10 Tips For The Pregnant Bridesmaid

Things can be tricky when you’re a pregnant bridesmaid. Personally, you’ve got a lot going on, either way you look at it!

Pregnancy can be a beautiful, exciting, thing. So can getting married. However, both situations can be stressful, full of unexpected events, and overwhelming. Speaking from experience, being a pregnant bridesmaid introduces it’s own sorts of trickiness. Because of this, it’s important to speak up about your needs, while still trying to be a great friend to the one getting married.

The thing is, it’s totally okay to be a pregnant bridesmaid. You can even have fun while you’re doing it. The key is that you know what to look out for, and communicate properly. Being pregnant can mean that wearing certain clothes, and having certain expectations, are more difficult than normal. It’s essential that the bride who asked you to be in her wedding knows what you’re both getting into and how to navigate issues that may come up.

This post is going to go over ten common sense tips for the pregnant bridesmaid. From making sure you order the right kind of dress, to actually enjoying the bachelorette party, it’s all in here. Remember, every pregnancy is different. If yours is particularly difficult, it’s okay to focus on your needs and your body and do what you can for your friend, even if it means stepping out of her wedding. However, if you’re up to being a pregnant bridesmaid, there are things you can plan on to make life easier for everyone.

Let’s get into it!

1. SEE IF YOU CAN ORDER A STRETCHY DRESS

One of the trickiest things to navigate when you’re pregnant is your clothing. And, when you have to wear a bridesmaid dress, things can get exponentially more difficult.

The first few tips in this post have to do with attire, for good reason. Pregnant bodies are unpredictable. Some women don’t get big bellies, and others do. Other parts of your body can change too, and buying clothes in advance can be super difficult. If you are planning on getting pregnant, or are pregnant, when the bride is helping everyone decide on dresses, plan on one that can easily stretch.

Stretchy material is a pregnant person’s friend. It can help accommodate various sizes and shapes, and make life easier when the dress shows up.

2. GO FOR THE EMPIRE WAIST (BEST FOR A PREGNANT BRIDESMAID)

Pregnant bridesmaid friends, empire waists are one of the best dress style options for you.

If you’re not sure what I mean by an empire waist, let me tell you. It’s a dress that is fitted under the bustline, so it’s tight on top and more flowy on the bottom. It’s a perfect style to hide a belly, or even highlight it in the right way. Empire waist dresses tend to be very comfortable, too, which is always a positive when you’re pregnant. Hopefully the bride in the wedding you’re in agrees.

3. ORDER A BIGGER SIZE DRESS THAN YOU THINK YOU’LL NEED

I made this mistake when I was a pregnant bridesmaid, so I’ll help others learn from it.

If you are pregnant when you pick out bridesmaid dresses, or planning on becoming pregnant by the wedding, be sure to order a size or two bigger than you think you’ll need. It’s always easier to bring a dress in than it is to let it out.

In fact, when I was a pregnant bridesmaid, I did order a bigger size. And it still wasn’t enough for my five-months-pregnant-belly. Luckily, I was able to trade with a bridesmaid who had lost weight. It worked out, but the anxiety I had about not being able to wear the dress I was supposed to wear wasn’t worth the hassle. Always error on the side of bigger.

4. DO YOUR RESEARCH ON PREGNANT BRIDESMAID ALTERATIONS BEFORE YOUR DRESS ARRIVES

Even if you aren’t a pregnant bridesmaid, chances are that you’ll need alternations on your dress.

Do your research ahead of time, especially if you are pregnant.

Knowing who to call, the best in the area, with the best price, is crucial. If you can find someone who specializes in pregnancy clothes alterations, even better. They may be able to suggest clever solutions to tight areas, or even find ways to give you breathing room should you get a lot bigger before the wedding.

Leaving these sorts of things to the last minute can be stressful and hurried. Being prepared will help you feel in control and your stress level will be more manageable.

