How to Find the Perfect Maternity Wedding Dress

First comes baby (bump), then comes marriage! While there's no shortage of celebrities who have said "I do" with their baby bumps, it can be a bit tougher for non-famous expecting brides to score the perfect maternity wedding dress without access to an expert tailor or designer. Planning a wedding with a bun in the oven is hard enough with pregnancy hormones thrown into the mix, but factor in finding the dress of your dreams that can also accommodate your growing bump and it might feel like you're faced with a dilemma worse than morning sickness.

To help alleviate some of the stress that comes along with wedding dress shopping while pregnant, we reached out to a few experts to dish some tips on finding the maternity wedding dress that's right for you.

Call the Bridal Salon First

Preparing always ensures a better result, so double-check if a dress shop has an array of sizes available before you stop in. "Ask if they can be put aside for you and make an appointment to go in and try them on," explains relationship expert and author April Masini. "Chances are you'll be greeted by a friendly salesperson that will treat you like a valued friend because you're not walking in cold, and risking no appropriate-sized gowns."

Choose the Right Silhouette

Looking for the best wedding dress to hide your pregnancy? For pregnant brides who don't want to expose a growing tummy, a strapless empire waist dress with a lace or tulle overlay is a smart choice. "Not only will the empire waist highlight the smallest part of your torso, but the nature of the fabric will create a light illusion of the lace as a beautiful design, taking the focus off the lower portion of a bride's figure," explains bridal stylist Lacy Pool.

Maternity doesn't have to mean matronly. Case in point: Chrissy Teigen killed it in a tight shimmery gown that put her growing baby bump on display at the Grammys. Channel the star on your big day by rocking a look that showcases your bundle of joy. "Try to find the perfect dress that allows movement, softness, comfort, and a silhouette that can give you the versatility of sizing," says Madeline Gardner of Morilee.

Always Size Up

Usually, it takes four to six months to get your wedding dress once you order it, which means your belly will have grown exponentially by the time you finally slip into the white gown. "The general rule of thumb is to add an inch to each measurement for each remaining month of pregnancy from now until your wedding date," says maternity style blogger Becca Daniels. "Once you do the math, see where you end up on the designer's sizing chart and order a dress one size larger." This way, you can gauge your body's changes closer to your big day and alter your dress accordingly.

Don't Limit Yourself

Just because you're expecting doesn't mean you should feel confined to only shopping for maternity dresses. Feel free to ditch the dress completely and opt for a bridal maternity jumpsuit or two-piece set that's just as chic (which you can also sport post-wedding).

Know Your Fabrics

Fabric can go a long way when it comes to the comfort and feel of your maternity wedding dress. Stick to materials that will give you room to grow without constricting your bump. "The fabrics that work best are soft, ethereal tulle or chiffon," says Gardner. "Softness and flowing details are always lovely. Also, stretch fabrics in crepe or jersey will contour the body and allow for a very comfortable fit."

Embrace Extra Panels and Corsets

Don't freak out if your final fitting day arrives and your dress is too tight. There's an easy solution: panels and corsets. "Ordering a yard of the identical fabric from your gown designer will get the materials ready in preparation for an expert seamstress to do her magic," Pool explains. "By adding a large panel in the closure of the gown in place of the zipper or the buttons and securing with a corset, you'll get a little growing room as well as cinch in the smallest part of your waist. It's literally the best way to change the fit of the dress up until the very last minute."

Keep it Simple

There's no need to go overboard with an intricate, over-the-top gown or tons of statement jewelry for pregnant brides. "You need to remember that your bump should be thought of as an oversized accessory; don't try to compete with it," warns Emmy Award-winning stylist and author David Zyla.

Don't Forget to Get the Right Shoes

Your belly isn't the only thing that grows — your feet do, too. Since many future moms suffer from foot swelling it's important to take that into consideration when shoe shopping. Choose a stylish, yet comfortable kick with a lot of support and minimal heel height.

Make Comfort a Priority

All our bridal experts agreed on one thing: comfort is key when choosing your maternity wedding dress. You'll look your best, baby bump and all, when you truly feel your best in your wedding dress.