Weddings come with lots of surprises and gone are the days when expectant brides would shy away from public weddings. For some pregnant brides, a wedding can be very uncomfortable with questions racing through their heads whether or not they should wear white, what kind of gown to wear and so on.
• The colour white
This is no longer an issue. Who said you can’t wear white on your wedding? Those rules no longer apply and anyone can wear any colour from white, off white to red, it’s your choice so get that white if that has always been your dream.
• What style to wear
This may be one of the few challenges you may have to face as you don’t know the exact size you may be on the wedding day. But the good news is, you can’t go wrong with an empire waist gown. It will accentuate what needs to be flattered and flow over your bump, giving your body a nice silhouette. If this is not the style you’re looking for, then shop around for maternity wedding gowns or have one custom made locally to suit your preferences.
However, keep off ruffles and bows at the wrong places that may make you look bigger than you really are. Have the bridal shop assistant help you pick a gown that can easily be adjusted to accommodate your changing body.
• Comfort
This should be the first priority when choosing a gown. Pick a gown with a good fabric but avoid lace, as it can get itchy especially in the heat. As much as you may want to look slimmer don’t stuff yourself into a small gown. The last thing you need is a fainting spell in front of everyone.
Choose something you feel comfortable in and avoid showing your back or arms if you feel conscious about how you look. As the style gurus say, if you can’t work it, don’t wear it.
• The undergarments
To help the gown flow and sit properly in your body, what you wear inside is as important as what you’ll be wearing on the outside so invest in good underwear. Your inner garments can seriously make or break your gown. Make a point of buying a good bra that will give you good support and flatter your chest.
• Shoes
As much as you may want to wear those pretty heels, they may just have to be saved for another occasion. Since you will be standing all day, buy shoes with low heels or go for flats. You need something you can walk around and dance in comfortably. Before you go splurging on a pair, it may be advisable to buy the shoes a few days to the wedding as your feet may swell. You may consider buying two pairs of the same shoe. If you wear a size six, for example you can buy one in that size and another pair in 6 _. Should your normal size be too small you can change as the day goes.
Carry some flats or sandals that you can slip into after the main ceremony.
• What to eat and drink
As you know, what you take in is important for the child’s health. Keep off any alcoholic beverages and drink plenty of water, especially on a hot day. You may consider talking to your doctor about the types of food you can eat on that day.
Have these special meals incorporated by the caterer into your own personal menu. Should you feel nauseous or hungry from too much activity, take a break and have some water, yogurt and other recommended foods from your doctor and you will feel better in no time.
The writer is a certified wedding planner.
evebridal@standardmedia.co.ke