder neckline lend this maternity dress major wedding guest points. Wear it with mules for an extra stylish finish.
Price at time of publish: $165
Most Comfortable
Hatch The Fete Gown
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Courtesy of Hatch
This stunning gown from Hatch is the kind of fluid dress that’ll make you feel like dancing. Not to mention, the halter neckline is convertible. So you can style it in multiple ways for a totally versatile ensemble.
Price at time of publish: $348
For a Spring Wedding
River Island Maternity Floral Wrap Dress
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Courtesy of ASOS
Allover florals for a spring or summer wedding are always a fitting and romantic choice. This pretty frock features a frilly hem, a belted waist, and a flattering wrap silhouette that's sure to impress.
Price at time of publish: $110
Best Pattern
ASOS Maternity Long Sleeve Shirred Midi Dress
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Courtesy of ASOS
How adorable is this polka dot print? It's a fun yet formal option that's perfect for fall or winter nuptials. Add a faux leather jacket or lightweight wool coat to complete your look.
Price at time of publish: $55
Best for a Casual Wedding
Christy Dawn The Dahlia Dress
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Courtesy of Christy Dawn
This sweet, vintage-inspired number will look especially flattering over a growing baby bump. The puff sleeves and delicate mini florals add a feminine touch, while the 100 percent regenerative cotton fabric is lightweight and breathable.
Price at time of publish: $238
Most Feminine
Frances Hart Maritza Dress
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Courtesy of Frances Hart
A peplum silhouette looks especially charming with a baby bump, as illustrated by this powdery blue number. The comfortable cotton material, flowing silhouette, and classic design make it perfect for any stage of pregnancy.
Price at time of publish: $275
Best Mini Dress
Merlette Soliman Dress in Rose
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Courtesy of Merlette
We love a mini dress moment, especially for moms-to-be! This NYC brand is all about free-flowing silhouettes, which makes it a perfect option for maternity wedding guest dresses. Just add your favorite accessories and footwear.
Price at time of publish: $340
Best for a Winter Wedding
ASOS Maternity Cowl Neck Midi Pencil Dress in Black Velvet
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Courtesy of ASOS
If you’re attending a wedding during the holidays that calls for festive attire, consider this flattering velvet frock. It’s simple yet refined and will keep you comfortable from the ceremony to the reception.
Price at time of publish: $70
For the Boho Guest
Dôen Rory Dress
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Courtesy of Dôen
Going for that whole free-spirited-outdoorsy-bohemian kind of vibe? This mustard-yellow floral number should do the trick. The adjustable tie waist and flowing skirt make it perfect for expecting guests.
Price at time of publish: $238
For a Fall Wedding
Tiffany Rose Maternity Lucy Dress
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Courtesy of Tiffany Rose Maternity
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
Best Bold Design
Staud Rylie Dress
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Courtesy of Staud
This bold gown isn’t maternity, but we have a sneaking suspicion it would look even better worn by someone with a bump. Accessorize this bright pink ruffled number with statement earrings to polish off the look.
Price at time of publish: $495
Most Simple
Hatch The Briar Dress
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Courtesy of Hatch
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
Most Romantic
Boohoo Maternity Off the Shoulder Wrap Dress
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Courtesy of Boohoo
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: $45
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 and that’s why we make it a huge focus on our own design process at Tiffany Rose."
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 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.
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," London recommends. "It also opens up your options in terms of fabrics–like a silk satin floaty design or a figure-hugging jersey style. Either way, get the fit right around your new waist and growing bust, and the rest will follow!"
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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