The trend for short wedding dresses seems to be going nowhere in 2024.
Tbh, we're still thinking about the moment Sofia Richie donned a custom-made Chanel number to her wedding afterparty, and our memories of Kourtney Kardashian's Dolce & Gabbana corseted mini still aren't fading. And then there was Sophie Habboo, who stunned in Vivienne Westwood at her London ceremony last year. In short (if you pardon the pun), we haven't stopped lusting over the many phenomenal leg-exposing options available for the big day for a while now.
Looking incredible isn't all that short wedding dresses have to offer, though. They also provide a chic break from tradition for the modern-day bride, differentiate between ceremonies should you have more than one, remove some of the suspense from outdoor nuptials (grass stains? We don't know her) and make getting down on the dance floor that bit easier.
Plus, why stop at one dress with the many events leading up to and concluding the ceremony? There's the rehearsal dinner, the reception afterparty, not to mention the journey to the honeymoon destination – all of which are perfect opportunities to remind everyone you're the bride, but in a cute, slightly less formal ensemble. Basically, shorter hemlines offer extra edge, practicality and mobility to your look.
So, whether you're looking for a sophisticated design for your civil ceremony, a gorgeous 'fit for your rehearsal dinner or a showstopper to wear all day and into the night, we've rounded up the best short wedding dresses ranging from mini to midi and from designer to high street options.
(Psst - while you're planning a wedding, check out our edit of dreamy wedding shoes, the best fab wedding jumpsuits and the best bridal lingerie to shop for your big day.)
2
best short sparkly wedding dress
Clio Peppiatt Lucina embellished stretch-mesh mini dress
2
best short sparkly wedding dress
Clio Peppiatt Lucina embellished stretch-mesh mini dress
If you can't get enough of Clio Peppiatt's embroidered designs, you'll want to check out her first bridal collection, recently launched on Net-A-Porter. Each look is embellished to perfection.
3
best short strapless wedding dress
Coast Bandeau twill mini with full overskirt
3
best short strapless wedding dress
Coast Bandeau twill mini with full overskirt
Now 10% Off
Kinda short, kinda long, this Coast beauty is perfect for brides who want to show a little leg but keep some length going on too.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
4
best feather short wedding dress
Safiyaa Rowan strapless feather-trimmed stretch-crepe mini dress
4
best feather short wedding dress
Safiyaa Rowan strapless feather-trimmed stretch-crepe mini dress
Partial to a feather or two? Then you're going to adore Safiyaa's take on the trimmed dress. Striking the ideal balance between elegance with its strapless hourglass silhouette and fun with its eye-catching hem, it really is something spesh.
Halterneck + drop hem + bubble skirt + gleaming white silk = short wedding dress perfection.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
This might just be one of the most elegant short wedding dresses we've ever seen, tbh. Featuring a dramatic tulip skirt and covered in teeny tiny chiffon flowers, it's giving high-end designer without the matching price-tag.
8
best short floral wedding dress
Chi Chi Curve One shoulder balloon sleeve bodycon dress in white
8
best short floral wedding dress
Chi Chi Curve One shoulder balloon sleeve bodycon dress in white
Now 15% Off
A delicate lace fabric, puff sleeve and asymmetric hem are just the sort of special features you want when celebrating what could be one of the most exciting days of your life.
9
best short silk wedding dress
Alex Perry Elyse strapless silk-faille mini dress
9
best short silk wedding dress
Alex Perry Elyse strapless silk-faille mini dress
We're obsessed with the crisp, folded lines of this strapless dress by Alex Perry. And apparently, so are a lot of soon-to-be-married individuals because this beaut is selling fast.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
11
best off-the-shoulder short wedding dress
ASOS Edition Curve Lila satin structured off shoulder mini wedding dress with full skirt
11
best off-the-shoulder short wedding dress
ASOS Edition Curve Lila satin structured off shoulder mini wedding dress with full skirt
It's not all about the wedding photos, but you just know those over-the-shoulder shots will look DDG in this ivory mini.
12
best short evening wedding dress
Coast Premium embellishment mini dress with full skirt
12
best short evening wedding dress
Coast Premium embellishment mini dress with full skirt
Now 28% Off
Thought you'd have to give up on your dream of a fairytale frock in order to show some leg? Think again. This mini is full-skirted and fabulous.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
16
best short satin wedding dress
Rotate Birger Christensen Grace off-white satin midi dress
16
best short satin wedding dress
Rotate Birger Christensen Grace off-white satin midi dress
Now 70% Off
A simpler style is no less stunning and allows you to go all out on the accessory front or throw on a bridal jacket when things get chilly. Not to mention that hefty discount is seriously hard to resist...
18
best short wedding reception dress
Rebecca Vallance Perle bow embellished mini dress
18
best short wedding reception dress
Rebecca Vallance Perle bow embellished mini dress
Now 30% Off
From the halterneck and hand-embellished pearls to the open-back and signature taffeta bow, every inch of this mini is *chef's kiss*.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
If you're into the Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, classic Hamptons aristo kinda vibe, this Ref mini will be right up your street. Pair with a slicked-back bun, chic sling-backs and vintage gold earrings – plucked straight from the family vault of course, dahhhhling. (Or, y'know, one of these trusty affordable jewellery brands.)