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Empire waists are your best friend.
By Brigitt Earley
Hunting for thebest maternity clothes to flatter your bump is tricky enough for everyday wear, let alone finding the best maternity wedding guest dresses for formal events. But pregnant women can wear anything nonpregnant women might asa wedding guest—basically, whatever is tasteful and not white is fair game.
Our top picks:
- Best Formal:Seraphine Champagne Sparkle Maternity Dress, $159
- Best Budget:My Bump Double-Layer Ruffle Maternity, $36
- Best for Spring:ASOS Design Maternity Pleated Textured Cowl-Front Embroidered Maxidress With Belt, $89
- Best for Summer:Pink Blush Mauve Satin Smocked Fitted Maternity Midi Dress, $87
- Best for Winter:Stowaway Collection Lexi Maternity Dress, $98
- Best for Fall:Nuuly Maternity Aurora Dress, $128
That said, long dresses or evening wear with Empire waists tend to be most comfortable when you’re sporting a bump, especially if you’re further along in your pregnancy.Summer maxis are flowy and forgiving, while dresses with an Empire design cinch under the bust instead of at the waist. A flexible sheath dress is another great option for moms-to-be who prefer to put their baby bump on full display.
Since you’ll likely spend hours in the dress you choose, pay attention to the overall construction too. Opt for breathable materials that offer a little bit of stretch. Fabrics like cotton, jersey, and chiffon are all good options, particularly if you’re attending an outdoor summer wedding. In the winter, you’ll have a little more flexibility and can safely consider more synthetic materials like polyester or spandex.
If you’re shopping maternity-specific options, there’s typically no need to size up. But if you’re eyeing standard sizes that look roomy enough for a bump, take a look at any reviews pertaining to sizing to get a better idea of whether or not you should size up. Generally, it’s a good idea to go at least one size up, especially later in your pregnancy. And if it’s available, opt for the tall size so there will be more fabric to cover your bump without taking away from the overall length of the dress.
To help you find just the right thing for any season, our editors (some of whom have been pregnant three or more times and attended dozens of weddings while pregnant themselves!) scoured top retailers for best-selling, highly rated maternity dresses (and some nonmaternity that’ll totally work) formal enough for a wedding.
All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
1/20
Best for Summer: Pink Blush Mauve Satin Smocked Fitted Maternity Midi Dress
This body-hugging dress has a sweet smocked elastic body complete with tiered ruffle trim for an ultra-feminine look. It also has adjustable camisole straps to help ensure you have the right amount of support up top. Reviewers say it’s formal enough for a spring or summer wedding but can absolutely be dressed down with a denim jacket and white sneakers for a day out too. Plus, many moms say the dress has life beyond pregnancy—a huge bonus for bargain hunters.
- Size range: S–L
- Fabric: Polyester
- Colors:Mauve, olive, silver
- Return policy:Full refund (minus a $5 fee) within 30 days
2/20
Pink Blush Black Solid Off-Shoulder Maternity Fitted Dress
Consider this your go-to little black dress during your pregnancy. It’s the perfect co*cktail-length garment for prewedding events. And while it may look like a relatively safe option, thesweetheart neckline gives it an undeniably sultry look. In fact, one mom says she felt very sexy in this short-sleeve maternity dress, noting how hard that can be to achieve in your third trimester.
- Size range: S–XL
- Fabric: 95% polyester, 5% spandex
- Colors:7 color options
- Return policy:Full refund (minus a $5 fee) within 30 days
3/20
Kimmy and Kai Charity Smocked Maternity Maxidress
Undeniably charming, especially for a spring or summer garden wedding, this gauzy floral-print number features a smocked bodice that moms say is super stretchy and expands with your bump. It also has flutter sleeves and a ruffle-trimmed tiered skirt to add to the eye-catching boho flair.
- Size range: XS–XL
- Fabric: Polyester
- Colors:Multicolored
- Return policy:Free returns accepted at the retailer’s discretion
Save when you shop the best maternity wedding guest dresses with these Nordstrom promo codes.
4/20
Ingrid & Isabel Cotton Maxidress
On a hot summer day, you’ll be thankful for the easy, breezy cotton construction of this patterned maxidress. It’s just right for a beach wedding but can easily be dressed down to wear all throughout the summer—and during other warm-weather seasons well beyond your pregnancy.
