This year has been yet another bumper baby boom year - maybe it's the recession, maybe it's the weather has them going,  but I've seen more than a couple of glowing pregnant ladies over the past few months. But it was the photo of Amy Huberman's wedding where two of her four bridesmaids were pregnant that really set me thinking. Being pregnant and being part of a wedding, either as a bridesmaid or as a guest demands a lot more thought and consideration in terms of finding a great outfit.

So we thought we'd make it a little easier for those of you who are expecting and have a look around for some pretty dresses for you - god knows you've enough to be doing getting ready for the patter of tiny feet, so put your own feet up, grab a cuppa and hold onto your credit card - we're going shopping...

There's nothing so attractive as a mum-to-be, complete with baby bump and inner glow.

So for all those  hot mamas to be we've a quick selection of very varied dresses:

The Acacia dress from Tiffany Rose, a specialist maternity wear retailer,  is elegant, sophisticated but with a killer cleavage like that on display it's certain to draw attention away from the bump €171).

This shorter dress, with loose empire line waist is perfect for a woman with  killer legs, who doesn't really want to emphasise the bump. It's from Naissance and costs just €40.

Being pregnant doesn't mean you have to lose your sexy side and this red ruched one shoulder dress with stretch from Isabella Oliveroffers comfort, style and the opportunity to show off that glowing body (€135). Isabella Oliver has a great range of maternity wear but the formal and evening wear ranges are particularly fantastic for stylish mums to be.

One of the major issues with buying formalwear for a wedding while pregnant is that your shape is continually changing. When normally you would buy an outfit at the beginning of the summer and get a couple of wears out of it over a few months, if you're pregnant this goes right out the window.

The big fashion story of 2010 - maxi dresses (with empire line waists) are the perfect solution. The high waist sits above the bump, and there should be enough (make sure and check) fabric to allow it to grow and still keep the dress comfortable. Just make sure the bust/corset top of the dress isn't too tight, preferably get something with elasticity.

For the fashionistas, an on-trend floral print maxi dress from Asos, a steal at €79.

For the sophisticats, a navy crossover bodice maxi dress for €149 from Crave

For the designer divas, this dusky pink Malene Birger jersey dress is €173 from Net-a-Porter

For those heavy with child, nearing the end of pregnancy, feeling comfortable is the main priority. But if invited to a wedding, wearing tracksuit and runners isn't really an option. Wearing a wrap dress is the solution - glamorous and comfortable, with plenty of fabric to stretch around your waist no matter the size. Wrap dresses move easily from day to night and come in a variety of styles.

The first simple blue wrap dress from Fun Mum is just €37 and just begging to be accessorised with a great collar necklace and fab shoes. For a hot fashion forward take on the wrap dress - this gunmetal grey dress from Asos is just  €39. And finally, for the scarlett woman, the stretchy yet loose Riviera style from Tiffany Rose is €171.

So from studying the form, researching the options and talking to ladies themselves, we've come to the conclusion that there is a  golden rule of three for pregnant ladies when shopping for maternity wedding or formal wear:  Stretchy fabrics, Maxi Dresses with Empire line waists, and Wrap Dresses.

Hunting them down isn't easy, so if you know of local maternity boutiques around Ireland that other readers would be interested in, please drop a line in the comments and we can include in future posts.