GREAT EXPECTATIONS: What to Expect When You're An Expectant Bride
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Here's that call or email I get every once in a while that goes something like this:
Q. Help! I'm a bride-to-be who just found out she's pregnant! I got engaged three months ago, and by the time my fiancé and I tie the knot, I'll be six months along. We still want to keep the date we'd planned for the wedding. Is that traditional dress I wanted now out of the question?
A. Not at all. Some brides are celebrating two critical transitions in life all at once--that of wife and mother. If you're expecting, there are some gorgeous dresses out there, specially designed for moms-in-waiting, as well as those empire-waisted gems in just about every designer line. Your traditional look can still be achieved by adding touches such as lace, a high collar, a veil, and bouquet — elements that don't interfere with a growing belly. Keep in mind that maternity dresses are longer in the front than in back to accommodate the growing bump. I don’t recommend that expectant brides wear floor-length hemlines, for obvious reasons. A hem of two to three inches above the ground should suffice, and if you want a train in the back, opt for the ease of a brush or sweep.
GO FOR
*Relaxed and loose waistlines like an empire or tent/trapeze cut. A dropped waist on a chemise will work as long as it is roomy. These styles have some slack through the midriff, allowing you to feel confident in your movements.
*A high/low hemline. Practical in the sense that it provides ease of maneuverability in front, with all the drama happening in the back.
*Fabrics that have stretch and float like knit jerseys with a touch of spandex. Keep the focus on your waistline instead of trying to camouflage it. Check out the bump-friendly Infinity dresses, a great choice even though they are created for bridesmaids. The concept that they are designed to fit all figure types also works for expectant brides.
*A bias cut dress. If you choose a woven fabric, this means the dress--most importantly, the midriff--is cut crosswise on the grain of the fabric, allowing for flexibility and stretch with wear.
*Softer and natural fibers that breathe well. Pregnancy is a hormonal process that brings about significant body changes, which can lead to increased sweating. Cottons and linens are among the top two materials that conduct heat well. Next, consider lightweight silks.
*An A-line. As long as you're under six to seven months along. The vertical lines are flattering, but according to cut, this style could be restrictive to movement the closer you get to your due date.
PASS UP
*Any heel over three inches. Comfort and safety while walking about beats high-fashion feet.
*A natural waistline. Unless you'll be two to three months along on the day you say, "I do," this waist may not fit or be comfortable.
*Any dress that takes more than a month to arrive.
*Restrictive fabrics like heavier peau de soies and bridal satins.
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