What to Wear When You’re Invited to a Summer Wedding and Heavily Pregnant

Rejoice! Summer weddings are back on the table so it’s time to celebrate!

The bad news? If you’re heavily pregnant, like me, finding something cute to wear as a guest without waddling around the reception on fire and dripping with sweat… well, it can be something of a challenge, that’s for sure.

In a few weeks’ time, I will be attending a wedding and I gotta say, my initial search for an outfit had me stumped. Not only am I overheating like a carburetor (can you tell I know nothing about cars?) but at almost eight months pregnant, my tolerance for being uncomfortable is at an all-time low. And yet, I still want to look effortlessly chic — is that too much to ask?!

After spending a majority of my pregnancy in lockdown — and subsequently, trackies — I’ve decided that I can, and I WILL have it all.

Here’s how I’m going to keep things cool, comfy and darn it, fashionable, at these upcoming summer nuptials. 

Keep the Fabrics Light, Baby

When the temperatures soar there’s nothing like a clingy fabric to really anger the sweat glands. To avoid leaving a pool of moisture in your chair after the happy couple say “I do”, opt for an outfit that is made from breathable materials.

I suggest choosing a floating dress made from either cotton or linen — cotton allows for airflow and linen is a great natural fibre that will absorb any moisture before quickly drying. I’m spying this little number from Aere ($180) — she’s linen, she’s floaty and she’s summer fun in a dress.

You Do You!

Just because I look like I’ve swallowed a watermelon, doesn’t mean I need to hide myself away. There’s an outdated notion that a heavily pregnant body should be covered up — well, I say “no thanks” to that!

I’ve always loved bold, colourful prints, so this summer wedding season I’m going to lean into that loud and proud. Afterall, summer is the perfect time to celebrate patterns and get creative with the colour palette. This floral-print tiered ramie midi dress from cult label Alémais (now $203) is my pick for the perfect combo of prints and summer sunrise colours.

Comfort Is Key

Let’s be honest, when you get to this stage of pregnancy damn near everything hurts, aches, bulges or overheats. It’s truly a blessing but dang it, things are uncomfortable!

Rather than adding to your things to worry about, constantly tugging at an uncomfortable outfit during a wedding needn’t be on that list. Wear something you know will give you max comfort – go for a lower block heel, a lightweight fabric and something that keeps all your bits exactly where you’d like them to stay.

This floaty balloon sleeve dress from Shona Joy ($480) will keep you breezy, secure, and it’s long enough that you won’t be tugging at it if things ~rise up~. Plus the handy tie string waist means you can release a little after the main course.

Bye Bye, Rulebook

Obviously when in attendance at a wedding it’s a good idea to keep things respectful, however, I reckon when you’re pregnant you’ve got a bit of license to throw the rulebook out!

If you’ve always been told to wear something oversize? Go for a bodycon dress if that feels right for you. This gorgeous cotton dress from Anna Quan ($380) might not be your conventional maternity wedding guest look — but I say, be gone with convention! Mama wants to dance and she’ll do it looking chic as hell if she wants. 

Rent

If you’re feeling like you don’t particularly want to invest in a wedding outfit that you probably won’t wear after you’ve given birth, renting is a great option. There are plenty of players in the market now so the choices are endless. And, for peace of mind, many of the rental services offer a ‘try on service’ so you can grab a few items and see what feels comfortable before committing to the rental. And you’ll also be doing your bit to shop more consciously — a win, win!