What to Do When You Find Out You’re Pregnant During Wedding Planning
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Discovering you’re pregnant while planning your wedding is a happy surprise but can also come with its share of challenges. You’ve already got a lot on your plate, and now you’re adding motherhood to the mix! But with the right approach, your wedding can still be everything you dreamed of—just with a little extra magic (and maybe a bit more planning). Here’s how to handle this unexpected plot twist with grace, style, and excitement.
Embrace the Change with Open Arms
When you find out you’re expecting, it can be tempting to stress over how this might affect the wedding plans. But here’s the truth—your day will be even more special! This is now a celebration of both your love and the new life you’re bringing into the world. Whether you decide to shout it from the rooftops or keep it private until after the wedding, lean into this change. Embrace your new glow, celebrate the journey, and let your pregnancy add even more meaning to the day. ❤️
You’ll be looking back on this moment for years to come, so allow yourself to feel the joy of two huge milestones happening together. After all, love and family are what weddings are all about!
Managing Wedding Stress During Pregnancy: Finding Balance and Calm
Planning a wedding can be stressful under normal circumstances, but when you’re pregnant during wedding planning, it’s easy for that stress to feel overwhelming. Your body is going through changes, your emotions may be heightened, and juggling two major life events at once can be a lot to handle. But the good news? There are plenty of ways to keep stress at bay and focus on enjoying this special time. Here are some tips for staying calm, centered, and grounded as you plan your wedding while pregnant.
Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Amid all the wedding excitement (and the baby on the way!), it’s easy to feel like you’re in a whirlwind. But taking a few moments to breathe, stretch, or just be still can do wonders. Whether it’s deep breathing, a quick meditation session, or some light yoga, these little moments of mindfulness can bring you back to calm. Not into meditation? No worries! You could try journaling about your pregnancy and wedding adventures or taking a relaxing stroll outside. Whatever helps you find your zen, stick with it—it’ll keep you feeling grounded, even when things get a little wild.
Prioritise Rest and Sleep
Your body’s working overtime growing a tiny human, so rest is a must! Sure, those late-night Pinterest sessions and vendor emails are tempting, but trust me, they can wait. Make sleep a priority—especially in the final countdown to your big day. And if you feel the need for a midday nap, go for it! A well-rested bride is a happy bride (and baby will appreciate it too!).
Delegate Tasks to Trusted Helpers
You’re the bride, not a superhero! Don’t feel like you have to tackle everything yourself—delegate, delegate, delegate! Lean on your partner, the bridal squad, family, or close friends to take some of the load off your shoulders. Whether it’s vendor coordination or RSVPs, let them handle the nitty-gritty while you focus on enjoying the process. After all, letting others step in is a great way to stay stress-free and still have everything run smoothly.
Know When to Step Back
If the wedding planning rollercoaster starts to feel like too much, it’s perfectly fine to hit the brakes! Step away from that never-ending guest list or seating chart and give yourself a breather. Taking a break will give you fresh eyes when you come back to it later. Remember, no wedding is ever 100% perfect, and that’s okay! What matters most is celebrating the love between you and your partner—everything else is just background noise.
Stay Focused on the Big Picture
At the end of the day, your wedding is about love, not having the most Pinterest-worthy event ever. If something doesn’t go exactly as planned (and let’s be real, it won’t!), your guests won’t even notice. Keep your eyes on the big picture: you’re marrying the love of your life and about to start the next exciting chapter with a little one on the way. Everything else? That’s just the icing on the cake. 🍰
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff when you are Pregnant during Wedding Planning
With pregnancy hormones in the mix, it’s easy to get caught up in the little things. But trust me, if the flowers aren’t the exact shade of blush or the party favours don’t arrive, it won’t ruin your day. What truly matters is the love you’re celebrating and the memories you’re making with your partner, family, and friends. The small stuff? It’s not worth the stress!
Keep Calm and Remember You’re a Team
Weddings and pregnancy can both bring a lot of emotions to the surface, and sometimes that means you and your partner might get a little snappy with each other. But try not to let the stress of planning or baby prep lead to arguments. Remember, you’re a team! If things get tense, take a deep breath (or two), and remind yourself why you’re doing all this in the first place—because you love each other and can’t wait to start this next chapter together. A good laugh, a hug, or a quick walk can do wonders to ease the tension and bring you back to enjoying the adventure you’re on!
If you find yourself not on the same page, you might like this blog I wrote for a local wedding planner about how to avoid conflict with your partner when planning a wedding. I’m a Marriage Educator who runs Prepare Enrich sessions for couples who want to work on their communication skills. Find out more info on my services here.
