As time has evolved so have people. Nevertheless, some things never change and that is the pomp and circumstance that surrounds a wedding. Now more than ever couples go for over the top weddings with tons of flowers, expensive food, and an ever-expanding wedding party. As the number of attendants that some brides include in their special event top the double digits, so is the likelihood that one of those attendants during the time between choosing a date and the big day will become a mommy-to-be.
In the past this often and happy event has caused many a bridesmaid to have to decline offers to be a part of the couples big day. However, with brides more than ever choosing dresses that are the same in color, but aren’t the same in design to better fit the attendant’s body type, the ability for pregnant attendants to participate and still be stylish.
In the search for stylish maternity bridesmaids dresses, three designers stick out. However, before one can look at a designer, one needs to know what works for the style of a maternity bridesmaid dress.
Comfort is #1
In most attendants dresses what the bride wants goes, regardless of what it looks like on the different women with various body dimensions. In the case of the pregnant attendant, it is important that the dress be comfortable. It needs to be functional enough that she does not have trouble sitting down and worrying about the dress ripping its seams.
The Best Silhouette for Mom & Baby
Those familiar with the bridal gown search can identify with what a silhouette is. In non-technical language it is the shape of the dress. In most cases the shape for a maternity bridesmaid dress is going to be an empire waist. The empire waist dress is going to be a dress that has a horizontal seam that runs just below the bust. This seam also serves as the waistline, which is much higher than most silhouettes. The flowing skirt then falls from this seam.
This silhouette is one, which can even possibly be available to those that are having a dress made by a seamstress, or for those that are small enough to get a larger size dress in a standard bridesmaid dress, and have the dress tailored in the bust, arm, and etc. areas. This opens up the option for many more dresses for the expectant mom. However, if there is a preference for a dress that needs far fewer nips, there are several designers to the rescue.
Designs with the Mother in Mind
These designers that feature several different designs for the pregnant maid are Watters & Watters, Bari Jay, and Jim Hjelm. Many know all three of these companies, popular in the wedding world, and also design dresses for everyone else in the bridal party.
Watters & Watters
Watters & Watters is a company that has been in the business of making bridesmaids dresses since 1986. They specialize in quality apparel at affordable prices. Currently there are several different designs that are available. They have both shorter styles as well as floor length. There is a full array of colors available and some are available in two-tone. Sizes go from 0 – 24. Prices for these creations run from about $170 to about $325, depending on the style. These dresses are available at most local bridal salons.
Bari Jay
Bari Jay is another company that has been in the business of bridal dresses for over 30 years in both the United States and Europe. This company by far has the largest selection of dresses, with the majority of them being short or tea-length. Sizes go from 2 – 20. Most dresses are in taffeta with a varying choice of colors. Prices range from $100 – $250. These designs are available at most bridal boutiques.
Jim Hjelm Occasions
Jim Hjelm is a company that tries to capitalize on designs that allow the attendants to wear these dresses more than once. Though their maternity collection is not vast, rumors are that they may be expanding the line within the next year. Sizes run from 0 – 24. Dresses start at around $170 and up.
Thanks to these companies and their innovation in bridal party wear, the bride no longer has to be the bad guy and ask her childhood friend to step down from the maid of honor duties.
Sources:
The Empire Dress. (http://www.theknot.com)
