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—you'll find a short wedding dress that matches both your venue and your bridal style. Plus, the cropped length makes them 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. For the classic bride, 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? Read on for the 15 best short wedding dresses to complement every bridal style, body shape, and budget.
Best for the Whimsical Bride
Monique Lhuillier Glittered Tulle Mini Dress
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Courtesy of 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 dress. With a youthful squared and flirty full skirt (with glitter embellishments, might we add), this design is everything a pixie bride could want and more.
Price at time of publish: $495
Best for a City Wedding
ASOS LUXE Wedding Satin Oversized Bow Back Mini Dress
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Courtesy of 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.
Price at time of publish: $135
Most Modest
Huishan Zhang Reign Feather-Trimmed Crepe Mini Dress
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Courtesy of 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're totally here for it. With a crew neck and longer hemline, this is definitely the perfect pick for more modest brides—and the feathered sleeves are full-on fashion.
Price at time of publish: $2,845
Best Sleeveless
Rasario Silk-Satin Mini Dress
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Courtesy of 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 away, we suggest you look no further.
Price at time of publish: $1,385
Best for the After-Party
Retrofête Claire Belted Sequin Mini Dress
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Courtesy of 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 sequins?
Price at time of publish: $485
Best for a Bridal Shower
Reformation Valencia Dress
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Courtesy of Reformation
Size Range: 0-12 | Material: Nylon, deadstock fabric | 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 deadstock lace, open back, and scalloped hem, this stunner is as summery as can be.
Price at time of publish: $428
Best Sleeves
Selkie The Puff Dress
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Courtesy of Shopbop
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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Courtesy of 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
Best High-Neckline
BHLDN Nolan Dress
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Courtesy of 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: $598
Best for the Contemporary Bride
Alexia María Isabella Silk-Wool Blend Mini Dress
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Courtesy of 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. Check, check, and check.
Price at time of publish: $1,075
Best Details
Cult Gaia Shannon Feather Mini Dress
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Courtesy of 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 Shift Dress
Jane Nerys Jersey Shift Dress
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Courtesy of Jane
Size Range: UK 8-16 | Material: Structured jersey | Shipping: Fees vary depending on location | Return policy: Within 14 days
The simple shift dress is the perfect number for a classic bride. Plus, it doubles as a chic honeymoon look too!
Price at time of publish: $326
Best with Ruffles
Katie May Bella Mini Dress
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Courtesy of 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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Courtesy of 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: $350
Best for a City Hall Wedding
Reformation Zenni Dress
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Courtesy of 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.
Price at time of publish: $278
Most Inexpensive
More To Come Bella Off Shoulder Dress
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Courtesy of 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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Courtesy of ELOQUII
Size Range: 14-28 | Material: Polyester | Shipping: Standard delivery | Return policy: Within 14 days
The all-over lace long-sleeves in this dress is 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, sexy twist.
Price at time of publish: $199
Best for a Beach Wedding
For Love & Lemons x REVOLVE Everly Gown
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Courtesy of 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: $648
Best One-Shoulder
Rick Owens Aphrodite One-Shoulder Cape-Effect Mini Dress
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Courtesy of 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 a fitted mini with 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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Courtesy of 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.
Price at time of publish: $460
What to Look for in a Short Wedding Dress
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 can transition into the cooler months.
Be intentional when choosing the exact length of these shorter styles. The higher hemlines could create some friction in more conservative venues and especially religious houses of worship. Still, you'll want to be comfortable. Test that you can easily bend down and move around without worrying about any indecent exposure—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.
About the Author
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.