While watching two friends or family members get married is super exciting, let's face it, selecting a wedding guest dress is tricky at the best of times, let alone when you're pregnant. Luckily, maternity wedding guest dresses are no longer few and far between, especially as you don't necessarily need to buy from a dedicated maternity range.
In recent years, maternity fashion has evolved significantly, offering more options for expecting mothers. Maternity-specific brands like Seraphine have become go-to labels, providing elegant wedding guest dresses designed with comfort and style in mind. For example, Seraphine’s, 'Taupe And White Sport Chiffon Maternity Nursing Dress' is a standout choice. Meanwhile, retailers such as ASOS and H&M have been catching up, expanding their maternity collections with trendy yet affordable options that offer some of the best maternity clothes on the high street. For those looking beyond maternity-specific pieces, many non-maternity dresses with forgiving silhouettes can be worn during and after pregnancy, offering versatility. Look out for certain details - a babydoll silhouette, for example - and you can shop from a brand's entire offering, and think about styles that are also good for breastfeeding. The main thing to consider is that because you might need to go up a size or two. Additionally, renting maternity wedding guest dresses has grown in popularity, allowing women to wear high-end designs without the long-term commitment.
The good news is that it does present the perfect excuse to go shopping – an activity anyone can get on board with. Since you’ll probably have less stamina for browsing while you’re pregnant, it pays to do a bit of research in advance and consider your options before you start scrolling. That way, you don’t waste time online looking at shops that don’t stock maternity-friendly wedding guest dresses.
Here's what you need to consider before you start adding dresses to your cart:
Fit: How far along will you be at the wedding? Maternity dresses come in a variety of fits, from stretchy empire waists to styles with panels that accommodate a growing bump. Knowing your stage of pregnancy will help you narrow down the options.
Support: What kind of bra will you be wearing? A supportive bra is key for comfort, especially if you're planning to dance the night away. Choose a dress that allows you to wear your favourite bra or has built-in support.
Shoes: Consider your footwear! Comfort is essential, but you might also want some flexibility for different heel heights. Opt for a dress that allows you to dress up with heels or keep it casual with flats.
We’ve gathered advice and tips from women who have experienced pregnancy to inform our selection of dresses. Their insights highlight the importance of these details in making the best choice. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a maternity wedding guest dress that flatters your figure, keeps you comfortable, and lets you celebrate in style.
Grazia's Best Maternity Wedding Guest Dresses 2024, At A Glance:
Editor's Choice:Asceno, Oslo Dress Burgundy Vine Silk Twill, £425
Best high-end maternity wedding guest dress: Ganni, Taffeta Long Dress
Best halter-neck maternity wedding guest dress: COS, Halter-Neck A-line Maxi Dress
Best wrap maternity wedding guest dress: Seraphine, Bessie Floral Maternity Dress
So, whether you're looking for a voluminous dress to flow over your bump or want to dress it up with something more form-fitting, there's a maternity wedding guest dress for everyone. Here are our top picks, including everything from Sister Jane to ASOS to Seraphine.
SHOP: Maternity Wedding Guest Dresses
Editor's Choice
www.asceno.com
Size XS-XL| Hand tie neckline| Maxi | Relaxed fit
Hattie Brettie Editor-in-chief said: 'I wore a polka dot version of this Asceno dress throughout my pregnancy - but it really delivered for events like weddings and work do's. The volumunious shape means it's airy for summer events with a big bump, but the neckline gives it an edge and meant I could still show off a bit of skin, which helped me feel like me in the latter stages of pregnancy. If you're worried about the bra situation, I wore a sports bra, which was also really comfortable. It's expensive for sure, but the silk is beautiful quality and that's why - six years later - I still wear my version of this dress for easy, breezy summer holidays and beach days.'
Best Nursing Dress
www.seraphine.com
Size 6-20| Round neckline | Knee length | Side Zip
Specialising in maternity fashion, Seraphine is an obvious choice for occasionwear. A colourful vintage-inspired print and silhouette make this a dream dress to wear to a spring or summer wedding. The dress features a side zip perfect for nursing so you can wear this well after your pregnancy too.
Best Midaxi Dress
www.phase-eight.com
Size 6-26| V neck | Midaxi-length skirt
Because this dress' waistband actually sits underneath the boobs instead of around its wearer's midriff, it's brilliant when it comes to accommodating a growing bump. The small spots will ensure that you stand out for all the right reasons. Wear these with some black clogs or sandals for all day comfort.
