Two things we love here at Queen Bee: a gorgeous baby bump, and a formal occasion to show it off! Wedding season is upon us again, which means if you’re pregnant, you’ll be looking for the holy grail of wedding guest dresses: stretchy, flowy, pretty AND comfortable.
If you’re worried that you can’t be both pregnant and stylish, think again! It’s easier than you think to nail the ‘maternity formal dress’ code.
At Queen Bee, we have plenty of different maternity dresses for weddings available to suit different styles - and different dress codes!
Here are a few of our favourites:
The Off-the-Shoulder Maternity Dress
Off the shoulder dresses are one of our best-selling maternity wedding guest dress styles, and for good reason!
Off-the-shoulder dresses are comfortable without being frumpy, stylish without looking like you’re trying too hard, and they’re ultra feminine. This is a really versatile style, and works for both dressy weddings and more casual events. It’s the throw-on-and-go you never knew you needed!
A block colour off-the-shoulder dress like this one from Lait & Co is super versatile, not to mention flattering! The elasticised neckline allows you to show as much - or as little - skin as you like, while the sleeves provide a little extra coverage and interest. This dress is fully lined, so you’ll stay cool and covered. It’s the perfect option where you want to be a little covered up, without feeling frumpy. Plus, the lace sleeve details provide just the right amount of interest, without being too much.
Keep it casual with your hair down, or try a chic up-do for a more elegant look.
The Elegant Maternity Gown
Don’t believe what you may have heard: elegant maternity gowns DO exist, and this is one of our all-time favourites! The Wanderlust Tiered Maxi is absolutely GORGEOUS, and can be dressed up for more formal occasions, or accessorised simply for a more casual look. The low v-neckline is ruffled, giving it an added feminine touch.
This maxi is lined to the knee, so you can wear a pair of shapewear shorts underneath on warmer wedding days to stay comfortable, plus it does double-duty as a baby shower or maternity shoot outfit. We’re pretty sure that you’ll still be reaching for this dress long after you’re done with having babies, too!
How you accessorise this dress will make all the difference. Dress it up or dress it down, it’s up to you!
The Maternity Wrap Dress
Made famous by Diane Von Furstenberg and embraced by women of all ages and stages worldwide, the wrap dress - specifically, the Maternity Wrap Dress - is a firm favourite of pregnant and postpartum women alike when it comes to stylish wedding guest attire. The Floressa Cadence Wrap Dress is our pick for a more casual spring or summer wedding. It’s carefully designed to not only be one of the most flattering dresses in your wardrobe, but one of the most functional too, allowing for discreet nursing.
You just KNOW this dress was designed by a woman, for women. The Cadence Wrap Dress is designed so that the thighs aren’t exposed when you walk, and the perfectly weighted silky-soft stretch jersey drapes like a DREAM.
The Maternity Maxi Gown
For our mamas and mamas-to-be who prefer a more romantic silhouette, the empire-line style of the Floressa Tearose Nursing Maxi Gown is a gorgeous option (whether you’re nursing or still pregnant!). With a universally flattering cut and pattern, short flutter sleeves and easy access nursing, you’ll feel like the absolute goddess you are in this dress.
And the best bit? This is not a piece that you’ll wear once and then leave to languish in the depths of your wardrobe. The flattering empire style is perfect for pregnancy photoshoots, baby showers and other special occasions - you’ll get plenty of wear out of this style throughout your pregnancy, during nursing, and thanks to the stretch fabric, you may even find yourself reaching for this dress long after you’re done with being pregnant!
Where to buy Formal Maternity Dresses
While it may be tempting to pop into your local department store and browse the stretchy dress section (a viable option if you’re in a real pinch!), we do recommend that your first stop be a maternity wear retailer that stocks dresses and gowns designed for pregnancy and post-pregnancy dressing.
Specialist maternity wear is designed with features you didn’t even know you needed!
Scratch-free seams, easy accessibility for nursing, two-way stretch fabrics, and flattering designs - these all really do make a difference to your comfort levels. Plus, because these pieces are designed for changing bodies, you know they’re going to last much longer than something that’s designed for a single size.
Queen Bee’s range is tested by women who know the features you want to show off, and those you may feel a little self conscious about.
As Mamas ourselves, we know the challenges you face when trying to find flattering formal maternity wear, so we’ve made it easy for you to explore all your options in one place!
Click here for our curated collection of maternity wedding guest dresses. You’ll find options for formal, semi-formal, casual and cocktail events.
