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.
Best for the Whimsical Bride
Monique Lhuillier Glittered Tulle Mini Dress
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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
Best for the After-Party
Retrofête Claire Belted Sequin Mini Dress
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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
Best for a City Wedding
ASOS LUXE Wedding Satin Oversized Bow Back Mini Dress
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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
Best for a City Hall Wedding
Reformation Zenni Dress
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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
Best High-Neckline
BHLDN Nolan Dress
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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
Most Modest
Huishan Zhang Reign Feather-Trimmed Crepe Mini Dress
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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
Best Details
Cult Gaia Shannon Feather Mini Dress
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Cult Gaia
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
Best for the Contemporary Bride
Alexia María Isabella Silk-Wool Blend Mini Dress
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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
Best Sleeveless
Rasario Silk-Satin Mini Dress
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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
Best Sleeves
Selkie The Puff Dress
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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
Most Versatile
Sachin & Babi Archie Dress
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Anthropologie
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
Best Shift Dress
Jane Nerys Jersey Shift Dress
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Jane
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
Best with Ruffles
Katie May Elle Mini Dress
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REVOLVE
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
Best Scoop Neckline
Sau Lee Alexa Tweed Mini Dress
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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
Most Inexpensive
More To Come Bella Off Shoulder Dress
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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
Best Plus-Size
Bridal by ELOQUII Floral Mini Dress
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ELOQUII
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
Best for a Beach Wedding
For Love & Lemons x REVOLVE Everly Gown
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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
Best One-Shoulder
Rick Owens Aphrodite One-Shoulder Cape-Effect Mini Dress
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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
Most Sexy
Bronx and Banco Madeleine Dress
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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
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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 Romance Language Backless Lace Dress
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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.
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.