Having a pregnant bridesmaid with a growing baby bump can put a hitch in your plans when it comes to dress shopping. Aside from the challenge of finding an assortment of gowns that fit with your vision, you’re also tasked with hunting down a style that will fit an expectant mama — and her changing bod. But remember, you’ve got options. Oh boy (or girl?), have you got options. Forget about forcing her to drop a boatload of bucks on a dress she’s likely to never wear again. The rental process was practically invented for this miraculous stage of life. Ahead, a few tips to help guide you in searching out the perfect maternity bridesmaid dresses.
There are Plenty of Modern Maternity Bridesmaid Dresses — So Don’t Settle
Once upon a time, finding a fashionable maternity dress for a special occasion was nearly impossible. These days the choices are plentiful, and designers are more focused than ever on creating chic styles that honor pregnant women and their bodies. So if you’ve got a bridesmaid with a bun in the oven, fear not. Instead of tent-like gowns that do nothing for her or either of your fashion sense, you can decide between on-trend options that she’ll actually want to wear. Sequins, ruffles, embellishment, deep plunging necklines — it’s all there. Whether you want her to wear a romantic maternity lace dress, a modest long sleeve maternity dress, or a sassy red maternity dress, the choice is, quite literally, yours.
Figure Out If She’ll Need a True Maternity Bridesmaid Dress
Depending on how far along she is by the wedding date, your ‘maid may be able to get away with styles that aren’t officially maternity but rather, bump-friendly. Typically, if a woman is five months along or more by the date of the nuptials, she’ll want to browse true maternity dresses. If she’s less than five months along or has a smaller bump, you can consider renting straight-sized styles that can double as maternity occasion dresses. Be sure to look for silhouettes that allow room for her belly and hips like empire waist dresses and looser A-line dresses, or check out styles that stretch. Shirring and gathering also accommodate her ever-growing belly, so keep an eye out for these details while browsing maternity bridesmaid gowns.
Don’t Be Afraid to Show Off Her Bump in a Maternity Bridesmaid Dress
She’s creating another human being and it’s a miracle — let her embrace her new shape and show it off! Choose floaty maternity maxi dress options in organza or chiffon or fitted maternity cocktail dresses and maternity evening dresses in stretchy fabrics like jersey, stretch cotton lace, and stretch crepe. The perfect maternity bridesmaid dress is one that shows off her bump without outshining your wedding dress — and that’s not hard to come by with a full range of options to choose from.
Comfort is Key
Everyone knows that nothing ruins a look — or a special occasion — faster than feeling uncomfortable in your outfit. As is the case with clothing at any stage of life, formal maternity dresses look best when a woman feels good in them. Whether you’re into a looser silhouette or something more bodycon, you want to be sure your bridesmaid’s dress is something she can actually stand being in for several hours. Consider the time of year and the venue when you’re choosing a style — especially when you’re deciding on maternity summer dresses. Heavier fabrics like duchess satin can cause an expectant mama to overheat and take her from stylish to sweltering in minutes. A dress that’s too tight can be equally as miserable, especially for a pregnant woman. Luckily, backup sizes are available for each rental, meaning you can avoid the predicament of her gown being too small at the last minute. Having options on hand to accommodate her ever-changing, unpredictable body will save her style and everyone’s sanity.
The Mix and Match Trend Is Your Friend
Having your bridal party wear different dresses in the same color or palette allows you more options when it comes to finding the right maternity bridesmaid dress. Are you opting for shades of pink? There are more than a few blush maternity bridesmaid dresses on offer now. Or do you want your ladies in classic dark blue? Navy bridesmaid dresses of every shape and style are at your disposal. Whether you want her in a white maternity dress, a black maternity dress, or any other hue in between, having a bevy of bump-friendly rentals to browse will make it easier for her to look and feel her very best on the big day.
Rent the Maternity Bridesmaid Dress With Confidence
Now that you know what to look for, you’re ready to search for a maternity bridesmaid dress that is sure to get your seal of approval — and hers. Ahead, check out 30 maternity bridesmaid dresses for the modern mama-to-be.

DRESS: INGRID & ISABEL

DRESS: ALI & JAY

DRESS: SLATE AND WILLOW

DRESS: MILLY

DRESS: SHOSHANNA

DRESS: LA PETITE ROBE DI CHIARA BONI

DRESS: ELIZABETH AND JAMES

DRESS: HALSTON HERITAGE

DRESS: NICOLE MILLER

DRESS: OPENING CEREMONY


DRESS: AMANDA UPRICHARD

DRESS: FINDERS KEEPERS

DRESS: JILL JILL STUART

DRESS: LAUNDRY BY SHELLI SEGAL

DRESS: ISABELLA OLIVER

DRESS: CHRISTIAN PELLIZZARI

DRESS: REBECCA TAYLOR

DRESS: CARMEN MARC VALVO

DRESS: DRESS THE POPULATION

DRESS: BAJA EAST

DRESS: AIDAN MATTOX

DRESS: LIKELY

DRESS: JOSIE NATORI

DRESS: TWO BIRDS

DRESS: BEC AND BRIDGE

DRESS: DEREK LAM

DRESS: LEOTA

DRESS: YUMI KIM

DRESS: LM COLLECTION