Are short wedding dresses appropriate for my wedding ceremony?

Short wedding dresses are just as ceremony-appropriate as floor-length gowns. With so many options to choose from, you'll be sure to find a short wedding dress that matches your bridal style, venue, and formality.

Can I wear a short wedding dress for a formal wedding?

Yes! Short wedding dresses in luxurious fabrics like silks, organzas, or lace feel right at home for more formal occasions. Intricate detailing like beading or dramatic accents like statements sleeves also creates a more glamorous look.

Can I change into a short dress for my reception?

Absolutely! Second looks have become increasingly popular and are a great chance to showcase your personal style with a short dress.

What shoes can I wear with a short wedding dress?

While your wedding shoes might be hidden when wearing a floor-length gown, a short wedding dress puts them on full display. So, it's worth investing in a pair that you really love. From sky-high stilettos to really elongate those legs to casual wedges that put a premium on comfort, there are tons of shoe options to complement a shorter dress.

The 21 Best Short Wedding Dresses of 2023

Brides / Chloe Jeong

Short wedding dresses have been giving floor-length gowns a serious run for their money, and it's easy to see why. From modern silhouettes to all-over lace minis to sequin and beaded styles, these leg-baring beauties are as comfortable as they are statement-making. Whether you're considering wearing a short dress for your rehearsal dinner, ceremony, or after-party, a little white dress is always a stylish addition to any bridal wardrobe.

No matter where you're tying the knot—be it on the beach, at the courthouse, or in your backyard—there's a short wedding dress that matches both your venue and your bridal style. Plus, the cropped length makes for a versatile part of your wardrobe, meaning you definitely won't wear this dress just once. For the minimalist bride, there are short dresses crafted from sleek fabrics in unfussy silhouettes. The classic bride will find impeccably tailored mini dresses and all-over lace details. And for the fashion-forward bride, there are scores of statement-making styles, from blazer dresses to designs with detachable trains.

Ready to show off some serious leg? To help, we've researched and compiled a list of the best options available, keeping materials, fit, style, size range, and cost in mind. We found gorgeous minis to complement every bridal style, body shape, and budget.

Read on for the best short wedding dresses.

Monique Lhuillier Glittered Tulle Mini Dress

Saks Fifth Avenue

View On Bloomingdales View On Saks Fifth Avenue

Size Range: 0-16 | Material: Polyester | Shipping: Standard delivery | Return policy: Within 30 days

Never have we felt more strongly about a little white dress. With a youthful squared neckline and a flirty full skirt (with glitter embellishments, might we add), this design is everything a whimsical bride could want and more.

Price at time of publish: $495

Claire belted sequined chiffon mini dress

Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Chiffon | Shipping: Standard delivery | Return policy: Within 28 days

Every wedding needs a party dress! We love this flirty number for its effortless silhouette, elegant neckline, and all-over shimmering sequins—because what's a party dress without some sparkle?

Price at time of publish: $485

ASOS

View On Asos

Size Range: 0-14 | Material: Polyester | Shipping: Standard delivery | Return policy: Within 28 days

Business in the front, party in the back. This sweet yet simple silhouette delivers a heavy dose of drama with an oversize bow in the rear. This is perfect for courthouse nuptials or for a wedding reception outfit change.

Price at time of publish: $98

Reformation

View On Reformation

Size Range: 0-12 | Material: N/A | Shipping: Standard delivery | Return policy: Within 30 days

Opting for an intimate courthouse affair? Nothing pairs better than a sleeveless, boatneck mini dress and a civil ceremony. This is one dress you'll be able to wear again and again.

Price at time of publish: $298

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

Size Range: 0-16 | Material: Nylon-polyester blend | Shipping: Standard delivery | Return policy: Within 30 days

Love is definitely in the air with this pint-size stunner. All our favorite romantic details, from sumptuous lace to a high neckline and gorgeous floral appliqués, are encapsulated in this poetic masterpiece.