Best Curved Waist Dress
www.asos.com
Size 4-18| Elasticated waist | Side slit | Curved waist seam
Nobody's Child - one of our favourite brands for easy-to-wear wedding guest dresses - has a small edit of maternity wear, including this geometric-print dress that's perfect for summer nuptials. It has a curved waist seam designed to flatter and a elasticated waist to give you plenty of room. We'd recommend this dress for the six month mark.
Best Loose Fit
www.stories.com
Size 32-46 Loose fit | Balloon sleeves | Maxi
With a voluminous silhouette that means there's plenty of room for your plus one, you can most likely take your normal size as this dress fits oversized or for even more room the size above. Better yet you can wear any bra of your choice due to the nature of the dress, which makes this a good pick to skip out any hassle. Tie your hair up and pair with some gladiator sandals to complete the look.
Best Wrap Dress
Size XS-XXL| Shift wrap | Balloon sleeves | Maxi
A wrap dress is a reliable style when it comes to maternity wear, not to mention versatile between the different trimesters as you can loosen the tie. We reccomend you select your pre-pregnancy size with this.
www.cos.com
Size 32-44| Oversized | Balloon sleeves | Maxi
The halter-neck maxi dress is designed to have a voluminous silhouette from the neck down so you might only need to go one up from your normal size. Your feet will barely be on show so you can comfortably style this dress with mules or ballet pumps.
www.harveynichols.com
Size 32-34| True to size | Lightweight | Maxi
For a fairy-tale moment, even in your third trimester, look to Ganni, whose powder pink princess dress is the dream. This dress is lightweight, so super comfortable in the summer, it doesn't have a cinched waist which leaves plenty room for your bump. As the neck and chest are a tad exposed a bold necklace would complete this outfit.
www.asceno.com
Size XS-XL| True to size | Ankle length
With a straight-up-and-down silhouette this look has plenty of wiggle room in the this orange maxi dress is ideal for summer wedding season. It has nice thick straps so you can wear a good supported bra. To complete the look tie you hair up and team with gold statement earrings.
www.arket.com
Size 32-44| True to size | Maxi
This loose-fit maxi dress, available in either crimson or black, is a brilliant option for spring or autumn when long sleeves mean you won't need a coat. Depending on your bump we'd suggest going a a size up or two as this isn't designated maternity wear.
www.warehousefashion.com
Size 6-16 UK| True to size | Maxi
This emerald green number, complete with fuchsia-bright flowers, is a great wrap dress option for your first trimester. It has a sultry keyhole and slit, and strikes the perfect balance between sultry and sophisticated. For styling pair your accessories with any colour on the dress, our pick would be orange. Orange bag, orange heels and orange jewellery.
rixolondon.com
Size 6-26 UK| True to size | Maxi
Rixo's blossom-printed black dress, with shirring and an empire-line silhouette, will be super comfortable for those occasions when you need to be dressed up for 12 hours straight. The shirring allows for extra stretch so this it great for bigger busts and growing bellies.
sisterjane.com
Size XS-L | True to size | Mini
A babydoll dress is an underrated pick, but will always be a savvy choice because of its naturally voluminous shape from the bust down. It is a great option if you want to go mini and want to accentuate the bump.
www.mytheresa.com
Size XS-L | True to size | Mini
Inspired by Diana Ross, Taller Marmo's fringed kaftan is only available in one size owing to its loose, enveloping silhouette. The fabric doesn't hug the body so it is great if you want to conceal the bump for one day. All attention is on the fringes! Style yours with minimal gold accessories to not take away from the dress.
www.net-a-porter.com
Size XS/-S - 3XL/4XL | Oversized | Maxi
Dima Ayad's cocoon-shaped gown is a chic and comfortable option for this year's wedding circuit. The wide shape will allow you plenty of space for your bump, we recommend choosing your size with this dress as it fits oversized. Pair your dress with kitten heels for maximum comfort.
www.mytheresa.com
Size XS-XL | Stretchy fabric | Maxi
Jersey is a brilliant fabric if you need to buy a wedding guest dress but aren't exactly sure what size you'll be at the time of the wedding. Max Mara's maxi dress will also be a very comfortable option for your fourth trimester in high summer.
clubllondon.com
Size 8-16 UK | Stretchy fabric | Maxi
With a dramatic cape sleeve and a bodycon silhouette that's designed to hug your growing bump, Club L has a great selection of maternity wear. This particular number would work pleasantly well for winter weddings. Due to the stretch in this it fits true to size, we suggest selecting your pre-pregnancy dress size.
