Have I ever been pregnant? No - nor do I have any plans to be in the near distant future.
So, what credentials do I have that enable me to pen an entire shopping edit dedicated to wedding guest dress for those who are pregnant or postpartum? My cousins, that’s what.
I’m lucky enough to have a stream of older, female cousins who I completely adore. They also have a habit of getting knocked up every other year or so - at which point they come to me asking for maternitywear advice.
The biggest hurdle they face is wedding guest attire. Weddings call for elegant attire, adorable footwear and enviable arm-candy. Yet for expecting mothers, this can be hard to execute without feeling akin to a ballooning Jeff Koons creation.
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© ImaxtreeMaternitywear brands are often marred by gaudy florals, elasticated waistbands and questionable cuts - hence why I always advise mums-to-be to stick to the classics. Free-flowing, boho-infused collections courtesy of Bernadette, Aje and Stine Goya champion airy trapeze silhouettes, 1970s-inspired fits and beautiful earth tones that help to avoid the feeling of unmissable enormity.
Anyways, it's the 2020s - we all know that women don’t need to show skin to feel empowered. Take it from leading designers such as Chloé, Simone Rocha, Bora Aksu and Susan Fang, all of whom rehash XL frocks on the runway each season without fail. Zimmermann can’t resist a highly bump-friendly tiered situation, Saint Laurent has dabbled in operatic taffeta gowns with pronounced shoulders and Molly Goddard continues to intrigue with her dopamine-inducing tulle concoctions. Pregnancy has truly never looked chicer.
Whether you’re jetting off for a dreamy, sun-soaked bash abroad or staying close to home in the UK, there’s a beautiful gown to suit every bun in the oven. Shop our favourites below.
Key brands to know for mothers-to-be:
- Chloé
- Ganni
- Cecilie Bahnsen
- Stine Goya
- Bernadette
- Farm Rio
- Taller Marmo
- Alemais
- Zimmermann
- Aje
- Simone Rocha
- Molly Goddard
- Malina
- Selkie
- Camilla
- Sister Jane
- Susan Fang
- Hill House Home
- ba&sh
- Daughters of India
- Damson Madder
Wedding guest dresses to shop in 2026:
Nathalie Gown
Bernadette
Available in serene mint or radiant rust colourways, Bernadette's longline gown is the epitome of Old Hollywood glamour. Style yours with bohemian gold jewels and a raffia evening bag.
Pandorea Maxi Dress
Aje
Sheath yourself in a bed of pale blue petals courtesy of Australian brand Aje. The brand's halterneck gown is simply stunning - perfect for accommodating your baby bump in the utmost elegance.
Romantic Long Dress
Stine Goya
Florals needn't be mumsy - just take it from Stine Goya. The Scandi brand is home to a series of voluminous gowns, including this romantic bloom-clad option that's breezy and ethereal in equal measure.
Sabrina Midi Dress
Malina
Showcasing a striking, dopamine-inducing yellow hue, a fluted silhouette and a ruffled tulip hemline, Malina's vibrant gown is a luxurious lesson in sun-soaked sophistication.
One-Shoulder Satin Kaftan Dress
H&M
Feel pretty in pink this season thanks to H&M's 70s-inspired kaftan gown. This affordable option radiates cool-girl energy, complete with boho fringing and a lustrous satin sheen.
Aquamarine Mini Dress
Sister Jane
Sister Jane is a label that is defined by quirky, cool-girl cuts - from voluminous mini dresses to tiered, beruffled gowns. Ideal for mums-to-be seeking a generous silhouette to proudly display their bump in this year.
Willow Dress
ba&sh
The perfect option for beachside nuptials, ba&sh's Willow Dress comes complete with a sweet, strapless silhouette, a breezy pleated skirt and a romantic rust hue.
The On a Stroll Maxi
Maison Amory
For those in the earlier stages of pregnancy, look no further than Maison Amory's The On a Stroll Maxi. An asymmetrical neckline, pleated skirt and calming blue hue make for an irresistible wedding guest look.
Aster Maxi Dress
Zimmermann
Liquid-like silk satin and delicate bead embellishments lend Zimmermann’s Aster Maxi Dress an ethereal feel. Featuring a gathered halterneck, open back and fluid draping, it’s the kind of effortless evening piece destined for warm-weather soirées.
Zigzag Plisse Tiered Trapeze Maxi Dress
ASOS Design
This lime zigzag plissé maxi dress brings playful drama with its tiered trapeze silhouette and fluid texture. Lightweight and voluminous, it’s the kind of statement piece made for summer weddings, holidays and rooftop evenings.
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