5. TELL THE BRIDE ABOUT YOUR CONCERNS OR ANY RISKS WITH YOU BEING A PREGNANT BRIDESMAID

One of the best things you can do as a pregnant bridesmaid is be up front about your thoughts and feelings.

Chances are, you want to be there for your friend who is getting married. You may even want to “do it all”. However, you might not be feeling that great. Or, you’re tired, overwhelmed, and stressed. Perhaps you’ve got tons of energy and this pregnancy isn’t slowing you down. No matter what’s going on, talk to your friend. Make sure she knows what to expect from you, even if things are going to change. She will appreciate it, I promise.

6. HAVE FUN AT THE BACHELORETTE PARTY, BUT BE CLEAR ABOUT YOUR NEEDS

Just as there are a million variables when it comes to pregnancy, there is a million variables when it comes to a bachelorette party.

Now, I went to a bachelorette party when I was pregnant. It was in Las Vegas, and it was somewhat busy, but not insanely crazy. I was able to drink virgin cocktails, dance with my friends, and have fun, despite being four months pregnant. I also chose to go to bed early, take it easy, and ate what felt right to me. Everyone around me was understanding. I was cool with them drinking and partying, and they were cool with me taking it slower.

Of course, you have to do what works for you. If you’re going to a bachelorette party that involves wine tasting, you might want to skip that part. A spa day may be more your style, while pregnant. The main point is to do what makes sense for you, and plan your participation around that.

7. OPT FOR SMALLER HEELS OR FLATS DURING THE WEDDING

Sometimes there is a request for bridesmaids to wear high heels if they are in a wedding. If you are a pregnant bridesmaid, I would see about other options.

Look, you may be super comfortable in heels. They may be your thing. And, if they are, and you’re pregnant, wear what you want. However, if you’re like most pregnant women (or most women in general), you may want to find some options. A flat shoe, or a low heel, or a thick heel, will be so much easier for your legs, hips, and back than a stiletto.

Be sure to speak up about this if you’re being pushed to wear something that can cause you to be clumsy or uncomfortable.

8. TAKE TIME OFF AROUND THE WEDDING OR PRE-WEDDING EVENTS

Being pregnant can take a lot of energy, even if you aren’t doing much. You’re growing a human being, for goodness sakes!

Because of this, be sure to plan some rest time around pre-wedding events. Engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and the wedding itself can be exciting and draining. Try and see about taking time off before and after these events to regroup and relax. Your body, brain, and baby will all thank you for it.

9. LISTEN TO YOUR DOCTOR’S ADVICE ABOUT TRAVEL AND PARTYING

If you are a pregnant bridesmaid, you may want to check with your doctor about any concerns you have.

Things like travel, flying, and being busy can be super easy for some pregnant people, but not all. Your doctor will be able to confirm what’s right for you. It’s important to listen to their advice and take it seriously, especially if they have concerns. Flying too late in a pregnancy can be risky (this is coming from someone who had her baby a few weeks early), and some pregnant women really do need to take it easy.

When in doubt, check with the expert.

10. DECLINE THE INVITATION TO BE A PREGNANT BRIDESMAID IF YOU’RE REALLY CONCERNED

The last tip is the main one I want pregnant bridesmaids to take away.

It’s okay to decline being a bridesmaid.

Just so we’re all clear – this goes for anyone, not just those who are pregnant. However, since we’re talking about pregnant bridesmaids here, I’ll get into it. When you’re expecting a baby, it’s a lot. There’s a lot to get done, your body is going through many changes, and your health and mental health come first. Yes, you want to be there for your friend if they want you in their wedding. But, you have to think about what’s right for you. If it’s just too much, it’s too much. Let your friend know, in a polite way, and move on as best you can.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Friends, being a pregnant bridesmaid isn’t easy. It is doable, though. Be sure to pick out your bridesmaid attire careful, pay attention to your footwear, listen to your body, and check with your doctor when you’re unsure. Know that it’s okay to bow out of being a bridesmaid, if needed. You’ve got this!