STUDIO JOURNAL

Our head dressmaker Cathy explains how we help pregnant brides achieve their dream wedding dress. THE MODISTE has provided countless wedding dress alterations for pregnant brides, so read on for expert advice and tips.

THE ‘TYPICAL’ BRIDE DOESN’T EXIST

At THE MODISTE, we like to think that we have seen most things when it comes to weddings. After all, we conduct wedding dress alterations for over 700 brides every year, so I hope you can trust me when I say that there is no ‘typical’ bride.

We ladies come in all shapes and sizes and we love you for that! There is absolutely no need to change your body for your wedding day. However, sometimes our bodies have different plans and we find ourselves changing (and blossoming) in a way we cannot control.

PREGNANCY AND WEDDING PLANNING

Pregnancy and wedding planning can both be very stressful times. When they happen at the same time my top tip is learn to delegate and relieve the stress in whatever way you can. Our team here at THE MODISTE will take charge of your wedding dress: we want you to focus on looking after yourself and your growing baby.

We will see you for wedding dress alterations right up to your wedding date. This will allow as much time as possible for your body change. Don’t worry, we will be able to adapt your dress to suit your unique circumstances.

Wedding dresses for pregnant brides

If you are shopping for a wedding dress whilst pregnant, don’t limit yourself to the maternity section of boutiques or online retailers. You have the right to feel exactly how you want on your wedding day, no matter how big your bump is.

Whilst shopping in a wedding dress boutique, please do tell your sales assistant! You can trust them to be subtle if the rest of your bridal party don’t know yet. They will be able to help you find the perfect wedding gown for you.

The most important thing for wedding dress alterations is that we have plenty of fabric to play with. So, do ask for extra length on the hem. If you are in the early stages of pregnancy and the wedding isn’t for a while, you can buy a wedding dress a few sizes up. At THE MODISTE, there is no limit on how much we can ‘take in’ wedding gowns that are too big.

Altering a wedding dress that’s too small

If you are buying an off-the-peg wedding dress (or you have already chosen the dress before you knew you were pregnant), don’t worry. We still have lots of options.

We have a lot of experience in altering wedding dresses which are too small. For example, we can add more space into a dress using the side seams. We can match most fabrics and merge additional elements in with lace.

Another option is to change the back of the wedding dress into a corset. This is a great option as it will allow you to have flexibility throughout your wedding day if you find your body fluctuates a lot.

Our bridal seamstresses often change the waistline of the wedding dress so that it sits above your bump. This is a super flattering design – and comfortable too – so a massive win! There are so many options if your wedding dress is too small, so please don’t feel limited with your design choices. We have years of experience providing wedding dress alterations for pregnant brides, so you are in safe hands.

When do you alter a wedding dress for a pregnant bride?

We plan to see you for an initial wedding dress appointment as soon as we possibly can. This is more of a consultation, rather then an actual wedding dress fitting. We will have a good chat and agree a plan together. It is unlikely that we will make any changes to your dress until around three weeks before your wedding day.

WEDDING DRESS FITTINGS FOR PREGNANT BRIDES

When you do come to see us for a wedding dress fitting, please don’t forget that you will need to bring your wedding shoes with you to every appointment.

You should also make sure you have eaten before arriving at our atelier for a dress fitting. A good breakfast isn’t going to change how your wedding dress fits you: hopefully you will be doing the same on the morning of the Big Day itself!

Your fitting will last about 45 minutes and we do ask you to stand in your wedding dress for most of this time. Pregnant brides can feel a bit wobbly during these appointments so keep telling us how you are feeling and drink lots of water!

You will also try on your wedding dress with us one final time when you come to collect it.

Your wedding dress collection appointment tends to be a couple of days before your actual wedding day. We always have seamstresses on hand to make any last minute alterations during your collection appointment. Depending on how long it will take to make the final changes you are invited to put your feet up and relax, or pop back to the studio when we are finished.

UPCYCLING YOUR MATERNITY WEDDING DRESS

Ideas about wedding dress upcycling is something that we get asked all the time. There are so many options! Our luxury wedding dress repurposing MODIFY service and collections provide brides with a wonderful opportunity to create something from, or inspired by, your wedding dress that you can enjoy again and again.

For example, you could repurpose your wedding dress into a cocktail dress or jumpsuit (you can read about one of our wedding dress transformations in Cosmopolitan magazine). We can ensure it is made-to-measure after your baby has been born. Imagine re-wearing your own modified wedding dress at your child’s christening or naming celebration! Matching outfits for mum and baby can be made from off-cuts, or matched fabrics from our extensive fabric library, rather than cutting up your wedding dress. We can even make matching ties and pocket squares so the whole family is included.

ENJOY YOUR PREGNANCY AND WEDDING DRESS JOURNEY

If you have any concerns or questions, don’t forget you can always contact us.

I hope this advice will help ease your worries about being a pregnant bride. Enjoy the process of planning your perfect day. Cherish the little moments. And, remember, you can trust us at THE MODISTE to make your wedding dress perfect for you.