Manolo for the Brides

Need it even be said? Brides with buns in the oven want beautiful wedding dresses, too. Maternity wedding dresses, however, aren’t always as lovely as they ought to be. Maybe it’s because there isn’t a giant market for frocks that fit around fetuses so there isn’t as much competition among designers and dressmakers. Perhaps there’s even a contingent of people who think pregnant bride shouldn’t flaunt her “delicate condition,” and thus think that maternity wedding dresses should look like muumuus.

To that I say “Whatever, fool.” Maternity wedding dresses should be as lovely and as flattering as standard wedding dresses, which is why I’m loving Maternity Bride by Jessica Iverson Couture. The fit, construction, and quality of the gowns is just as good as those in the regular bridal market. The prices are easy on the wallet, at least as far as wedding dresses go. And amazingly, these maternity wedding dresses are available for rental… the hope being that you won’t need to wear yours twice.

They say: Light chiffon maternity wedding dress with draping, features pearl edged neckline and sleeves. Sweep train. Perfect for brides seeking a little bit of coverage and a hint of modesty.

They say: Pure silk charmeuse scoopneck maternity wedding gown with intricate and luxurious beading across waistline, front and back. Slightly gathered waist, bubble hem.

They say: A sexy, strapless maternity wedding gown with an intricately beaded bust and layered skirt with crisp pleating. Features a sweep train and detachable beaded straps.

They say: Taffeta maternity bridal gown with shirred waistline and v-neck. Corset back. A sophisticated and classically styled maternity wedding gown that looks flattering on every shape and size.

The best part is that these maternity wedding dresses aren’t just for itty-bitty mommas-to-be! Maternity Bride’s standard collection goes up to size XXXL and they can custom create gowns in even larger sizes, so plus size brides with buns in the oven aren’t left wanting.

Want to see bridal models with good posture, normal stances, and happy faces? You may have to get knocked up first. It’s not that every maternity wedding dress designer uses smiling models — the models at Sarah Houston are scowling at me in their pretty frocks as I type this — but your chances of seeing a grin or two go way up when you’re looking at maternity gowns.

Just look how happy this model is in her Bjorn & Me dresses in (from left to right) chiffon with handsewn beading, satin embellished with Italian lace, and matte satin with French lace. Who knows if she’s actually pregnant…I’m not seeing much evidence of a bump under all that fabric. It’s just so nice to see a model who actually has a smile on her face! And besides that, I just happen to like these wedding gowns.