Your Guide to Planning a Wedding While Pregnant

So you’re having a baby and having a wedding? First of all, double congratulations! You may think you’re about to embark on a near impossible process, but with today’s technology and the support of loved ones, it’s entirely do-able. The coordination process can be a stressful one as is, and being pregnant can add some extra hurdles you may not have expected. 

With this in mind, we scoured the web and looked up some advice from the experts to out together a list of tips that may be beneficial to you and your beloved during this time.

-  Make a reasonable timeline. Depending on when you conceive, each planning process will differ. If you conceived after you became engaged, you may only be at a few months at the time of your wedding, in which case you may have more flexibility. If you will be in your second or third trimester on your big day, you’ll want to have that in your head as you delegate tasks, plan pre-celebrations, and purchase your attire. Laying everything out will help you to visualize what needs to be done and at what time. Remember that every woman’s body is different, and consulting with your doctor throughout your pregnancy is important.

-  Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to reach out for coordination assistance. Parents, siblings, and friends will most likely be on board with helping you and your future spouse out as far as selecting schemes, venues, and vendors. Hopefully, this process will just bring your and your sweetheart closer together – being present and capable during potentially stressful situations will do wonders for the strength of your relationship.

-  Give yourself some wiggle room. Though it’s great to nail down plans, things can always change in a hurry – especially if you’re pregnant. Having a back-up plan – and another few ideas if the back-up plan fails – is never a bad thing. Some aspects may not go as expected, and that’s okay! It’s important to have this in the back of your head as you make appointments.

-  Take expert dress advice into account. One of your bigger worries might be about your wedding dress. When it comes to shopping, heed the tips given to you by salon employees and seamstresses – another reason it’s important to know your timeline – so that alterations and adjustments can be made to fit your specifications for the day of your wedding.

-  Make sure to schedule ample down time. Rest and relaxation is important throughout pregnancy, so it’s pertinent that you set aside chunks of time wherein you can focus on yourself. It’s a good idea to have these moments regardless of pregnancy, however, it becomes more vital once you’re expecting. There have to be times where you can put your feet up and kick back for a while – it’s healthy for you as well as the baby. Plan date nights with your love or restful “do-nothing” days at home to take you away from wedding-related topics for a while.

-  Have extra snacks and water on hand. They always say that couples forget to eat on their wedding day – that may be much harder to deal with when you’re expecting. Be sure to have extra food and water nearby throughout your big day to keep you energized and healthy. Set aside times to have a bite to eat, no matter how busy you find yourself.

-  For third trimester brides: have a “day-of labor” plan. If you’ll be closing in on your due date on the day of your nuptials, be prepared for the off-chance that you’ll go into labor during your ceremony. Even with a month or two left, you never know what the baby – and your body – might do. Know the routes to the nearest hospital and ask a close friend or family member to lead the rest of your guests concerning how to go about the rest of the event.

-  Plan your honeymoon with the baby in mind. If you’re planning on leaving for your honeymoon soon after your vows, keep in mind your ability to travel. You may want to plan a more local “stay-cation” version of a honeymoon, or perhaps wait until a few months after the baby is born to go away with your beloved. If you’re far along, chances are, you won’t be able to fly – and it may not be a good idea to drive long distances – so keep this information in the back of your head!

Check out ideas on gorgeous gowns for pregnant bridesmaids, and view our real weddings for further nuptial inspiration! 

Opening photo by John Solano Photography