When should a bridesmaid consider wearing a maternity dress?

“Typically, a bridesmaid should go for a maternity dress if she’ll be five months pregnant or more by the wedding date,” says Turner. 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!

What should I do if the bridesmaid 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,” Turner says. Your bridesmaid should also ask if the designer offers the option to purchase additional fabric. Usually, you can order an extra yard or two in the same fabric of the dress for alterations.

What happens if I need to alter the dress?

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. Other adjustments like adding tulle straps to a strapless dress can help provide support for an expanding bust.

20 Best Maternity Bridesmaid Dresses of 2023

Outfitting your bridesmaids for the big day can be a little daunting, especially if one of your girls is pregnant. Don't stress! Whether the dresses have already been ordered or you’re still deciding on what your squad will wear, there are plenty of choices for your favorite mom-to-be's maternity bridesmaid dress. Some designers even offer their popular dress styles in a maternity version, making it easier for all of the bridesmaids to match.

To make a cohesive look for your bridal pack, talk to your bridesmaids about dresses that will suit all of their needs. Empire-waist dresses and A-line silhouettes with a full skirt flatter every figure and are especially accommodating for a growing baby bump. You may 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.”

Meet the Expert

• Caroline Dilsheimer is the former styling manager for BHLDN.

• Chelsea Turner is the retail sales and brand experience manager for Jenny Yoo.

To help your pregnant bridesmaid find her perfect dress, we've researched the best options, keeping materials, style, budget, and silhouette in mind. For something universally flattering and classic, we love the Birdy Grey Laurie Empire Dress and the TFNC Maternity Bridesmaid Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress. Looking for something that's both comfortable and chic? Our favorite picks are the Tiffany Rose Isabella Gown and the Amsale Autumn Maternity Dress.

Read on for the best maternity-friendly bridesmaids dresses for every style and season.

Our Top Picks

For a Black-Tie Wedding:

Tiffany Rose Galaxy One-Shoulder Maternity Gown at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Most Galmorous:

Maya Maternity Bridesmaid Dress at Asos

Jump to Review

Best Wrap Dress:

Show Me Your Mumu Samantha Ruffle Wrap Dress at Showmeyourmumu.com

Jump to Review

Most Regal:

Amsale Autumn Maternity Dress at Amsale.com

Jump to Review

Best Cold-Shoulder Neckline:

Amsale Bizzy Maternity Dress at Amsale.com

Jump to Review

For a Casual Wedding:

TFNC Maternity Bridesmaid Maxi Dress at Asos

Jump to Review

Best Empire Waist:

Amsale Janan Maternity Dress at Amsale.com

Jump to Review

Most Comfortable:

Birdy Grey Laurie Empire Dress at Birdygrey.com

Jump to Review

Most Classic:

David's Bridal Pleated Chiffon Maternity Bridesmaid Dress at David's Bridal

Jump to Review

Best Floor-Length Dress:

The Dessy Group Sleeveless Notch Maternity Dress at Dessy.com

Jump to Review

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom

Gear up for a wedding under the stars with this sparkly one-shoulder gown that calls to mind a fancy gala. Pleated details and a column skirt allow you to comfortably show off your bump in style.

Price at time of publish: $630

Courtesy of ASOS

View On Asos

For the bridesmaid who loves to sparkle, she'll look dashing on the big day in this navy blue number. The sequin-embellished bodice adds a touch of glamour while the loose tulle skirt is designed to fit perfectly over the baby bump.

Price at time of publish: $141

Courtesy of Show Me Your Mumu

View On Showmeyourmumu.com

Fit for the entire bridal party, this glamorous rose gold wrap dress is ready for its close-up. With romantic ruffles and a satiny finish, what's there not to love?

Price at time of publish: $198

Courtesy of Amsale

View On Amsale.com

Pull out all the stops with this royalty-approved maternity dress that deserves its own moment in the spotlight. With a streamlined off-the-shoulder silhouette and artful pleats, this gorgeous gown is roomy enough for a growing bump.

Price at time of publish: $290

Courtesy of Amsale

View On Amsale.com

Turn heads with this cold-shoulder number featuring a sweetheart neckline and ruched detailing along the bodice. The gorgeous teal hue is beyond perfect for a summer wedding by the ocean.

Price at time of publish: $310

Courtesy of ASOS

View On Asos

This soft pink dress is simply breathtaking. With flutter sleeves, a subtle plunging neckline in front, and side slits, this maxi is great for bridesmaids that are just starting to show.

Price at time of publish: $113

Courtesy of Amsale

View On Amsale.com

To accommodate a growing bump, we recommend sizing up and opting for a dress with an empire waist. This streamlined evening gown is characterized by a crossover bodice and chiffon skirt that effortlessly flatters the figure.

Price at time of publish: $270

Courtesy of Birdy Grey

View On Birdygrey.com

We're swooning over this sage gown that's fit for a princess. Equal parts comfortable and flattering, it's made of a polyester chiffon material that will inspire you to flaunt your growing bump.

Price at time of publish: $99

Courtesy of David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

Keep cool and comfortable in this sophisticated maxi featuring a simple tank top and subtle front slit. The V-neckline directs the eye downward, while a flowy skirt elegantly drapes the figure.