Price at time of publish: $420

Huishan Zhang Reign Feather-Trimmed Crepe Mini Dress

Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Size Range: UK 6-18 | Material: Crepe, feathers | Shipping: Standard delivery | Return policy: Within 30 days

This dress is all demure sophistication, and we are totally here for it. With a crew neck and longer hemline, this is the perfect pick for more modest brides. Still, we love how the feathered sleeves create a full-on fashion moment.

Price at time of publish: $2,845

Cult Gaia

View On Cultgaia.com

Size Range: XS-L | Material: Viscose | Shipping: Standard delivery | Return policy: Within 7 days

What's a bridal fashion week detail we can't get enough of? Feathers. And this mini dress takes that trend to the next level. Besides, a solid party dress will never go to waste.

Price at time of publish: $1,198

Alexia MarÃa Isabella Silk-Wool Blend Mini Dress

Saks Fifth Avenue

View On Saks Fifth Avenue

Size Range: 0-12 | Material: Silk-wool blend | Shipping: Standard delivery | Return policy: Within 30 days

Calling all brides who are planning a modern wedding! This little number is crisp, simple, and exquisitely structured. We love how the bow sleeves add a romantic element to a sleek style. Check, check, and check.

Price at time of publish: $1,075

Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Size Range: FR 34-42 | Material: Silk-satin | Shipping: Standard delivery | Return policy: Within 28 days

This sweet mini dress will surely satiate any princess ballgown dreams. If your wedding itinerary includes twirling the day and night away, we suggest you look no further.

Price at time of publish: $1,385

REVOLVE

View On Revolve

Size Range: XXS-3X | Material: Polyester | Shipping: Standard delivery | Return policy: Within 60 days

One of the perks of a shorter hemline is more flexibility in dramatic details. These wonderfully exaggerated sleeves feel beautifully balanced among the straight neckline and equally puffy silhouette.

Price at time of publish: $249

Anthropologie

View On Bhldn

Size Range: 0-16 | Material: Polyester | Shipping: Standard delivery | Return policy: Within 30 days

We love a dress that boasts two looks in one, and this design is no exception. The dramatic bow train (hello, grand entrance!) can easily be detached for a more pared-backed aesthetic—or a night of dancing without anyone stepping on your dress.

Price at time of publish: $395

Jane

View On Janeatelier.com

Size Range: UK6-18 | Material: Structured jersey | Shipping: Fees vary depending on location | Return policy: Within 14 days

Classic, elegant, and effortless. The simple shift dress is the perfect number for a classic bride. Plus, it can double as a chic honeymoon outfit!

Price at time of publish: $346

REVOLVE

View On Revolve View On Katiemay.com View On Shop-confete.com

Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Nylon-polyester blend | Shipping: Standard delivery | Return policy: Within 60 days

Tiers and tiers of frothy ruffles make our hearts skip a beat. With all-over tulle fabric and playful volume to spare, this look is a must for fun and flirty brides.

Price at time of publish: $525

REVOLVE

View On Revolve

Size Range: 0-8 | Material: Polyester, acrylic, rayon | Shipping: Standard delivery | Return policy: Within 30 days

If it's good enough for Chanel, it's definitely good enough for us—tweed, that is. We love this sophisticated design for anything from a classic vow exchange to hosting a posh bridal luncheon.

Price at time of publish: $197

REVOLVE

View On Revolve

Size Range: XXS-XL | Material: Polyester-spandex blend | Shipping: Standard delivery | Return policy: Within 60 days

You don't always have to break the bank when it comes to your wedding attire. Case in point: this More To Come off-shoulder mini dress that features a beautifully draped neckline and satin-like appearance.

Price at time of publish: $78

ELOQUII

View On Eloquii.com

Size Range: 14-28 | Material: Polyester | Shipping: Standard delivery | Return policy: Within 14 days

The all-over lace long-sleeves on this frock are just one of many reasons why we adore it. The lace continues throughout the dress, exaggerating along the neckline, hem, and sleeve hem for a romantic and sexy twist.

