First comes love, then comes baby bump, then comes marriage…

Shopping for a wedding gown can be challenging enough, but when you add a baby bump into the mix, the task can become even more of a challenge. If you’re shopping for a wedding dress with a baby bump in tow, you aren’t alone. So many brides are walking down the aisle with precious cargo, including some of the biggest celebrities (Scarlett Johansson, Mila Kunis, Drew Barrymore and Olivia Wilde, just to name a few.) While it may be easier for these famous pregnant brides to hire a professional tailor to design their maternity wedding gowns, for the average pregnant bride, it can be a bit more difficult to find the perfect dress that will make you – and your bump – look incredible.

To assist you in your quest for finding your dream wedding gown while you’re pregnant, here are some excellent tips to keep in mind.

Call Ahead

Before you visit a bridal salon, make sure you give them a call first. Ask them if they have dresses in an array of sizes. You can certainly clue them in to the fact that you are pregnant, and ask them to set some dresses aside, especially for you. When you arrive at the salon, not only will you have a collection of gowns already available to you fit you and your growing belly, but you’ll also have developed a relationship with the associates prior to walking in, which will make your experience all the more comfortable, intimate, and exciting!

If You’re Hiding Your Bump…

If you are planning on concealing your baby bump on your wedding day, choosing the right silhouette is key to keeping your belly on the down low.

An empire waist gown is perfect for the pregnant bride who wants to hide her belly. It accentuates the smallest part of your torso, calling the attention away from the under the gown. To make your pregnant belly even less obvious, choose an empire waist gown that is sleeveless and has a lace or tulle overlay. A sleeveless gown will draw the attention away from your stomach and put it on your arms, and the flowing fabric will drape perfectly over your expanding midsection.

If You’re Showing Off Your Bump…

If you want to proudly show off your pregnant belly on your wedding day, opt for a gown that is super chic, sleek, and stylish. Maternity gowns don’t have to be big and matronly. Just picture Blake Lively at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, where she showed off her gorgeous baby bump in a striking electric blue Ateilier Versace gown, complete with bling and an extravagant train.

Use Lively’s red carpet look as an inspiration for your wedding day look to showcase your beautiful bump. A form-fitting gown will make you – and your bump – look incredible. Just keep in mind that you should choose a fabric that has some elasticity to ensure your comfort. Silk jersey, English netting, and certain types of laces have some stretch, which will make it easier to comfortably move.

Pick a Size (or Two) Up

Make sure that you size up when purchasing your wedding gown. It can take a few months from the date you purchased your gown until you actually receive it. In that time, your tummy will have done some serious growing, and you want to make sure that the dress will accommodate your size without compromising the look of the gown. Remember that it is far easier to take in than it is to let out, so it’s definitely better to err on the side of caution and get a dress that may be a big too big and have it tailored to fit you and your bump.