Is getting married while pregnant or even heavily pregnant the right thing for us?
Marriage means hope and is one of the most beautiful signs of faith in love. It is a shared vision of the future, shaped by images of a home together, a family of your own, and a life together until old age. The components that make up perfect happiness are as different as the couple themselves, as is the sequence of the right moments for its realization. Many of the independent and church weddings we have accompanied are combined with the baptism of the couple's own children. If, on the other hand, you want to get married while pregnant, the joy of having children will soon be celebrated as well.
And honestly, a pregnant bride has an incredibly beautiful and hopeful aura, and especially if the pregnancy is going well, there is no reason not to celebrate your wedding with a baby bump.
The advantages of getting married while pregnant: our tips and tricks
While getting married while pregnant used to be a taboo subject to be avoided, nowadays it is socially acceptable and a beautiful thing. Nevertheless, many pregnant brides and expectant parents often ask themselves whether getting married while pregnant is a good idea or whether it might be better to postpone the planned wedding until a later date. There are pros and cons to both options, and individual factors such as “extra work involved in changing your name after the baby is born” must be weighed against “additional wedding planning stress during pregnancy.”
Especially when the due date is not too far away, there are certainly some points that could argue against additional stress during pregnancy. And it certainly makes a difference whether you are getting married while you are pregnant or in the late stages of pregnancy. However, there are many issues that can be easily dealt with today and even speak in favor of getting married before the baby is born.
Points in favor of getting married while pregnant:
- Wedding dresses for pregnant women – Maternity wear is now standard in bridal shops. The range of baby bump-friendly wedding dresses even offers different cuts and styles that can be concealing or accentuating, depending on your preference. You can also take your time to explore your options, contact and visit several stores, and not have to commit to the first one you visit. Always remain open and fair, but remember that this is an expensive purchase that you will probably only wear once in your life. For an appearance at the fashion show of the MariNatal Fest- und Hochzeitsmesse Bern (MariNatal Christmas and Wedding Fair in Bern), I had the privilege of wearing a gorgeous maternity wedding dress from Hostettler Fest- & Brautmode in Riggisberg.
- Maternity-friendly shoes – Although it is even more important to be sure-footed when you are pregnant, flat shoes are not a must-have if you want to get married while pregnant. The safest and most comfortable option for pregnant brides is to wear platform shoes that are not too high. I found some good ones for my own wedding at Vögele. Once the official part is over, you can even switch to soft platform flip-flops and, if necessary, conventional flat shoes.
- Alternative wedding planning with a baby – A baby often turns the lives of new parents upside down. Everyone has to find their feet in their new roles and get used to sleepless nights and a partly changed leisure schedule, including their circle of friends. Planning a wedding during this phase is often not easy and should not be underestimated. The bride must also bear in mind that choosing a dress will not be easy, especially for breastfeeding mothers.
- An alternative wedding with a baby – One nice thing about this is that the wedding ceremony can be combined with the child's baptism, for example. And just like in the rest of life, it is important not to start with false assumptions, but to embrace the colorful changes. A wedding with a baby (and children in general) is usually a little livelier, and some or even many of the program items can be exhausting for small children. So if the focus is on togetherness, a wedding during pregnancy is certainly the better choice. This also applies to the wedding night and honeymoon.
- The administrative hassle – For married couples, the administrative hassle after getting married while pregnant is a lot easier. Formalities such as acknowledging paternity, custody arrangements, and family name are already settled during the marriage and do not involve any additional costs or effort.
Pregnant & smart – Here are our extra tips to make getting married while pregnant and heavily pregnant even more beautiful and uncomplicated:
- Choose the ideal time – The first three months are often accompanied by nausea and discomfort due to hormonal changes. In addition, many couples do not want to publicize the pregnancy too much during this time, which means that the joy of celebrating the pregnancy together is lost. From the fourth month onwards, however, most pregnant women feel completely comfortable in their own skin again, before the larger belly and extra weight restrict their physical freedom somewhat in the last few months (depending on the pregnancy, but from around the eighth month). Of course, every pregnancy is different, but the fourth to seventh months are likely to be the most relaxed phase for getting married while pregnant.
- Prepared for heat and hot flashes– Of course, it's not just pregnant brides who benefit from these little helpers. But especially during pregnancy, it's okay to treat yourself to a few little extras to keep you refreshed. For example, ask your maid of honor to bring a cooling water spray, a tingling calf cream, refreshing wipes, and a fan. You'll love the freshness boost!
- Plan plenty of breaks and seating – Go through the agenda point by point, plan moments to retreat and organize seating for longer items on the agenda, including drinks and food for you.
- Help with discomfort – On such an intense, long day, discomfort such as headaches and cramps can occur. Drink enough water, take an extra dose of magnesium, and make sure you have pregnancy-friendly medication with you. You know yourself best. What are you prone to? Check with your gynecologist to find out what you can take. Painkillers such as Dafalgan are also permitted during pregnancy.
- Alcohol-free drinks for celebrating – When you're pregnant, there are a few things you have to go without. But you should never feel like you're missing out, especially at your own wedding. In addition to a pregnancy-friendly menu, organize some extra-delicious alcohol-free drinks for toasting and celebrating.
- Desserts with raw eggs – Did you know that most large bakeries always use pasteurized eggs from cartons, which means you can even enjoy chocolate mousse with eggs? Before you decide to go without, be sure to check what is possible in advance.
- Dye your hair naturally and without hesitation – Want to get married while pregnant but want a little more volume, extra shine, or a richer color for your hair on your wedding day? No problem with natural plant-based hair dyes, such as those from Logona.
- Celebrate your pregnancy – Think about incorporating the theme of pregnancy and the anticipation that comes with it into the wedding ceremony. Your ceremony officiant will certainly have some beautiful ideas. Also, talk to your wedding photographer about how much you want to focus on your baby bump. Maybe you even have a songthat connects you to the anticipation of the baby. Our singers at Wedding Voice would love to hear your ideas for wedding music!