“Embrace it!! Your baby gets to share the most special and important day with you both, as a family (plus you’ve got amazing hair and a pregnancy glow)… then as time goes on, when you look back at photos and videos, your little one gets to know they were part of it.” – Hanah
Think about Comfort + Style if you are Pregnant during Wedding Planning
The Dress
Ah, the wedding dress – one of the most exciting parts of the whole wedding planning journey!
If you haven’t picked your dress yet, you’re in luck! There are plenty of swoon-worthy maternity bridal styles out there. Look for soft, breathable, and stretchy fabrics that will keep you feeling fabulous all day. If you’re not into stretchy fabrics, just aim for dresses that give you a bit of freedom to move – trust me, you’ll want it! And yes, I know it’s not the most glamorous thing to say, but comfort is key, especially when you’re expecting. You can totally balance style and comfort, I promise. 👗✨
If you’ve already said yes to your dream gown but now find yourself expecting, don’t panic! A little bump doesn’t mean you can’t still rock that dress. Many brides find that their original gown can be altered to fit like a glove (even with the new curves). Just team up with your seamstress or bridal boutique – they’ll make sure you feel like the stunning bride you are, bump and all.
As soon as you know you’re pregnant, reach out to your seamstress or bridal boutique. They can work with you to make necessary adjustments, whether it’s adding extra fabric, loosening the waistline, or introducing more structure to support your growing belly. They deal with these situations more often than you’d think, so they’ll have great solutions.
Since your body will continue to change, it’s a good idea to schedule any major alterations as close to the wedding as possible. This way, you can be sure the dress fits well on the day without squeezing you or feeling too loose.
At the end of the day, this is a beautiful time in your life, and your dress should reflect that joy. Just breathe, trust the professionals, and know you’ll look absolutely radiant, bump and all!
“If pregnant when choosing a wedding dress, remember it’s not just your belly that changes…..
🥥🥥” – Linds (from a gal who bought 3 dresses)
Ben Howland Photography
When Altering your Wedding Dress is NOT an Option
If fitting into even an altered version of your original wedding gown is no longer an option, I completely feel for you. It’s disappointing, and spending money on a second dress after you’ve already invested in one would definitely sting—there’s no denying that. But take heart; there are ways to navigate this situation without breaking the bank or losing your excitement for the big day.
First, consider looking into second-hand or off-the-rack options. Many brides are in a similar situation, so you might find a beautiful, gently used dress at a fraction of the cost. Plus, off-the-rack gowns are often more budget-friendly and can be easier to fit with a growing bump.
Another option is renting a gown. This can be a fantastic way to wear something gorgeous without the added financial pressure of buying a brand new dress. Bridal rental services are becoming more common and often cater to all shapes and sizes, including maternity-friendly styles.
You might also want to think about repurposing your original dress in some way. Can you use elements of the original gown in a new design, like incorporating lace or beadwork? That way, a part of your dream dress still makes it to the altar.
Finally, try to see this as an opportunity to embrace your current journey. Your body is doing something truly incredible, and while it may not fit the dress you originally envisioned, there are so many stunning options out there that will make you feel just as magical—if not more. The important thing is that you feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful, because the joy of your day will shine through no matter what you’re wearing.
So while it’s not the scenario you had planned, trust that you’ll still find a way to look and feel amazing without having to overspend
The Shoes
Speaking of comfort, let’s talk shoes! Pregnancy has a way of surprising us in all kinds of ways, and your feet might not be as happy in those sky-high stilettos as they once were. No worries though – there are plenty of chic, comfy options. Think cushioned heels, stylish flats, or even bridal sneakers if you’re feeling bold! You don’t have to sacrifice style to stay comfy on your big day.
Kendall Tyne Photography
“In hindsight I did a lot of unnecessary stressing over whether or not my wedding dress would fit my growing body. It was a big concern for me at the time as the pregnancy was a big surprise, the dress was still being made, a lot of money was spent and deep down I wasn’t confident anymore in wearing it.
I feel like I definitely wouldn’t be alone with my thought process on this topic, but the pressure you can put on yourself to look a certain “perfect” way as the bride is actually wild. And trying to control or anticipate how your pregnant body will grow and look by the time your wedding date rolls around is a crazy notion.
I waited until my original dress arrived just 8 weeks away from the wedding, it wasn’t going to work so I went and found another one, ordered it through a boutique and booked an amazing alterations guru 2 weeks out from the wedding. I’m actually so glad this was the timeline as your belly (and other bits) grow in the most unpredictable ways and I could finally enjoy food by the 3rd trimester so having alterations done this close to the date was perfect. I swapped spanx for maternity nickers and the stilettos for sparkly sneakers and it was bliss haha”. – Hayley
Keep Your Vendors in the Loop if you are Pregnant During Wedding Planning
Your vendors are your dream team, and it’s a good idea to let them know you’ve got a little bundle of joy on the way! Especially those handling food, your dress, and all those fabulous photos. They’re there to help make your day amazing, so don’t be shy about sharing the news.