- Size range: XS–XL
- Fabric: Cotton
- Colors:Abstract pop
- Return policy:Free returns within 30 days
Save when you shop the best maternity wedding guest dresses with these Shopbop promo codes.
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5/20
Best Maternity Wedding Guest Dress for Winter: Stowaway Collection Lexi Maternity Dress
For those who prefer to fly under the radar while pregnant, this all-black long-sleeve dress is a great option. It’s overall subtle, but thanks to the cutouts at the clavicle and the body-con style, you won’t feel frumpy while covering up—moms call it sexy and modest all at once.
- Size range: S–XL
- Fabric: 47% cotton, 47% modal, 6% spandex
- Colors:Black
- Return policy:Free returns within 90 days
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6/20
Best Maternity Wedding Guest Dress for Spring: ASOS Design Maternity Pleated Textured Cowl-Front Embroidered Maxidress With Belt
This gauzy option has no shortage of pretty details that make it a great pick for a formal occasion like a spring wedding, starting with the embroidered flowers on the round neck. What we really love, though? The pleated skirt cinches right under the bust to give your bump plenty of room. What's more, it's ripe for twirling on the dance floor.
- Size range: 2–16
- Fabric: Polyester
- Colors:Coral
- Return policy:Free returns within 28 days
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7/20
Hope & Ivy Maternity Cold-Shoulder Satin Midaxi Dress
Most maternity dresses have a relatively flat finish, since they tend to be made of stretchier fabrics, but this one has the same sheen you’d find in more elevated satin numbers. Still, it has a forgiving Empire waist to accommodate even late third-trimester bumps. There’s more to love than that silky, eye-catching pattern, though—like the adjustable cold-shoulder-style sleeves and the tie waist.
- Size range: 2–12
- Fabric: Polyester
- Colors:Pink floral
- Return policy:Free returns within 28 days
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8/20
L*Space Santorini Dress
It may not be a true maternity dress, but moms who have been pregnant before will tell you how clutch it is to find something you can sport now—and again way past your due date. Plus, who can resist this gorgeous purple hue? The dress is made of a flowy gauze fabric with a ruffled hem, featuring a pretty back-tie detail…and of course, plenty of room for a growing bump.
- Size range: XS–XL
- Fabric:85% viscose, 15% cotton
- Colors:5 color options
- Return policy:Free returns within 60 days
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9/20
H&M Mama Before-and-After Nursing Dress
It may look like a standard dress, but this spring green number has a secret: The pretty crossover detail at the bust pulls down for easy access when nursing. And while you may not need that just yet, it makes this formal maternity dress a highly versatile one for wedding season, since you can wear it during both pregnancy and the postpartum period.
- Size range: XS–XXL
- Fabric:Polyester
- Colors:Green, pale yellow
- Return policy:Full refund (minus a $5.99 fee) within 30 days
10/20
Best Formal Maternity Wedding Guest Dress: Seraphine Champagne Sparkle Maternity Dress
Dazzle in this sequin-studded number, which comes in your choice of two colors: black or champagne. It has long sleeves to keep you warm during the winter months but doesn’t feel too modest for a party, thanks to a deep-V neckline and knotted Empire waist to accentuate your baby bump.
- Size range: 2–16
- Fabric:94% polyester, 6% elastane
- Colors:Black, champagne
- Return policy:Free returns within 14 days
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11/20
Best for Fall: Nuuly Maternity Aurora Dress
The age-old problem with maternity clothes? There’s such a limited window in which you’ll wear them, making it hard to justify the cost of more sophisticated options. That’s why so many moms rely on rental services like Nuuly—they give you access to high-end brands without the need to invest. Simply send them back when you’re done. We love this moody floral midi for its pretty pattern and forgiving tiered silhouette.
- Size range: XS–XL
- Fabric:Polyester
- Colors:Black floral
- Return policy:Free returns
12/20
Maternity Off-Shoulder V-Neck
Moms love this drapey maternity gown for black-tie weddings and baby shower photo shoots alike. It has features to flatter both the bust and the belly, they say, including dropped sleeves, a subtle V-neck, an Empire waist, and a thigh-high slit.
