"Thank You for Joining Us While Pregnant! Tips and Considerations for Welcoming Expecting Guests"

2018.01.01 published

Wedding Trends for the Baby Boom and Wedding Boom Generation

As the terms "baby boom" and "wedding boom" suggest, there are many joyful events among groups of female friends in their early 20s to around 30 years old.

It's common for brides in this age group to have important guests they absolutely want at their wedding, but due to pregnancy or having children, those guests may end up unable to attend.

One issue that is particularly unpredictable is related to childbirth and childcare.

Many brides experience last-minute cancellations due to difficulties such as severe morning sickness in early pregnancy or a child suddenly falling ill.

While it's understandable to feel disappointed, it’s something that can't be helped.

"Morning sickness must be tough. I hope you have a healthy baby!"

"I hope your child feels better soon!"

Let’s remember to express our care and consideration for others.＊

Be Extra Kind to Expecting Guests at Your Wedding

It's important to convey gratitude and provide the best hospitality possible to those maternity guests who make the effort to attend, despite their fluctuating health during pregnancy.

Nowadays, many active pregnant women may not show signs of being pregnant, but no one would be unhappy to be treated kindly.♡

Moreover, even those who appear to be fine may have many challenging moments during their pregnancy. A little thoughtfulness can mean a lot and they are likely to remember such hospitality forever.＊

Here are some great ways to show consideration for your maternity guests that will surely make them happy!

Thoughtful Gesture #1: Serve Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol is well known as something that pregnant women cannot drink.

However, did you know that many also tend to avoid beverages like tea, green tea, oolong tea, and coffee? Many hospitals advise against drinks that are high in catechins or caffeine, as caffeine is thought to increase the risk of miscarriage or premature birth.

It usually poses no problem as long as they are not consumed in large amounts.

However, whether a pregnant woman is avoiding them can vary, so generally serving tea or oolong tea may not be considerate enough.

Drinks that are considered safe and fine for pregnant women usually include barley tea and rooibos tea.

While oolong tea is often on the soft drink menu for weddings, if there are pregnant guests who are avoiding it, they might end up with very few options other than sweet juice.

Some people might not want to drink something sweet during the meal, so whenever possible, consider offering rooibos tea (which is fancier than barley tea)

or add sparkling water to the menu.

Specifically, including sparkling water is sure to please not only your maternity guests but possibly other guests as well.♡

Thoughtful Gesture #2: Provide Chairs for Long Stand-Up Segments

During pregnancy, as the fetus receives more nutrients, the mother may often face anemia or dehydration.

It can be quite difficult for pregnant women to stand for long periods, whether in early, mid, or late pregnancy.

At chapels or gardens, there are often segments where guests are required to stand for an extended time.

To prevent any sudden dizziness or collapses, it’s important for the special wedding occasion and for valued guests to have chairs nearby to reassure maternity guests that "it's perfectly fine to sit anytime."＊

Thoughtful Gesture #3: Seat Them Near the Restroom

Pregnant women tend to need to go to the restroom more frequently due to the enlarging uterus compressing the bladder.

They may also feel nauseous due to morning sickness and might need to run to the restroom.

If possible, seating maternity guests near the doors, making it less noticeable when they get up to use the restroom, is likely to be appreciated.

Additionally, some brides go out of their way to position seats so that their guests don't have to shift their bodies around too much during video presentations or performances.

For brides who have larger bumps, adjusting their body position frequently can be quite difficult, making this a thoughtful gesture indeed.♡

Thoughtful Gesture #4: Provide Blankets and Cushions

Blankets and cushions are two major items that pregnant women would appreciate.

A blanket can help conceal a large belly, and since guests typically wear lighter clothing to weddings, a warm blanket can be very comforting.

Additionally, sitting upright on hard chairs for two and a half hours during a wedding can be quite tough.

Providing a cushion that can be placed behind their back or under their bottom can be a nice touch.

You could also surprise them by decorating cushions with designs like "mama" or "baby," alongside "groom/bride" or "Mr./Mrs."

Thoughtful Gesture #5: Show Concern if They Can't Attend

If a maternity guest is unable to attend the wedding day due to feeling unwell, don’t be discouraged; offer kind words.

At this stage for brides-to-be, not many have experienced pregnancy and childbirth yet, so understanding such accidents can be difficult.

It’s natural to feel upset, thinking, "I wanted you to come! We’ve been preparing for so long!" but remember, ailments related to morning sickness or pregnancy are unavoidable, and it's still a joyous occasion. (Except in cases of illness.)

There may be a time when it will be the bride’s turn, so let’s embrace the notion that “we’re both happy! We’re both having joyous occasions!” to lift spirits and avoid too much disappointment.＊

Thoughtful Gesture #6: Maternity Rosettes

Maternity guest rosettes are adorable.

Similar to how you would leave a special gift for friends celebrating their birthdays or those about to get married, leaving a maternity rosette for maternity guests will surely delight them.＊

Thoughtful Gesture #7: Transportation Costs

If your wedding venue is far from the station, it’s great to arrange a shuttle bus if possible or provide transportation costs for guests to take a taxi.

Though transportation expenses can add up significantly, often leading to "maybe we shouldn’t," the experiences of being treated kindly tend to linger in memory. It’s valuable to express kindness, especially for close friends or those who have been helpful.

Particularly on the bride's special day, being able to show such consideration for guests enhances her own reputation.＊

Thoughtful Gesture #8: Limit Raw Seafood

Many pregnant women avoid raw foods during their pregnancy. While sashimi and carpaccio may be delicious,

many pregnant women tend to avoid items with even a slight risk of causing an upset stomach or those with potential mercury contamination, such as tuna.

It’s thoughtful to directly ask maternity guests, besides using reply postcards, "Is there anything you’re avoiding?" in advance.＊

One Day You May Be a Pregnant Woman, So Be Kind to Maternity Guests

In the midst of the baby boom and wedding boom in their 30s, it’s quite common for friends invited to weddings to be pregnant!

The experience of pregnancy varies significantly among individuals, and what delights can also differ from one pregnant woman to another.

Nonetheless, no one would feel upset being treated with consideration that shows the bride is “earnestly thinking about their health.”

During pregnancy, they are more sensitive to environmental changes and may find it difficult just to sit still, yet also feel uncomfortable moving around—making every day a challenge.

By remembering to show gratitude to guests who made the effort to come and providing warm, thoughtful hospitality, you’ll undoubtedly be seen as an incredible bride!♡