How to Hide a Pregnancy Bump at a Wedding

As excited as you and your intended might be about your pregnancy, you might not be ready to share the news with loved ones until after your wedding. Hiding a bump can be difficult, especially after the first trimester. Fortunately, professional consultants and seamstresses can help you find a dress that you love and fit it to your changing shape. Do some dress research before you fall in love with a form-fitting mermaid gown that hugs the very curve you wish to conceal.

Gown Shape

Focus on the shape of your wedding dress to hide a baby bump 1. A-line dresses and those that pair empire waists with loose bottoms help to create a secretive silhouette and allow for comfortable, unrestricted movement. Gowns that feature a drop waist also provide extra room in the stomach area without arousing suspicion. Fitted -- but not tight -- tops with large, showy skirts are a good combination for bump-hiding as well. You can’t hide your tummy in mermaid, trumpet or ball gowns, so avoid these styles when choosing your wedding dress.

Buck Tradition

Some brides dream about a traditional wedding their entire lives, and nothing else will do when the big day arrives. A less traditional or more informal ceremony, however, may better suit your particular circumstance. For example, shop for a dress in a floral print, because busy patterns confuse the eye and make it difficult to discern the shape of the body underneath. Dark colors, meanwhile, have a slimming effect, especially when paired with a light, boxy jacket. Two-piece ensembles make it possible to loosen the elastic on pants and skirts to include more wiggle room at the waist, and pair then with long, airy, flowing tops that fall away from the body.

Accentuate Other Positives

With the right accents, brides can hide a baby bump by simply drawing the eye away from it. Deep V-necks create a long, lean appearance and draw the eye up and away from the waistline. Cap sleeves and bared backs also create a focal point far away from the bump. Use accessories to hide your bump as well. A large, bright but short necklace catches the eye and draws it upward and a large bouquet will hide your bump nicely as you walk down the aisle and. Don’t rely on accessories alone, however, as you can't hide behind your bouquet throughout the entire ceremony and reception. Avoid shiny fabrics, bows, gemstones and other embellishments below your bust line.

Plan

Planning is crucial if you are not ready to share your baby news at the wedding. Tell your bridal consultant about your pregnancy so she can recommend dresses that are easily altered. Although it is hard to predict exactly what changes your body will undergo, a general rule of thumb for a good fit is to add one inch to your measurements for each month of pregnancy. The more easily your dress can be changed and adapted, the fewer problems you will have. Pregnancy affects more than just your waistline, so be prepared to wear flats if your ankles swell or put on a different bra to accommodate your growing figure.