- Size range: S–XL
- Fabric:95% cotton, 5% spandex
- Colors:5 color options
- Return policy:Free returns within 90 days
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13/20
My Bump Double-Layer Ruffle Maternity
If you’re looking for a co*cktail dress that will move with you, your search ends here. This party dress is made of a bump-friendly four-way stretch fabric for supreme comfort, plus has a soft, eye-catching sheen. But what moms say they love the most about the dress? The off-the-shoulder ruffled neckline that takes all attention away from their arms.
- Size range: S–XXL
- Fabric:Not listed
- Colors:20 color options
- Return policy:Free returns within 90 days
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14/20
Maeve Sleeveless Flounce Dress
Moms who aren't keen on shelling out tons on maternity clothes love this flowy dress by Anthropologie’s household brand. It has plenty of swing to accommodate a bump—without making you feel like you’re wearing a sack—and comes in three poppy colors that are perfect for a summer wedding.
- Size range: XXS–XL
- Fabric: Cotton, nylon, polyester
- Colors:Navy, yellow, tomato
- Return policy:Full refund (minus a $5.95 fee) within 30 days
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15/20
Club London Avril Powder Blue Square-Neck Maternity Maxidress With Split
Expecting moms who want to show off their baby bump will love this body-hugging jersey dress. It’s double-layered and has wide shoulder straps for extra support, but still has plenty of eye-catching details—like a scooped square neck and a split full-length skirt.
- Size range: 4–12
- Fabric:Premium stretch jersey
- Colors:White, black, blue, pink
- Return policy:Full refund (minus a $14.95 fee) within 14 days
16/20
Seraphine Sage Green Maxi Maternity & Nursing Wrap Dress
If you're attending weddings both before and after your due date, this wrap dress is a fantastic option, because it has plenty of room for your bump, but the wrap style also makes nursing supremely easy. It's comfortable too: The supersoft viscose fabric feels like butter on skin.
- Size range: 2–14
- Fabric: Viscose
- Colors:Mauve, sage
- Return policy:Free returns within 14 days
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17/20
Kimi and Kai Edrei Maternity Mermaid Gown
The sleek mermaid silhouette on this floor-length gown is ideal for more formal weddings. But moms-to-be say the real draw is how suitable the thin and breathable rayon and spandex construction is for summer; one mom says it keeps her cooler even in the tropical climate where she lives.
- Size range: XS–XL
- Fabric:95% rayon, 5% spandex
- Colors:Black, berry
- Return policy:Free returns accepted at retailer’s discretion
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18/20
Ripe Maternity Sophia Floral Smocked Maternity Dress
Another wedding guest outfit idea that can be dressed up or down, this smocked dress has a classic tube silhouette and a painterly floral pattern. And because it's stretchy without losing shape, you’ll be able to wear it long after pregnancy.
- Size range: XS–XL
- Fabric:Viscose
- Colors:Pink multi
- Return policy:Free returns accepted at retailer’s discretion
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19/20
Kimi and Kai Caroline Bloused-Sleeve Smocked Maternity Maxidress
A bohemian-style maxi is always a sound choice, since it’s a highly forgiving option. The extra fabric flows down the body before you’re sporting a bump but has no trouble accommodating said bump once it makes its proud debut. This printed forest green number functions the same way, but has smocking at the waist to help accentuate the belly rather than totally conceal it.
- Size range: XS–XL
- Fabric:Polyester
- Colors:Multicolored
- Return policy:Free returns accepted at retailer’s discretion
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20/20
Hill House Home The Tulle Ellie Nap Dress
When I was pregnant with twins (and during the postpartum period, for that matter), Hill House’s Ellie was the only dress I truly felt comfortable in. Unfortunately, it didn’t come in this gorgeous wedding-worthy tulle at the time—but now it does. Sure, you’ll need a slip dress to wear underneath it, but a stretchy version is easy to come by on Amazon, and this A-line dress will not only wow the crowd but also make you feel like a million bucks during that strange time when your body seems like it won’t ever stop growing.
- Size range: XXS–XXL
- Fabric: Polyester
- Colors:Navy, black, red
- Return policy:Free returns within 15 days
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