Catering Tweaks: Pregnancy comes with a few “no-go” foods (goodbye soft cheeses and sushi, we’ll miss you!). Let your caterer know if there are certain foods you’d rather skip, and they’ll make sure your menu is both delicious and baby-friendly.
Photography Magic: Give your photographer the heads-up so they can capture your best angles and make sure your bump looks as fabulous as the rest of you. If you need a break or want a shorter session, they’ll totally work with you to keep things comfy!
Booze-Free Bliss: If you’re skipping the cocktails, why not ask your bartender to whip up some fun mocktails? A sparkling spritz or fruity cooler can keep you in the celebratory spirit without any alcohol.
Remember, your vendors are pros at this! They want you to have the best day ever, so feel free to lean on them for any little tweaks or adjustments. They’ve got your back!
If you are still assembling your team and need recommendations, check out my Little Black Book.
“Pregnancy forced me to become more organised as I didn’t want to spend most of my pregnancy worrying about time pressures and ordering things last minute. Early on I used to set aside one of my days off to working through my little checklist of things to do/buy/email vendors/organise, and I would feel productive and accomplished when I worked through it.
My simple list of vendors were bloody amazing! Every one of them were incredible in their professional field and took the guesswork out of everything. I think this is genuinely what made planning our wedding so much fun. It was easy, straightforward, and everyone I dealt with were just lovely. And YOU Julie!! You know how I feel about you haha. but you were the absolute best to deal with. The ceremony is a MASSIVE part of the day and there’s so much to it and it can initially be really intimidating or overwhelming to think about if you’re not used to planning weddings haha but I was so happily surprised when you literally sorted everything for us! “- Hayley
My Pregnancy
After nearly a decade of trying to get pregnant—including enduring four miscarriages and several rounds of failed IVF—I finally fell pregnant naturally, just when we were on the brink of giving up on the idea of becoming parents. But, as if the journey wasn’t hard enough, I was hit with a rare and horrendous pregnancy condition called hyperemesis gravidarum, which left me nauseous beyond belief until the third trimester. Needless to say, I didn’t exactly enjoy my pregnancy as much as I’d hoped.
My final wedding ceremony was just a week before I gave birth. Let me tell you, I completely underestimated how breathless I’d be towards the end—it literally changed the way I spoke during the ceremony! One thing I did love, though, was getting the photos back from the photographers. It was like a mini documentary of my pregnancy, capturing me in the moment. And yes, as you can see, I didn’t exactly follow my own advice to wear flats! But don’t worry—I was home with my feet up well before the couple hit the dance floor for their first dance.
All this is to say, I truly understand the intense physical and emotional rollercoaster that pregnancy can be. From the exhaustion to the unexpected challenges, and all the joy and uncertainty in between—I’ve been there. So, know that I’m here for you, ready to support you through every step of your journey, whether you’re celebrating the highs or navigating the tougher moments.
Keep Your Ceremony Flexible
Pregnancy has a way of keeping us on our toes, so it’s totally okay to keep your ceremony flexible! If you’re feeling a bit more emotional (hello, hormones!) or just extra tired on the big day, chat with your celebrant about making a few adjustments. You might want to shorten things up, or even sneak in a seated section if you need a breather. And hey, a shady ceremony spot and a bottle of water at the signing table can go a long way in keeping you and baby cool and comfy!
The best part? Celebrants have seen it all! They’ll help you create a ceremony that’s beautiful and honours your journey while making sure you’re feeling good every step of the way. If you get a bit weepy (because, let’s face it, you probably will), just remember that it’s totally normal! Your loved ones are there to cheer you on, and at the end of the day, your ceremony doesn’t need to be picture-perfect—it just needs to be full of love. ❤️
You might like this blog I wrote about why it’s okay to cry during your wedding ceremony.
“We had planned our wedding and a date and everything booked, then found out I was pregnant so we pushed the wedding back and changed the date so our little bundle of joy could be there too. My celebrant created a family union certificate which we did Riley’s footprints on.” -Emily
TIPS FOR THE WEDDING DAY
Put Your Health and Well-being First on the Big Day
Your wedding day is going to be packed with excitement, but let’s not forget the most important guest—your health (and baby, of course)! With all the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to get caught up in the fun, so don’t forget to sneak in some much-needed rest and TLC throughout the day.
