Maternity Matrimony

Proving that wherever there's a market, there's a retailer willing to cater to it, I present you with maternity bridal gowns. Yep, you read me right, we're talking about bridal gowns for pregnant women. Retailers A Pea in the Pod and Mimi Maternity recently announced their line of wedding dresses for expectant mothers. Apparently, it's quite the trend and in order to serve this growing demographic, the two retailers have decided to cash in. Not that I can blame them.

But, really, women want to get married while pregnant? That just seems uncomfortable and frankly, not very much fun. A pregnant wedding means you don't get to enjoy any of the good parts of the wedding, well except for cake, in which case, I would be all over that "I'm eating for two" thing. But, there would be no champagne toasts or staying up all night dancing.

Looks like I don't know what I'm talking about (and it wouldn't be the first time), because Rebecca Mattias, president and creative director of A Pea in the Pod, Mimi Maternity and Motherhood Maternity says that celebrities are getting married while pregnant all of the time. Seriously? I can't think of one. Mattias states that celebs have made saying "I do" while pregnant a trend and so now regular gals are finally feeling comfortable to do the same.

I have to wonder, is this actually true? Or have us normal women been getting married with child for a long time now and celebs doing it has simply made it socially acceptable, and therefore marketable? In any event, there's no point in questioning it. If celebrities are doing it, then by all means, let's find a way to make some money off of it. In our celeb-obsessed culture--trust me, I know what I'm talking about, I watch E! in absolutely disgusting quantities--following what the cool kids are doing is practically a national past time. Retailers are merely giving people what they want. And no one can hate on that.

According to maternity retailers, 2.8 million women are expecting every year. That's A LOT of babies. More importantly, that's a lot of hormonal women with cash to burn and bodies to clothe. And surprisingly, the wedding dresses are adorable. No tents or moo-moos for these p.g. ladies. Elegant lace trim, dainty designs and ivory colors adorn these gowns. Almost makes you want to get married when you're pregnant...

So, I've got to know, what do you all think about this? I love it when retailers find a niche market and this is the best example I've ever come across!  If you're a retailer with a maternity bridal line, please send us a link to your gowns. As a girl, I love to look at wedding dresses--even if they are for pregnant women.

--Heather Strang