ADVICE: Tips for Wedding Dress Shopping as a New Mum
Becoming a new mum and planning your wedding can be an overwhelming experience. So I’ve put together some tips about wedding dress shopping after you’ve had a baby and some things to consider which I hope you will find helpful.
(Our lovely bride Erin who got married in December came wedding dress shopping not long after she gave birth and she’s kindly agreed to let me share her photo with her little one on her wedding day! Photo by @sammytaylor.weddingphotography)
1. Give Yourself Time:
As a new mum, you have a lot on your plate. While it’s essential to give yourself plenty of time to prepare for wedding dress shopping, you don’t want to start until you have the headspace to do so and importantly, feel ready to go dress shopping. We always recommend to start wedding dress shopping 9-12 months before your wedding to allow time for your dress to arrive and for alterations. But if this means it feels too soon for you, get in touch with us and we can explore different options with you.
2. Consider Your Postpartum Body:
Remember that your body has been through a lot and the chances are that jt may have changed after giving birth, and it's perfectly normal. So you need to be kind to yourself! Choose a dress that you feel really good in and that makes you feel confident.
3. Bring a Supportive Team:
When shopping for a wedding dress, it's crucial to have a supportive team by your side. Invite close friends or family members who can offer valuable opinions and help you make decisions. Choose individuals who understand your postpartum journey and will provide positive feedback. Their support and encouragement will make the dress shopping experience more enjoyable.
4. Be Mindful of Breastfeeding:
If you plan to breastfeed during your wedding day, consider dresses that allow easy access. Look for dresses with adjustable straps, wrap styles, or discreet openings that will enable you to nurse comfortably. Make sure you mention to your bridal stylist that you will be breastfeeding so that they can guide you towards suitable options or suggest tweaks that can be made to dresses to allow for it.
5. Prioritise Comfort:
As a new mum, the chances are that you'll be taking care of your little one on your wedding day. Therefore, it's important to consider comfort when choosing a wedding dress. Opt for fabrics that feel soft against your skin and styles that allow freedom of movement. Avoid heavy gowns or restrictive corsets that might cause discomfort or make picking up your little one difficult to do.
Wedding dress shopping as a new mum is an exciting and memorable experience. By giving yourself time, considering your postpartum body, bringing a supportive team, prioritising comfort, and being mindful of breastfeeding and pumping needs, you can find the perfect dress that makes you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.
And my top tip is to use oil-free baby wipes to remove any marks you might get on your dress on the day. The chances are that you’ll have plenty of them to hand!
If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch 🤍