When you’re in your early 30s, it seems like you go through ebbs and flows when it comes to the number of weddings in any given year. For me, 2025 has proven to be jam-packed with weddings planned for the late summer and early fall. And while I’m no stranger to being a wedding guest, I do have an added caveat to my plans for this year. I’m currently in my third trimester of pregnancy, meaning I will be extremely pregnant at one of my friends’ weddings this year.
And while it may seem trivial, the thought of dressing for a fancy event that far into pregnancy threw me for a loop. This is my second kid, so I know just how uncomfortable that bump gets as you approach the end date. The thought of dressing up in a fancy outfit instead of my usual spandex-heavy third-trimester uniform sent me into a panic.
But, before I rushed out and bought a plethora of maternity-specific formalwear, I instead started doing a little research on what to really look for when it comes to maternity wedding guest dress options. While yes, there are plenty of outfits tailor-made for pregnant women, there are also plenty of different styles that are comfortable, pregnancy-friendly, and event-appropriate that can be worn during pregnancy or after. And while it didn’t make me fully discount maternity wear as a wedding guest, I did find some helpful tips that opened up the field and made the idea of dressing for a wedding during pregnancy a lot less stressful than it initially seemed.
Maternity wedding guest dresses: tips to consider
I would personally argue that when you’re not pregnant, it’s a lot easier to figure out how you’re going to dress for a wedding. For one thing, you can buy a dress or outfit well in advance, not having to plan for a growing baby bump. But, for another, you’re open to quite a bit more style-wise for what will fit.
Now, when it comes to planning out maternity wedding guest dresses, you’ll first want to consider how far along in your pregnancy you are. During your first trimester, and even your early second trimester, you may very well be able to get away with what’s already in your closet. But, once you really start showing in your late second trimester and third trimester, you’ll want to consider the comfort level and silhouette that will best fit you.
Prioritize comfort and fit
When it comes to picking an outfit, prioritize comfort and fit. Between the ceremony and reception, a wedding will have you out and about for hours, so you want to make sure the outfit you choose isn’t uncomfortable while pregnant.
Opt for a stretchier fabric, like a smocked dress, or materials like jersey or knits. And don’t be afraid to size up if needed! If you’re going to a more formal ceremony, it can feel wasteful to purchase an outfit for just one wedding. However, if you do size up, you can always have the dress taken in for future events.
Embrace the bump
Show off that bump! That can mean embracing the silhouette, whether that’s a fitted bump-friendly dress or an empire waist look that will comfortably flow over the bump. Wrap dresses and dresses with ruching can also be a good option, as they’re adjustable and can grow with your body, so you can wear them postpartum as well.
Don’t forget to consider the shoes
While the focus may be on the outfit or dress, don’t forget to think about what shoes you’re going to wear. While uncomfortable heels can be a pain outside of pregnancy, they become even more unbearable when you’re pregnant and often a little more unbalanced. Go for a shoe with a little more support, like a block heel, flats, or low wedges. And don’t be afraid to bring a backup pair of shoes with you, especially if you find the shoes you wear to the initial ceremony won’t work for being on your feet at the reception.
The best maternity wedding guest dresses
While there are some general tips to consider that cover any and all weddings, what you also need to keep in mind is the dress code for the wedding you are going to be attending. Wedding dress code can range anywhere from casual attire all the way up to black-tie, so here are a few of our favorite picks in each category.
Casual wedding
As the name suggests, casual wedding attire is a lot more laid back than the more “fancy” options, such as formal and black-tie attire. Typically, the atmosphere allows for more of a sundress or mini dress style, which can be dressed up a bit with wedges or dressy sandals. A lot of times, more casual weddings are also outdoors, meaning you’ll want to dress for the venue and time of year. For a pregnant guest, this can be a perfect time to opt for a dress with some stretch or an empire waist, paired with a great pair of wedges.
Options to consider:
Semi-formal wedding
Semi-formal weddings, also known as “dressy casual,” can be dependent on when or where the ceremony is taking place. The dress code is usually a step above casual, allowing for a dressy skirt and top, below-the-knee dresses, and pantsuits. For semi-formal evening weddings, opt for darker colors, while at daytime events, you can likely get away with lighter hues and more airy fabrics.
Options to consider:
Cocktail wedding
A small step above semi-formal, a cocktail wedding guest code could include a tea-length, knee-length, or midi dress. This popular attire choice is a balance between comfortable and fancy without heading into the more strictly formal territory.
Depending on the time of year, this is a great time for more midi looks, especially with an empire waist or smocking for comfort.
Options to consider:
Formal wedding
Formal weddings are a step down from black-tie, but still typically involve a floor-length gown, fancy cocktail dress, or a dressier pantsuit. When it comes to picking out a maternity dress, look for slightly more elegant styles and fabrics for a formal wedding category.
Options to consider:
Black-tie wedding
Black-tie typically indicates a formal evening event. The dress code typically involves floor-length gowns for women, with dressier fabrics. While this may seem like the most complicated dress code to make work when pregnant, you’ll find plenty of looser-fitting styles that can still make for a comfortable fit during the night.
Options to consider:
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The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
Morgan Flaherty, Contributing Writer
Morgan is full-time writer, editor, and mom. Along with her work as a contributing writer for The Everymom on all things Disney World, beauty products, and the latest fashion trends, her writing has appeared in Well + Good, InStyle, Scary Mommy, Byrdie, and Baby Chick.
Feature graphic images credited to: Hill House Home, Pink Blush Maternity, Seraphine, Hatch, and Club L London
