16 Maternity Bridesmaids Dresses for Your Pregnant Bridesmaid

Outfitting your bridesmaids for the big day could be a little daunting, especially if one of your girls is pregnant. Don't stress! You are not the first bride to have a pregnant bridesmaid in the wedding party and you definitely will not be the last. Whether the dresses have already been ordered or you’re still deciding on what your squad will wear, your mom-to-be ‘maid has lots of choices for her perfect maternity bridesmaid dress. We've covered all possible scenarios, along with expert tips and few recommendations to make the process of helping your expecting bestie find the right frock and maintain the cohesive look of your bridal pack as smooth as can be.

If the Dress Hasn’t Been Picked Yet

Talk to your bridesmaids about dresses that will suit all of them. Empire-waist dresses and A-line silhouettes with a full skirt flatter almost every figure and are especially accommodating for a growing baby bump. Also consider having your girls wear coordinating, instead of matching, dresses. “This is one reason why the mix-and-match ‘maid trend is so popular,” says Caroline Dilsheimer, former BHLDN styling manager. “If you allow each bridesmaid to wear a different dress in the same color or palette, the mom-to-be can select one in a silhouette and fabric that lets her feel and look her best.” Dresses made of stretch cotton, lace, jersey, and stretch crepe are more breathable and make for comfortable maternity bridesmaid dress options, while styles with elastic, adjustable, or no waist require little or no adjustments. Dresses that incorporate a stretch lining can also make for relaxed options that don't require heavy alterations.

Some designers, such as Hayley Paige and Jenny Yoo, offer their popular dress styles in a maternity version, making it easier for all of the bridesmaids to match. “Typically, a bridesmaid should go for a maternity dress if she’ll be five months pregnant or more by the wedding date,” says Chelsea Turner, Jenny Yoo retail sales and brand experience manager. For a smaller bump, she can choose any style that allows room for her belly and hips and fits well around her bust. And just because she’s pregnant doesn’t mean she’s limited to certain styles. “A mom-to-be can wear a fitted dress to show her bump if she feels comfortable with it,” says designer Rime Arodaky. “Otherwise, a loose A-shaped dress can be just as feminine.”

When shopping for her maternity bridesmaid dress, your pregnant bridesmaid can consult with a bridal stylist about picking her right size. Depending on the dress, she’ll want to go at least two sizes bigger than her current dress size. “That might sound too big, but along with a growing bump, her bust and hips will change; and the last thing she’ll want is a tight or uncomfortable dress,” says Rebecca Lau Marsh of White Runway.

If the Dress Has Already Been Ordered

Your bridesmaid should contact the dress designer or boutique right away. Some shops will allow exchanges for another dress style or size. “If the dresses were ordered far enough in advance, there may be enough time to order a new dress or the designer can check to see if there is a larger size in their inventory,” says Turner.

If the Dress Needs Alterations

Your bridesmaid should have the dress tailored by the boutique’s in-house seamstress or go to one recommended by the designer, as they’ll be familiar with the designer’s dresses and know creative fixes to make the dress fit. For example, the seamstress can add a shawl across the back and shoulders if the dress can't be zipped up or cut a too-long hem to add panels to the side seams of the bodice. “If the dress has a defined waistline and full skirt, the seamstress can try to raise it up to an empire or high waistline by shortening the bodice,” says Nayantara Banerjee of The Williamsburg Seamster. “This will make the waistline sit just under the bust and slightly above her growing belly.” Other adjustments like adding tulle straps to a strapless dress can help provide support for an expanding bust.

Check out some of our favorite maternity bridesmaids dresses, below, for all the bump-flattering inspo you need.