As if planning your wedding wasn’t exciting enough, you’re now adding to that the joy of starting a family, all at once. Being a bride and mommy-to-be, your life is overflowing with love and excitement as well as a few challenges, among them finding the perfect wedding gown.

Surely, picking a dress falls lower on the list in comparison to the necessities related to bringing a child into the world. But let’s be honest, even pregnant, you are still a bride, and every bride deserves to be a knockout from head to toe on her special day.

Despite its overabundance and over-advertised existence, the bridal fashion industry does not offer a tremendous amount of options for brides with growing baby bumps. This creates a different set of challenges for pregnant brides, but it does not indicate that there is no hope. What is does mean is having a plan of action in preparation for a little legwork.

First, a bride who discovers she is pregnant while planning her wedding should try to anticipate how far along she’ll be around the wedding date. If only a few weeks or even a month, a standard wedding gown should suffice with proper alterations. On the other hand, if she’s anywhere from a few months to near full term, a maternity gown is the most logical choice.

Secondly, a bride should decide whether or not to highlight the baby bump. This is a highly personal choice and either way there are silhouettes for both flaunting and more demure looks.

A bride opting to display her bump full on can certainly choose a maternity style mermaid and trumpet gown. While gorgeous, these silhouettes limit and constrict movements for even the thinnest of brides; therefore a pregnant bride must keep her comfort in mind (always) but especially in this type of gown.

Additionally, a bride can highlight her growing form and find more comfort in a formfitting A-line gown with ribbon or belted detail at the waist. Fabrics with a little sheen are also great to draw attention to your bump.

Brides desiring a more modest approach for their special day have beautiful options as well. The empire waist is the most popular silhouette, often in flowing chiffon type fabrics. These gowns utilize draping and cascading fabrics to elegantly deter from the baby bump. The baby bump of course never disappears, but these gowns flatter it beautifully.

A tiered gown also camouflages the midsection with lace or chiffon details. Similarly, consider drawing attention up toward the décolletage with a statement necklace, halter or turtleneck neckline.

Remember, these cuts do not necessarily mean frumpy. You can embrace as much modesty or sexiness as you desire with these looks. Sheer or plunging necklines are completely acceptable while you rock your baby bump on your special day.

Speaking of necklines, your changing body may require added support while donning your gown. Your dress may lack the girdled support of non-maternity dresses, therefore be sure to find a gown that appropriately supports you and your growing bust. Wedding gowns are often heavy, so comfort and support are necessities. As always, proper undergarments and alterations, as well as choosing the appropriate dress for your shape are all key points for a successful wedding day look.

Maternity designers are not as prevalent in the world of wedding fashion, but there are a few who will surely help you look your best on the big day. David’s Bridal offers a maternity line, as does Dessy. These well-known companies are easily accessible to most brides (maternity needs or not).

Maternity Bride, Tina Mak and Tiffany Rose specialize in maternity wedding gowns, but might not be available in local stores. Tiffany Rose is a spectacular UK designer, but ships worldwide for pregnant brides-to-be. Their websites are a great start to find your perfect gown.

Whatever your bridal style, flaunting the bump or not, with a little work your wedding look is guaranteed to be as beautiful as you desire. Every bride faces challenges while hunting for the gown, and as a pregnant bride yours are just a little different. Lucky for you, after all is said and done, not only will you look radiant as a bride, but you’ll also have your little one to look forward to shortly after you say “I do.”