There may be more choice of fashionable maternity wedding wear than ever before - but that doesn’t mean it’s not stressful to find that perfect outfit for a special occasion. Not least of all because depending on how far along you are, you probably don’t want to part with your loungewear, let alone find a maternity wedding guest dress.
The good news is it doesn’t need to be hard (or uncomfortable). In fact, we’ve put together a list of our favourite maternity wedding guest dresses for summer 2021 to make it super easy for you. Not only that, but we’ve also put a handy guide together to help you dress for your bump shape, so you’ll know exactly which maternity wedding guest outfit is the one for you.
How to dress for your bump shape
Whether you are carrying high or low, have a small bump or are further along in your pregnancy, the constant body changes you’ll experience during the next few months can be confusing and can make it harder to choose an outfit without giving up on your own unique personal style.
There are four distinct bump shapes and each of them is suited to different styles of dress.
The curvy, rounder baby bump
Some women gain just in the tummy - but many more of us discover that baby weight distributes all over (legs, bum, arms… face). Don’t worry, you're not alone if you're swelling everywhere. But whether you're tall, plus-size, or just feeling bigger than your usual self, don't let trying on clothes become a battle.
Softer, cotton fabrics and longer lines are the best ways to help you feel great while still accentuating your beautiful bump. Three-quarter length sleeves add elegance and some cover if you’re feeling self-conscious about your arms and ruching adds a touch of glamor to longer line dresses.
The small baby bump
If you were petite to begin with then more than likely your growing bump has nowhere to go but out! But there’s a good chance the rest of you might be as tiny as ever and you might be struggling to find maternity wear to suit your growing but short frame.
Try something a little more fitted that stops around the knee – this will draw attention to your frame in all the right places whilst flattering your glowing, growing body.
The low baby bump
If your baby is sitting low, you might be showing off a cute little bump just above your hips. Choosing a skater style maternity wedding dress which pinches you in at the waist can be really flattering for this bump shape.
A dress with a belt or a bow around the waist is also a good way to enhance your shape and show off your growing bump. If you can’t see anything in a maternity fit, you could also consider a wrap round dress with a wide band from a standard range that has generous amounts of fabric.
The high baby bump
If your belly is popping up and out, you might be feeling like your all-front. Think about ways to separate bust from bump and to really flatter and highlight your shape wear high belts, ties and ruching.
Like the curvy, rounder, bump you’ll probably be more comfortable in softer cotton/polyester blend fabrics. And like the low bump, a non-maternity fit wrap dress, with a thinner band, is also a really good option for your bump shape. A high-waisted maternity skirt and vest combo is extremely flattering if you’re carrying high and can make a lovely alternative to a maternity wedding guest dress
The 10 best maternity wedding guest dresses for summer 2021
JoJo Maman Bebe Navy Oriental Pleated Maternity Dress
Best For: The curvy bump, the high bump, the small bump
£45.00
Why we love it: The high ruched waist separates bust and bump, whilst the batwing sleeves and long-line skirt are incredibly shape flattering if you have a higher or bigger bump.
The oriental flower pattern is elegant and a classic wedding guest style.
Seraphine Sage Floral Maternity & Nursing Midi Dress
Best For: Here’s something for every bump
£65
Why we love it: This floral print maternity dress and nursing dress will take you through pregnancy and into the fourth trimester and beyond. Its wide wrap-round band means this dress will grow with you through pregnancy and be perfect for breastfeeding too (if that’s what you decide to do). Sage is set to be a popular wedding guest outfit colour for Summer 2021.
Hope & Ivy Maternity plunge floral embroidered midi tea dress in ivory
Best for: The high bump, the small bump
£110.00
Why we love it: We love the button down and floral embroidery detail on this Hope & Ivy Maternity Dress. The front split and long, floaty fabric is perfect for keeping you cool when the internal radiator hasn’t got the message that it’s the middle of summer. The cut will pinch high bumps in, drawing attention to your beautiful growing baby.
Tiffany Rose Maternity Willow Dress
Best for: The curvy bump, the high bump
£89.00
Why we love it: The cotton blend material of this Tiffany Rose dress will cling in all the right places, while keeping you and your bump cool at a summer wedding. The 3/4 sleeves are flattering and add elegance, as well as cover, if you’re feeling self-conscious about your arms. The under-bust ruching adds a touch of glamour and shape too.
Mama:licious Mlnessie Maternity Midi Dress
Best for: The low bump, the small bump
£60.00
Why we love it: The baby blue colour of this dress is gorgeous on all skin tones - and could even serve as a secret little hint of the sex of your baby if you’re a mama who knows what you’re having. The pleated, flowing skirt is really flattering over your bump and will keep you cool on warm days.
Little Mistress Maternity long puff sleeve belted midi dress
Best for: This is something for every bump shape
£65.00
Why we love it: This is another maternity dress we love because it really offers something for every bump shape. Midi really is the length of the summer and the polka dots are a modern pattern for a less traditional and trendy summer wedding. The balloon sleeve detail is effortlessly chic, and the front slit adds a little bit of sass. Pair with a belt like the model for smaller, lower bumps or wear it without if your you’re carrying high.
Emma Willis for Next Wrap Dress
Best for: The high bump, The low bump
£52.00
Why we love it: This Emma Willis for Next floral print midi dress doesn’t come from a maternity range, but it does come with a generous amount of fabric. Wrap-around dresses can be a lifesaver when you’re trying to keep up with a growing bump. The coral colour is gorgeous and super summery.
ASOS DESIGN Maternity exclusive mixed print midi dress with button front
Best for: This is something for every bump shape
£45.00
Why we love it: Quite simply it is bump friendly and has something for every bump shape. It’s button down and long-line, with light, flowing material and it pinches in at the waist with a flattering flowy sleeve. The list goes on. Plus, the florals in shades of pink and purple are effortlessly stylish and are perfect for summer weddings.
La Redoute Pleated Maternity Maxi Skirt in green
Best for: The high bump, The small bump
£42.00
Why we love it: Co-ords and two-piece outfits are really growing in popularity as wedding guest outfits - they’re even starting to creep into bridal wear collections, so why not consider a flowing, pleated skirt for your summer maternity wedding guest outfit?
We love the versatility of a skirt. It can be accessorised and dressed up for a really formal maternity wedding guest look or paired down for a more relaxed occasion.
Isabella Oliver Poise Maternity Dress
Best for: The curvy bump, The high bump
£59.00
Why we love it: The print on this Isabella Oliver dress is the main reason it’s made the list of our top ten summer maternity wedding guest outfits - it’s so delicate and summery.
It’s also cut in a really flattering shape for bigger and higher bumps and the 3/4 length sleeve adds a touch of elegance that we love.
How to accessories your maternity wedding guest dress
There’s a good chance that stiletto heels are out of the question when you’re accessorising your new maternity wedding guest dress this summer - but flats or sandals with a shorter, block heel can look amazing whilst keeping you comfortable.
If you’re still keen to add a bit of height to your outfit, then summer is also a really good time to invest in a wedge heel.
A statement headband or fascinator and matching clutch bag can also go a long way to dressing up any outfit.
Just remember, whatever you choose to wear - or however your choose to accessorise it - your body is growing life and to do that it’s changing all the time. That adjustment can be difficult sometimes and can make choosing outfits for special occasions feel difficult - that’s totally normal! Just stick to what you like and be kind to yourself.
And, if/when you do get yourself glammed up in your new outfit, make sure to get some lovely pictures of you and your bump – you won’t be looking like this forever!
