Wedding bells ring all year long for family, friends, and colleagues, so wedding invitations can arrive at any time—even when you’re pregnant or nursing. Special occasions allow you to reconnect with loved ones and make memories, but it may feel like you’re in uncharted waters if you’re celebrating a big event while pregnant or nursing.
Don’t worry about what to wear to a wedding, if pregnancy-friendly food will be on the menu, or what to do during the wedding toast. We have plenty of tips to help you enjoy the festivities whether you’re still in the stages of pregnancy or postpartum. Your biggest challenge may be not letting your radiant glow outshine the wedding party.
Our Favorite Nursing and Maternity Dresses for Weddings
Whether you’re looking for a maternity wedding guest dress or a pretty nursing dress, treat yourself to comfort and style with our top picks made with breezy fabrics and easy breastfeeding features.
The fun, flirty Madeline Smocked Nursing & Maternity Dress is one of our favorite nursing dresses. We fell in love with the great styling of the A-line skirt, smocked bodice, romantic puff sleeves, and square neckline in your choice of Deep Indigo or Raspberry.
We adore this stylish nursing dress’s breastfeeding functionality (crossover, pull-down, or lift-up nursing access) and button loops to keep your nursing bra straps hidden. This nursing wedding guest dress has pockets and can be worn on or off the shoulders.
Our Favorite Boho Maternity Dress
You’ll bring sunshine everywhere you go when you wear the floral Millie Tiered Nursing & Maternity Long Sleeve Dress. Whether you dress it up with heels or dress it down with flats or wedge sandals, this lightweight and breathable long sleeve maternity dress will help you feel free-spirited and relaxed.
Plus, the loose fitting style accommodates your growing bump. The flowing tiers offer a relaxed fit with room to grow, the concealed zippers make breastfeeding easy, and the long, billowing sleeves provide extra coverage without being stuffy.
Our Favorite Maternity Maxi Dress
If you love fancy maternity dresses, check out the dreamy Magnolia Tiered Nursing & Maternity Maxi Dress. The breezy, slightly sheer chiffon that flows from tier to tier is fully lined with a stretchy fabric for a relaxed yet elegant fit over your baby bump that will make everyone think you’re floating on the dance floor.
For easy pumping and nursing, two zippers are hidden in the underbust seam so you can unzip one side at a time or all of the way.
Pro Tip for Pregnancy, Nursing, and Postpartum Leaks
Weddings are celebrations of love that can stir our deepest emotions. For extra confidence that you’ll look your best for special occasions, consider the Fearless Leakproof™ Brief and Ultra Absorbent Reusable Nursing Pads to keep you fresh and dry all day and all night long. And don’t forget waterproof mascara so you’ll stay streak free when the happy tears flow.
Maternity Makeover
Now that you’ve selected what you’re going to wear, you may enjoy indulging in a personal glam squad (or your favorite beautician) to complete your look with professional hair and makeup. We also love getting a quick glow-up at a department store makeup counter.
Is the Wedding Menu Bump Friendly?
Some people never have to avoid certain foods or drinks until they become pregnant. Dietary restrictions may be new to you, but wedding planners and hospitality professionals accommodate guests with food restrictions every day. Rest assured that you’re not the first pregnant wedding guest they’re helping!
If you don’t want to bother the wedding party, you can simply call the venue, ask for the catering or event manager, and explain your situation. They can likely ensure the wedding drink menu includes some alcohol-free drinks and that you’re served modified courses.
For example, if your blood sugar runs high and gestational diabetes is a concern, they may be able to serve you fresh berries instead of wedding cake. If you’re at risk for preeclampsia, ask for a low-sodium meal.
As far as alcohol goes, the simple truth is that it’s not good for your unborn baby. Likewise, “Breastfeeding and alcohol don't mix well,” says Elizabeth LaFleur, R.N. “There's no level of alcohol in breast milk that's considered safe for a baby to drink. When you drink alcohol, it passes into your breast milk at concentrations similar to those found in your bloodstream.” The good news is that with some planning you can fully partake in the celebration.
If there’s a wine or champagne toast, fill your glass with sparkling cider or grapefruit juice. You can even bring your own and ask the bartender to keep it chilled for you. Other festive mocktails with no alcohol can be made by mixing juices like orange, pineapple, cranberry, blackcurrant, or grapefruit with sparkling water, served on the rocks with a twist of lemon, lime, or orange. Or ask for a Virgin Mary instead of a Bloody Mary for a delicious elixir of tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and lemon.
Whatever wedding guest outfits you’re choosing from, whether it’s a maxi or a midi dress or any of the other great options for dresses for weddings, pick something special that will help you look and feel great. Cheers!
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