www.ghost.co.uk
Size 8-18 UK | Stretchy fabric | Midi
Made of the brand's silhouette fluid satin, Ghost's halter-neck dress is an easy, breezy option for a hot summer wedding. Due to the nature of this dress a backless bra would be best suited. Style yours with strappy heels and an evening bag. This is a dress you can keep going back to season after season.
www.meandem.com
Size XS-L | Stretchy fabric | Maxi
A knit dress is obviously a fantastic option if you ideally want to wear something that has a little give in the tummy department. The red-and-pink number is perfect for Spring/Summer wedding.
www.aspiga.com
Size XS-XL | Flare silhouette | Midi
Made of responsibly sourced cotton, Aspiga's Zillah dress has a fit-and-flare silhouette that will accommodate your growing bump to perfection. It has a adjustable bust tie and side zip, which helps with the ease of putting it on and off.
www.jigsaw-online.com
Size XS-XL | Stretchy fabric | Midi
While Jigsaw's draped jersey dress might initially seem too quiet for a wedding, it will be the gift that keeps on giving because of its ability to be dressed up with accessories (think: a bold corsage or sky blue sandals) and expandable pleats around the waist. The material means it's stretchy so you can wear it as your pump grows.
www.monsoon.co.uk
Size 8-24 UK | Spacious| Midi
Available in sizes 8-24 UK, Monsoon's bandeau dress will showcase your bump to perfection - it's all in the ruched detailing. This dress is great because it has a elastane, so you can just pull it on and off, which might even make it a good option for breastfeeding later down the line.
What can a pregnant woman wear to a wedding?
We're true believers in the fact that, when it comes to wedding guest dressing, you should ultimately be wearing something that makes you feel comfortable on the inside and out. If your summer mood is wafting around in a silk or cotton kaftan, something with plenty of volume is probably a good shout. If, on the other hand, a form-fitting bodycon dress is how you tend to do business on the wedding circuit, go right ahead with this one-shouldered maxi dress from Club L. Here are a few things to bear in mind before you splash the cash…
Watch The Waist
There will come a time when you're growing bump might start to strain against your waistline, which won't be comfortable for a long day of celebrations, trust us. Wedding guest dresses with an empire-line that are cut under the bust are much easier to wear as they’ll flow over your tummy and be much less constraining.
Floaty Is Your Friend
Kaftan and smock-style dresses are not only super chic but are preggo-friendly too. You’ll find lots of great floaty dresses this season; stylish but also great bump-coverers. A particularly perfect option for maternity wedding guest dresses if you're heading to a beach ceremony.
Size Is Just A Number
Not all shops stock a dedicated maternity dress range, but you can still find items in non-maternity collections that would work, provided you go up a couple of sizes. Shape and fit are much more important than size here, so make sure you opt for a style that makes you feel comfortable and try it on in a couple of options if necessary.
Longer Is Better
When shopping for dresses, look carefully at the hemlines and make sure you have a bit of slack built in for when the bump gets bigger. If necessary, go a size up to get the length right.
Try Renting
And finally, why not consider renting? Not only is this better for your purse, but it’s kinder on the environment, too - plus you can borrow a dress from around £20, in any size required for you, whatever stage of pregnancy you're at - win-win.
Rebecca Holman Digital Director said, ‘I rented a dress from Hurr for a wedding a week before my due date. I went a size up but chose a dress with shirring round the bust, which worked well. Only potential pitfall is that the size was a total guess, so I had to hold my nerve and try the dress on when it arrived two days before the wedding and cross my fingers that it fit ok. A last-minute traipse around the shops when I was nine months pregnant wouldn’t have been much fun. But in the end it worked out brilliantly - I felt great and not guilty for splashing out on a dress that I was never going to wear again.
Think about how many of your old clothes you're still wearing and where you've had to switch out for maternity clothes - it'll give you a good indicator of whether you can size up non-maternity clothes or not. I had a massive bump but everything else was pretty much the same as before so I could get away with a dress with an Empire bust line and no waist. I also opted for a maxi length as my bump made the hemline ride up a bit, and those extra inches gave me more room for manoeuvre (and hid my swollen ankles).'
Charlotte Pavitt worked as Grazia’s Fashion Assistant until 2022 when she left to join Liberty as Junior Interiors Editor. She's now Content Editor at Homes & Gardens.
Main Image Credit: kikeaj_