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Getting married when you’re pregnant is no longer stigmatized like it once was, although wedding planning most definitely still is (planning a wedding is tough stuff, ladies). There are plenty of things to consider when planning the wedding of your dreams as a pregnant woman. What do you wear? What can you eat? How do you handle all this stress? Take a deep breath. I’m here to help.

Tips for Managing Your Stress Levels

Planning a wedding is a monumentally stressful event. There are dresses to pick out, bridal shops to find, caterers to call, musicians to book, venues to reserve, officiants to hire –  it can all seem so overwhelming! Now, try to handle all of this while your hormones are off the charts and you’re carrying a little one inside of you. If that doesn’t want to make you absolutely scream and pull your hair out, then you’re a stronger woman than I.

Here are a few simple ways to keep those stress levels in check as a pregnant bride-to-be:

Include Your Fiancé in the Planning Process

Make sure to involve your partner in the planning process. You shouldn’t have to carry the burden of planning the entire wedding yourself (you are carrying their child by yourself, after all), so insist on having them help with planning.

You’re a team; everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, and you can play to those little differences while planning a wedding. Maybe you’re well-versed in flowers and he’s got a bit of a sweet tooth. Great! You choose the floral arrangements and let him go cake shopping.

Don’t Dismiss the Help of Friends and Family

In addition to letting your fiancé take the wedding planning reins from time to time, allow yourself to accept the help of your family and friends. Nothing would make your loved ones happier than getting to play a part in your special day. You probably even have a lady in your life – like your mother – that has been through all of this before with her own wedding, and her advice can help ease some of the inevitable stress.

Have your mom or dad come up with a wedding planning checklist and make a few phone calls to vendors. Let your bridesmaids and groomsmen do the legwork of running around town to attend appointments and pick up the various decorations, foods, or even the wedding dress.

Consider Hiring a Dedicated Wedding Planner

If you happen to be lucky enough not to be operating on a shoestring budget, consider bringing a wedding planner on board. Working with a professional wedding planner is an absolute godsend when you’re trying to keep everything stress-free. They’re able to navigate the complicated world of wedding vendors more efficiently than a couple attempting to plan a wedding for the first time.

Letting a wedding planner worry about the intricacies of the ceremony and reception allows you to focus on nesting, giving you peace of mind and keeping stress levels to a minimum.

Wedding Dresses for Pregnant Brides

The Dress

Deciding on a wedding dress to wear while you’re pregnant can seem like a daunting task. Luckily, there are plenty of options out there for pregnant brides. Whether you want to hide your belly or show it off, you’ll want to select the perfect silhouette.

• A gorgeous mermaid or trumpet wedding dress will let you show off that beautiful baby bump
• A-line or empire waist gowns are an excellent way to detract attention from your belly

As for fabrics, you’ll stay cool and comfortable by going with something lightweight and floaty, like chiffon or georgette. Opt for a stretchier fabric, like crepe or jersey to give yourself some wiggle room.

The Shoes

Bring a separate pair of comfortable flats in addition to the pair you’ve matched with your gorgeous dress. It’s likely that your ceremony shoes won’t be the most comfortable footwear to have at your reception. Avoid being absolutely miserable after you’ve read your vows by bringing an emergency pair of comfy slip-ons.

Prepare for the Worst

This is your big day (preceding your next biggest day by less than nine months), and you don’t want anything to ruin it. Getting married while expecting will require you to take a few extra precautions.

Morning sickness and fainting are simply facts of life while pregnant. Even a strong smell – like grandpa’s aftershave or the lily centerpieces that seemed like such a good idea three months ago – could trigger a bout of nausea or unexpected dizziness.

Heaven forbid this happens during the ceremony, but have a receptacle and small stool near the altar just in case the feeling strikes.

It’s Your Wedding, You Shouldn’t Have to Compromise

Understand that your wedding is just that – yours. You also happen to be pregnant, and with that comes certain caveats. For instance, you’ve probably been advised by your OB to avoid particular foods like:

• High-mercury fish: Swordfish, king mackerel, tuna
• Raw fish: Sushi, sashimi, caviar
• Undercooked or processed meats: Deli meat, dishes cooked rare
• Raw eggs: Salad dressing, ice cream, mousse, meringue

Make sure that any food vendors catering your event are able to accommodate your specific dietary restrictions.

Request Maternity-Friendly Cocktails

Alcohol is another classic wedding staple that you’ve likely been told to avoid. Not being able to toast your new marriage with endless glasses of champagne may leave you feeling disappointed and left out. Ask to have a signature virgin cocktail available at your reception so you can join in on the festivities.

Enjoy The Moment

Getting married while pregnant shouldn’t make your wedding day any less special. It will be an incredibly memorable experience and a story you can always talk about with your child. I mean, they were there with you.

You are about to embark on two major journeys: marriage and parenthood. Congrats, mom!

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