Maternity Bridesmaid Dress

[Anonymous]

My sister's getting married in June, pretty much the day that I reach four months. I'll be selecting from the "Maternity Appropriate" dresses from David's Bridal (ie empire waist, usually chiffon), but I'm at a loss for how many sizes up to order. Any advice?

[Anonymous]

I just bought one of their dresses for my baby shower, and at 8 months I only needed to order 2 sizes up. At 4 months, you'll probably be fine up one. Also, I'd highly recommend the online only styles, because they are returnable--you can order two sizes, closer to the wedding date, and send back the one you don't need (note that their return policy is only 14 days though). Lastly, I'd suggest avoiding strapless styles if you can, because the inner support structure, while it will fit (mostly) around a pregnant belly, can be uncomfortable and bunchy.

[Anonymous]

I don't know what size you are, but I have a beautiful ($350, ack!) powder blue maternity bridesmaid dress that I wore to my sister's (May) wedding 2 years ago. I got the thing from Riziks, and its very nice. If you're interested, I'd sell it to you for a song. ($50 sound fair?) I'm 5'6" and I was 7.5 months pregnant when I wore it. It has been cleaned and everything. Just hanging in my closet! If you're interested, email me at [e-mail]

[Anonymous]

Just one size up should be fine. The weight gain at 4 months should ideally be very little about 5-8 pounds although everyone is different.

[Anonymous]

I talked to a consultant for a popular online retailer when purchasing a dress for a friend's wedding. They said that the measurements for maternity dresses are generally based on bust size; you just get it altered for anything below, since that tends to not be fitted.

I am generally a 14, and would have thought 16 or perhaps 18, even - but since my boobs have grown so much, I had to order mine in a 22. I am sure it will be a tent, but i'll just have everything taken in below the bust. Hope that helps!

[Anonymous]

11:27 here - I wouldn't go by weight gain. I haven't gained a pound (I'm 16 weeks) but still had to order a much bigger size due to the increased bust size.

[Anonymous]

OP here - thanks for the help! It's hard to imagine anything bigger than the "barely" A cups I've had all my life, so I definitely need the reminder to take the bust size into consideration even that early. To the PP with the blue dress, I appreciate the offer, but my sister picked a specific color. I'm usually a 6 or an 8, so I think I'll go try on dresses very soon and then order one size up from what fits me now. Thanks again!

[Anonymous]

At 4 months, I probably wouldn't even bother ordering up a size at all. Just make sure it has a bit of room in the chest. I am 8 months with my 2nd and am still wearing my regular (empire) dresses and many of my t-shirts (the ones with enough give to fit over the belly). I have put on nearly a cup size with the pregnancy, but other than that haven't put on too much heft on top.

If this is your first, you might not even be showing at all at 4 months. I didn't start having a noticeable bump until close to 6 months both times. YMMV.

[Anonymous]

I'm in two weddings over the next month and I'll be 20 and 22 weeks. I just went to the bridal shop and asked for regular styles (not maternity) that would work with an expanding belly. I ordered one size up and both dresses are quite large. She gave me the deadline of no later than 2 weeks before for alterations, so I'm waiting until then to go in. My suggestion is to just work with the staff to pick a suitable style and let them know that you may be growing. You can also order extra fabric in case they need to expand the belly area, but the bust is ok or vice versa.

[Anonymous]

OP - first, just had to say, I'm a "barely A" cupper too... and lucky me, I got to a C by my last pregnancy. Fun!

Glad you asked this... my sis gets married in September, at which point I will be 28 weeks. There is only one other bridesmaid and she has no intention to TTC until at least August. So, we currently have plans to look at gowns in June (when I of course will be more confident about this pregnancy) and I'm wondering if that is even too early? Ideas anyone?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At 4 months, I probably wouldn't even bother ordering up a size at all. Just make sure it has a bit of room in the chest. I am 8 months with my 2nd and am still wearing my regular (empire) dresses and many of my t-shirts (the ones with enough give to fit over the belly). I have put on nearly a cup size with the pregnancy, but other than that haven't put on too much heft on top.

If this is your first, you might not even be showing at all at 4 months. I didn't start having a noticeable bump until close to 6 months both times. YMMV.

This was my same thought.

Also, I was small chested too pre-pregnancy. But don't let the bust size thing fool you - my boobs didn't really fill in until the 8 month and then again 2 days post partum. Being 16 weeks preg. doesn't necessarily show - the bloating, swelling, boobs, tummy, etc. don't happen until much later (or not at all for things like swelling).

[Anonymous]

15:48 - maybe try going earlier. Sounds crazy, but a lot of bridesmaids dresses need to be ordered 10-16 weeks in advance. I ordered first week in April and had to get "rush" delivery (sixty dollars) to get it by May 31. If I had waited an hour to order, I wouldn't have gotten the dress until June 6, due to the way the dress company took orders. If you know which store you're going to, maybe just call them, or do a pre-shopping trip. Having to order way in advance is a pain, but you can always get things taken in!