Price at time of publish: $199

REVOLVE

View On Revolve

Size Range: XXS-XL | Material: Cotton blend | Shipping: Standard delivery | Return policy: Within 60 days

If you're celebrating near the water, you'll want a dress that is light and airy. Take this high-low mini as an example. It has a soft cotton blend and built-in shelf bra so you can dance away in the sand with ease.

Price at time of publish: $454

Rick Owens Aphrodite One-Shoulder Cape-Effect Mini Dress

Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Size Range: IT38-48 | Material: Cotton, viscose, elastane | Shipping: Standard delivery | Return policy: Within 28 days

Daring brides, you can stop your dress search right here. What is bolder than this? This fitted mini features a slightly asymmetrical hem and a cape-like one-shouldered sleeve.

Price at time of publish: $2,965

REVOLVE

View On Revolve

Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester-elastane blend | Shipping: Standard delivery | Return policy: Within 60 days

This is not your standard bridal dress! The semi-sheer lace adds a touch of sexiness without compromising sophistication. The structured, quarter-length sleeves also add a dynamic element.

Price at time of publish: $460

Nookie Adore 2Way Strapless Dress with Detachable Bow

Revolve

View On Revolve

Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Nylon, polyester, spandex | Shipping: Standard delivery | Return policy: Within 60 days

News flash: Dramatic trains work with short dresses, too! Wear the detachable bow train down the aisle then remove it when it comes time to hit the dance floor. Technically, you're getting two gorgeous looks for the price of one (score!).

Price at time of publish: $369

Lulus

View On Lulus

Size Range: XXS-XL | Material: Polyester | Shipping: Standard delivery | Return policy: Within 30 days

While we love this mini dress for a trip to the altar, it also has "bridal shower" written all over it. Between the crochet-like lace, open back, and scalloped hem, this stunner is as summery as can be.

Price at time of publish: $68

What to Look for in a Short Wedding Dress

Fabric and fit

Whether you choose to wear a short dress for the ceremony or change into one for the after-party, there are many stylish little white dresses to choose from. These leg-baring silhouettes are especially fitting for spring and summer weddings, but some thicker fabric options like tweed or feathers can transition into the cooler months. We especially love the Sau Lee Alexa Tweed Mini Dress and the Cult Gaia Shannon Dress.

Length

Be intentional when choosing the exact length of these shorter styles. The higher hemlines could create some friction in more conservative venues. Still, you'll want to be comfortable. Test that you can easily bend down and move around without worrying—you definitely don't want to be tugging down your dress all night. If you're planning to slip into a second outfit for your reception, consider choosing a short dress that feels completely different from your wedding gown for optimal impact.

FAQ

Are short wedding dresses appropriate for my wedding ceremony?

Short wedding dresses are just as ceremony-appropriate as floor-length gowns. With so many options to choose from, you'll be sure to find a short wedding dress that matches your bridal style, venue, and formality.
Can I wear a short wedding dress for a formal wedding?

Yes! Short wedding dresses in luxurious fabrics like silks, organzas, or lace feel right at home for more formal occasions. Intricate detailing like beading or dramatic accents like statements sleeves also creates a more glamorous look.
Can I change into a short dress for my reception?

Absolutely! Second looks have become increasingly popular and are a great chance to showcase your personal style with a short dress.
What shoes can I wear with a short wedding dress?

While your wedding shoes might be hidden when wearing a floor-length gown, a short wedding dress puts them on full display. So, it's worth investing in a pair that you really love. From sky-high stilettos to really elongate those legs to casual wedges that put a premium on comfort, there are tons of shoe options to complement a shorter dress.

Why Trust Brides

Sophie Moore has worked in the fashion industry for over seven years. Her access to bridal designers and experience in the market brings readers the latest wedding dress trends and a view of the ready-to-wear and accessories market from the lens of what a bride is looking for.

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