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If you are pregnant and attending an Indian wedding, choose an Anarkali that flares from just under the bust, or a loose A-line kurta set in soft cotton or georgette. Look for pull-on pants or palazzos, a light dupatta, and flat shoes you can stand in for hours. You can look every bit as festive as everyone else, just more comfortable.
This guide is for mums-to-be attending weddings in the UK, US, Canada, UAE or Australia who want outfits that fit the bump and still feel like wedding wear.
By the Bahe Kurtiz styling team, Jaipur. Every piece is stitched in our own Jaipur unit, and our block prints are printed by hand by our karigars.
What should you wear to an Indian wedding when pregnant?
The best maternity-friendly Indian outfits share three things: room through the middle, soft fabric against the skin, and nothing tight at the waist. That rules out fitted lehenga blouses and structured waistbands, and rules in Anarkalis and flowing kurta sets.
An empire-line Anarkali, where the flare starts right under the bust, is the most flattering choice for most stages of pregnancy. It frames the bump gracefully instead of squeezing it. The purple bandhani chiffon Anarkali with a hand-embroidered neckline ($52) has a soft, floaty fall, and the bandhani print is cheerful for daytime functions.
Second trimester
Many women can still wear a fitted bodice with a flared skirt. A georgette Anarkali sized to your current measurements works well.
Third trimester
Look for more room under the bust and through the hip, and lean towards A-line kurtas with palazzos rather than anything with a defined waist seam.
Which fabrics are most comfortable during pregnancy?
Comfort is personal, but these are the fabrics most women find easiest over a long wedding day:
| Fabric | How it feels | Best for | |---|---|---| | Cotton (block print) | Soft, breathable, washable | Haldi, mehndi, daytime puja | | Georgette | Light, flowing, drapes over the bump | Sangeet, reception | | Chiffon | Very light and floaty | Daytime and evening functions | | Kota Doria | Airy, with a fine open weave | Dupattas in warm weather |
For daytime events, a block-printed cotton set feels cool and easy. The grey hand block print cotton kurta set with a Kota Doria dupatta ($52) is soft against the skin and has a light dupatta you will barely notice.
From our Jaipur studio: Hand block-printed cotton softens with every wash, which is why it feels so gentle on the skin. For evening wear, we prefer georgette over taffeta for mums-to-be, because taffeta is crisp and holds its shape, while georgette moves with the body and does not press against the bump.
How do you stay comfortable through a long wedding day?
Indian weddings are long, and pregnancy makes long days harder. A few practical tips:
- Wear flat juttis, kolhapuris or low block heels, and pack a spare pair
- Choose pull-on pants or palazzos rather than anything with hooks or zips at the waist
- Keep your dupatta light, and pin it to one shoulder so it does not slip
- Bring a light shawl or cardigan for cold air-conditioned halls
- Carry a small bag with water, snacks and a fan
- Take breaks and sit whenever you can
Palazzo sets are a lifesaver for daytime functions. The sage teal hand block print cotton kurta palazzo set ($36) gives you easy movement and a breezy fit, and the wide legs sit comfortably below the bump.
How should you dress for each wedding function?
Haldi and mehndi
These are relaxed daytime events, often with floor seating. Cotton kurta sets and palazzos are ideal. Choose bright yellows, greens or pinks, and wear clothes that can survive a little turmeric or henna.
Sangeet
You may want to join the dancing, gently. A georgette Anarkali gives you movement without weight. The royal blue georgette Anarkali with handwork and gota lace dupatta ($52) looks beautiful in photos and feels light.
Wedding ceremony and reception
Choose your favourite piece, but prioritise sitting comfort. If there are long rituals, ask the family for a chair near the front. Most hosts will happily arrange one.
This season, soft pastels with light embroidery are a popular choice for daytime functions, and they look especially lovely on mums-to-be.
Our pick for you
The purple bandhani Anarkali for a flowing, festive look, the royal blue georgette Anarkali for the sangeet or reception, and the sage teal palazzo set for daytime ease.
Your body changes week to week, so measure as close to your order date as possible and tell us your current measurements. With our free custom fit, you share your bust, waist, hip and height, and we stitch to measure at no extra cost.
Our guide on how to measure yourself for a custom kurta set walks you through it.
Made-to-measure pieces take 5 to 7 working days to stitch and about 5 to 10 business days to arrive, so order 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding. Shipping is free to the USA, UK, Canada, UAE and Australia, with tracking.
One etiquette note: no one expects a mum-to-be to dress up like the bride's sister. Comfort first, and let your outfit be festive in colour rather than weight.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Indian outfit to wear when pregnant? An empire-waist Anarkali or an A-line kurta set with palazzos. Both give room through the middle and look festive.
Can I wear a lehenga to a wedding while pregnant? You can, if you choose a loose, low-slung skirt and a comfortable blouse. Many women find an Anarkali easier, because nothing sits tight at the waist.
What shoes should I wear to an Indian wedding when pregnant? Flat juttis, kolhapuris or low block heels. Pack a spare pair for the dance floor or a long evening.
When should I order a custom outfit if I am pregnant? Measure close to your order date and order 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding, so the fit matches your body at the time.
If you want help choosing a comfortable style for your stage, WhatsApp us and we will guide you.