Price at time of publish: $150

The Dessy Group Sleeveless Notch Maternity Dress

Courtesy of The Dessy Group

View On Dessy.com

This flowy midnight blue chiffon gown is not only incredibly elegant, but it's also flattering in all the right places. This dress would look stunning at a black-tie affair or chic city ceremony.

Price at time of publish: $284

Courtesy of Jenny Yoo

View On Jennyyoo.com

Calling all blushing bridesmaids! This adorable convertible dress can be styled in a multitude of ways thanks to interchangeable strap and neckline options. Whether you go strapless or opt for a one-shoulder look, the ethereal chiffon material feels incredibly romantic.

Price at time of publish: $265

Courtesy of Jenny Yoo

View On Jennyyoo.com

As the weather gets cooler, this body-skimming crushed velvet bridesmaid dress will be a fan favorite. Ideal for those who are in the early stages of pregnancy, we love the dark berry hue and flattering cowl halter neckline, which highlights your shoulders and décolletage.

Price at time of publish: $295

Show Me Your Mumu Jess Ruffle Midi Dress

Courtesy of Show Me Your Mumu

View On Showmeyourmumu.com

Flouncy ruffles and a high-low hemline come together to create a look of heightened drama. We recommend this playful emerald chiffon midi for the expectant mama looking to hit the dancefloor in style. Bonus: The mock wrap dress silhouette featuring an elastic waist will keep wardrobe malfunctions at bay.

Price at time of publish: $148

Courtesy of Jenny Yoo

View On Jennyyoo.com

Whether for an enchanting estate ceremony or Montauk nuptials, this blue and white floral print is utterly dreamy. If you're looking to show off your growing bump, then the empire waist on this floor-length strapless gown will make you feel like a queen.

Courtesy of Tiffany Rose

View On Tiffanyrose.com

Be prepared to make a showstopping entrance with this shimmering black gown featuring a faux-wrap skirt and long sleeves. The material drapes exquisitely so that you can flaunt your bump from the aisle to the afterparty.

Price at time of publish: $555

Courtesy of Isabella Oliver

View On Isabellaoliver.com

Accentuate your curves with this seasonless dark fig jersey dress that can be dressed up or down. Flattering details—ruching at the sides and a sultry one-shoulder detail—make this a perfect 10 in our book.

Price at time of publish: $99

Courtesy of Show Me Your Mumu

View On Showmeyourmumu.com

Cue the tropics: This maternity-friendly palm leaf print maxi is fit for a wedding by the shore. Versatility is key here—the flirty ruffled neckline can be worn off the shoulder, strapless, or even one-shoulder.

Price at time of publish: $148

PinkBlush Lavender Chiffon Long Sleeve Maternity Maxi Dress

Courtesy of PinkBlush Maternity

View On Pinkblushmaternity.com

For the blushing bridesmaid in search of a flowy maxi dress with feminine appeal. We just love the mauve-pink hue, especially for a garden wedding. A cinched elastic waist and tie-front detail allow you to dress your bump in style.

Price at time of publish: $89

Courtesy of Azazie

View On Azazie.com

Channel the look of a Grecian goddess with this effortless floor-length gown that's made from a soft and stretchy mesh material. Between the vibrant blue hue, empire waist, and side slit, this pleated stunner is ready for a destination wedding. Plus, it even has pockets!

Price at time of publish: $89

Courtesy of Birdy Grey

View On Birdygrey.com

Between the empire waist design and the convertible straps that can be worn three different ways, this dress would look incredible on any mother-to-be and bridesmaid. We especially love the pleated neckline and breathable polyester mesh material.

Price at time of publish: $99

What to Look for in a Maternity Bridesmaid Dress

Silhouette and Material

When it comes to shopping for a maternity bridesmaid dress, it's important to pick a silhouette that is not only stylish but comfortable, too. Dresses made of stretch cotton, lace, jersey, and stretch crepe are more breathable and make for comfortable and bump-friendly 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.

Size and Fit

When shopping for her maternity bridesmaid dress, your pregnant bridesmaid can consult with a bridal stylist about picking the right size. Depending on the dress, she’ll want to go at least two sizes bigger than her current dress size to ensure she has room for the baby bump. The most important thing is for her to feel comfortable on the wedding day, as she'll be spending a lot of time on her feet. Therefore, she may want to look for breathable styles in loose-fitting materials.

FAQ

When should a bridesmaid consider wearing a maternity dress?

“Typically, a bridesmaid should go for a maternity dress if she’ll be five months pregnant or more by the wedding date,” says Turner. 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!
What should I do if the bridesmaid 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,” Turner says. Your bridesmaid should also ask if the designer offers the option to purchase additional fabric. Usually, you can order an extra yard or two in the same fabric of the dress for alterations.
What happens if I need to alter the dress?

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. Other adjustments like adding tulle straps to a strapless dress can help provide support for an expanding bust.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Ivette Manners founded BridesStyle.com, a savvy wedding planning resource for brides. Prior to that, she worked as a writer and editor at Long Island Bride and Groom for more than 14 years. Ivette is an established lifestyle writer with more than 20 years of experience covering topics in bridal, beauty, travel, and wellness.

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