Take Breaks
Find little moments to kick back—whether it’s during the reception or between photo ops. Rest your feet, take a deep breath, and sip some water. You totally deserve it!
Stay Nourished
Pregnancy cravings are real, and so are food aversions! Have your favorite snacks close by because let’s face it, wedding cake alone won’t keep you going. 🍎💧
Adjust Your Schedule
If you’re feeling extra tired, don’t be shy about tweaking the timeline. Shorten the day, skip a dance or two—whatever helps you feel your best. It’s perfectly fine to put yourself (and baby) first.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Now is the time to lean on your wedding squad! Whether it’s your bridal party, family, or friends, they’re there to support you. From carrying your bouquet to grabbing snacks, don’t hesitate to let them take on the little (or not-so-little) tasks. This is your day to shine, so let them handle the heavy lifting—literally! 🎉
“It’s a beautiful celebration!! We treated it as a massive party for ourselves before we welcomed our little one – not everyone gets the chance to do that on a big scale! I danced harder than anyone there and just dealt with the kankles later. “- Hayley
To Tell or Not to Tell: Deciding When to Share Your Pregnancy News with Guests
One of the biggest questions you might have is whether to share your pregnancy news with your guests before the big day or keep it as a fun surprise. There’s no right or wrong answer—it’s all about what feels right to you and your partner. Here are a few things to consider as you make that decision.
Option 1: Telling Guests Before the Wedding
If you’re the type who likes to keep things straightforward and open, telling guests ahead of time might be a great choice. This gives everyone time to celebrate with you and will eliminate any guesswork. Plus, if your bump is starting to show, guests will already be in on the secret and can share in your excitement from the start.
Sharing the news before the wedding also gives people a chance to adjust their expectations for the day. For example, if you’re skipping alcohol or need a few extra breaks, everyone will understand why and will be even more eager to support you.
Option 2: Telling Close Friends and Family, but Keeping it a Secret from Guests
Sometimes the best balance is to let a select few in on the secret while keeping it under wraps for everyone else. Telling close family or your bridal party can help you get the support you need without making a full public announcement. This way, the people closest to you are there to lend a hand, while the rest of your guests will be none the wiser until you’re ready to share.
The Champagne Conundrum
Guests may get suspicious if they see you skipping the champagne toast. A sneaky way to avoid this is to arrange for non-alcoholic bubbly to be served in your glass so that no one suspects a thing. 🍾🥂 Your caterer can help you make sure it looks identical to the real stuff—keeping your secret safe until you’re ready to share!
“If you like a drink (I sure do).. it can seem like you’re going to miss out on the party when you’re planning for the big day BUT on the day, I can honestly say, that you don’t even think about that or care because you’re overwhelmed with happiness and excitement and wrapped up in all the moments 
“- Hanah
Option 3: Keeping It a Surprise for the Day
On the other hand, keeping the pregnancy under wraps until the day of the wedding can be an amazing surprise! Imagine the delight on your guests’ faces when they realise you’re not only celebrating your marriage but also a new addition to the family. If you love a dramatic reveal or simply want to keep this part of your life more private until the wedding, waiting until the big day could make for an unforgettable moment. 🎉
If you want to do a big reveal, consider working it into a toast or even your vows. It could be a sweet, personal moment between you and your partner, or a fun surprise announcement to your guests that leaves them cheering! Whether it’s done subtly or with a little flair, it’s sure to be a memorable part of your day.
I got to announce that Leah & Gareth were expecting a baby!!🤰🏼A few people got it straight away. Most people were stunned. I think a few guests thought I was having a laugh. Then the realisation hit that I wasn’t kidding. Everyone erupted. The secret was out. Happiness on steroids. Joy multiplied x 1000. Best feeling ever. 😍🙌🏼 Thanks to Hidden Leaf Films for capturing this magic love explosion.
“It was so special announcing the pregnancy to our closest family and friends, it really was an unforgettable moment! Also I love looking through the wedding photos now with my little girl, we point to my belly and say that she was at the wedding with us 
“.- Leah
The Bottom Line on When to Share your Pregnancy News
Whether you decide to announce your pregnancy ahead of time, make it a wedding-day surprise, or keep it private until after the ceremony, the most important thing is that you and your partner feel comfortable and happy with the decision. This is your day, and you get to choose how much of your journey you want to share.
