The wedding day bump

While we're on the subject of nontraditional weddings (see "Man maid"), more common than the man of honor is the marrying and carrying phenomenon of the expectant bride.

On the Net » A Pea in the Pod: www.apeainthepod.com » Mimi Maternity: www.mimimaternity.com » Motherhood Maternity: www.motherhood.com » Destination Maternity: www.destinationmaternity.com

Gown makers have adapted to the tradition by creating bridal maternity dresses that will have moms-to-be looking as radiant as any bride walking down the aisle.

Among those answering the call are A Pea in the Pod, Mimi Maternity and Motherhood Maternity; they will have the mom-to-be looking spectacular as she walks down the aisle into matrimony and motherhood.

Local companies like the Bridal Boutique can order maternity gowns when needed, and Joyce Coelho, who owns the company with Cecilia Domingo, said, "We do have a lot of brides who are unexpectedly expecting."

In those cases, they offer alteration services to let out dresses when necessary.