Chic Short Wedding Dresses

Bridal trends tend to err on the side of traditional and certain styles, cuts or fabrics seem to stay within the global designers aesthetic for many years. One trend that has been breaking through for many years and is on the lips of most modern bridal designers is short wedding dresses.

Whether they’re cropped just above the ankles or cut to a daring cocktail length, short wedding dresses are appearing on aisles everywhere. Not only is the short wedding dress a refreshing departure from the traditional floor-length or gown with train, it’s also completely practical and versatile. Be it a wedding on the beach, a vintage theme, a fashion-forward bride – there’s a type of short wedding dress to suit your needs and wants.

Short wedding dresses are giving long gowns a serious run for their money

Should you choose to stick with a floor grazing gown for the ceremony, a short wedding dress comes into play when shopping for the rehearsal dinner, after party, bridal showers and beyond. Truth be told, it’s these short looks that end up being the most fun to wear and style; it’s not unheard of to hear a bride gushing over her excitement to wear her sexy, after-party look over her ballgown and nothing is more chic, effortless or cool than seeing a bride let loose after she sheds her full skirt. Plus, the cropped length makes them a versatile part of your wardrobe, meaning, you definitely won’t wear this dress just the once!

The Chicest Short Wedding Dresses

Ready to show off some serious leg? Below, I’ve curated my favourite & best short wedding dresses to compliment a multitude of bridal styles!

ALICE MCCALL | Diamond Veins Mini Dress

Danielle Frankel | Lia Silk Blazer Dress

I absolutely love this three-tiered dress for a trip to the altar but it also has bridal shower written all over it. Between the polka dots, tulle and illusion sleeves, this gown is ultra-girly and fashion-forward.

Reem Acra | Metallic Silk-blend Mini Dress

Hold on to your hats because, dramatic bridal trains work with short dresses too! Who knew! Wear the detachable draped panel down the aisle then remove it when it comes time to hit the dance floor. Technically, you’re getting two gorgeous looks from Reem Acra for the price of one! What’s not to love!

Thanks to the alternating crepe and lace panels, this short wedding dress gives the illusion of length. This asymmetric dress is cut to hug your frame and spliced to reveal flashes of skin. Wear yours for the big day with barely there sandals, a box clutch and some statement jewellery. This is a wow!

Hands up, who thinks it’s time to bring flapper dresses back?! With a twenty-first-century twist this strappy mini dress from Elliatt Rosay for BHLDN is the ultimate comeback. With all-over embroidery and pearl details, this is the look for fun and flirty brides.

Boohoo | Dobby Mesh High Neck Sheer Dress

A basic white slip is completely transformed with a polka dot mesh overlay from Boohoo. Wear with heels for the ceremony then switch into a pair of trainers when the DJ starts playing. With its miniscule price tag (£21 at time of writing!) this is a dress that will suit any occasion during your wedding journey, from a red wine sponge on your hen night to a fun and flirty number for your bridal shower – this gown ticks any box you throw at it!

Ok this is technically not a short wedding wedding, its a tea-length but this is my space and I bloody love it! A bustier-inspired lace bodice, shirred chiffon neckline and a tea-length tiered skirt made from lace and chiffon comes together to create a captivating dress full of allure and romance. The perfect garden party attire?

Perfect for slipping on to start the evening do, the Katie May’s Boss Lady dress is the ultimate in feminine rework of tailored suiting. Styled with a dramatic cape overlay and wrap silhouette this encapsulates what is a modern bride, the deep V is sexy while the sleeves are totally sleek. Business and bridal is the chicest way.

Maybe I should have given you fair warning that these designs make change your whole wedding wardrobe, but then you wouldn’t scroll down! Hope these short wedding dresses have inspired your ceremony choices or at the very least made you reconsider your big day budget and are now thinking about having multiple outfit changes throughout the day!