Planning a wedding while preparing for motherhood is a unique experience, but you’re not alone—many brides have been in your shoes, and they’ll tell you that it only adds to the beauty of the day. Embrace the changes, stay flexible, and focus on what truly matters: the love you’re celebrating. No matter when you reveal the news, your guests will be overjoyed for you—because there’s nothing more beautiful than celebrating love and new beginnings all at once. 💍🤰🏻👶
“Once you let go of the idea that everything has to be perfect on the day, you actually have a lot of fun planning everything. Your loved ones who are present on the day will be nothing but happy for you and your partner, knowing you’re starting your married life bringing a little baby into the world that will be so loved by everyone there, it’s just so special. No one is judging you. They’re just elated for you. And your partner will feel you are the most beautiful version of yourself. You’re pregnant with their baby. There’s no admiration like it. “- Hayley
Why Not Plan a Babymoon-Honeymoon Combo?
Who says you can’t have the best of both worlds? If you’re feeling up for it, why not turn your honeymoon into a relaxing babymoon too? Think of it as the ultimate romantic getaway and a chance to kick your feet up before the little one arrives. You could opt for somewhere with a dreamy spa, a few gentle outdoor activities, or a location that’s perfect for both newlywed bliss and expectant parent vibes. It’s all about enjoying some much-needed chill time together before your new adventure as parents begins! 🌸
What if your baby has arrived by the time your wedding rolls around?
Finding out you’re pregnant while wedding planning is one thing, but what if your little bundle of joy has already made their debut by the time your big day arrives? First of all—congratulations! Your wedding day will be extra special, with a new little guest of honour. But as exciting as this is, having a newborn can add a layer of complexity to wedding planning. Don’t worry, though—there are ways to make everything run smoothly while making sure you enjoy the day to the fullest. Here’s how to navigate this beautiful chapter of your life:
Include Your Baby in the Ceremony (If You Want To)
Whether it’s having them as an honorary flower girl or ring bearer, or simply being carried down the aisle, including your baby can make the ceremony even more meaningful. You could even personalise your vows to reflect your new role as parents, making it a celebration of not just your partnership, but your growing family. And don’t forget—those photos with your baby in your wedding outfits? They’ll be treasures for years to come.
Hire a Trusted Caregiver for the Day
Let’s be real—while you’ll want to have your baby nearby, you’ll also need some time to focus on the festivities and enjoy your day. Hiring a trusted babysitter, nanny, or having a family member on “baby duty” can take the pressure off you and your partner. This way, you can still have those intimate moments as newlyweds, knowing your little one is in good hands.
Plan for Some Downtime
Having a newborn is a full-time job, and weddings can be a whirlwind. Make sure to build some downtime into your schedule, so you can sneak off for feeding, cuddling, or even just catching your breath. Talk to your planner or coordinator about creating a quiet space at the venue where you and your baby can retreat if needed.
Revisit Your Wedding Timeline
Things move a bit slower with a newborn, so adjusting your wedding day timeline can help relieve some stress. Allow extra time for getting ready (and those inevitable outfit changes).
“Remember your wedding isn’t a performance, your guests know you and your family so don’t worry about how your child/baby is going to behave on the day. Comedic relief is always a good thing!
Adjust the timing! An earlier ceremony so that little ones aren’t tired during the bit that they might need a little more patience!
Hire a babysitter! If the child goes to daycare, it’s worth reaching out to see if the daycare has anyone looking for a weekend cashy because it’s a familiar face for the child but not a loved one that will miss out on the festivities if the child is unsettled or needs to leave early.” – Lindsay
Conclusion- What to Do When You Find Out You’re Pregnant During Wedding Planning
This is such a special time, and your wedding day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate not only your marriage but also the exciting new chapter of parenthood. Whether you choose to include sweet nods to your pregnancy during the ceremony or keep things more low-key, embrace this beautiful journey in a way that feels right for you.
Your day may not look exactly how you first imagined, but that’s what makes it even more magical. It’s often the unexpected twists that become the most cherished memories. Balancing wedding planning with pregnancy means taking extra care of yourself, but with a little help from your loved ones and a focus on joy over perfection, your day will be nothing short of beautiful. After all, it’s a reflection of your love, your story, and the exciting adventure ahead. 💖👶
“My midwife told me one of the best things for your baby on the inside is to have big belly laughs….sell this to your pregnant brides that this is guaranteed with you Julie in the lead up to the wedding and in the ceremony. It makes their babies in bellies really happy having you be the celebrant. Fact”. – Hayley
If you enjoyed this blog, you should definitely explore some of my other articles. If you’re tying the knot in Newcastle, the Hunter Valley, Central Coast, or Port Stephens, chances are I’ve done a wedding at your specific venue. Dive into my collection of real weddings for some serious inspiration. Plus, I’ve got tons of practical advice to help you navigate every aspect of your big day. So, don’t miss out—there’s a wealth of wedding wisdom waiting for you!
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