What dress silhouettes work best for petite brides?

Dresses with A-line and fit-to-flare silhouettes as well as dresses with short and high-low hemlines are some flattering choices for petite brides. As Chang recommended, trumpet or sheath-style gowns are also a great way to elongate your frame.

What wedding dress silhouettes should petite brides avoid?

"Many petite brides believe they can't wear A-line or ballgown styles because the amount of fabric will overwhelm them," says Chang. "I think it’s entirely possible for petite brides to wear A-line and, personally, I think that the fuller skirt can elongate your legs! It all comes down to personal preference and how much fabric you're willing to have on for the entire day."

20 Best Wedding Dresses for Petite Brides of 2023

petite wedding dresses — Photo by Sarah Falugo

No matter your size or shape, the key to looking and feeling your best in your wedding dress is to find a silhouette that not only showcases your personal style but fits you perfectly. For petite brides, this means finding a wedding dress that flatters, not overwhelms, your frame. Luckily, there are tons of stylish wedding dresses out there that were designed with the petite bride in mind.

While we believe that all brides should wear whatever makes them feel the most beautiful, there are certain types of wedding dresses that work best for petite frames. "I find that plunging or slightly lower necklines will help to elongate the torso. V-necklines or gowns with straps help to draw the eye from top to bottom. Trumpet or sheath-style gowns are also a great way to lengthen the body," says Alison Chang, the Lead Designer at Lace & Liberty.

To help you find your dream dress, we've researched the best options with these features in mind. For something simple yet chic, we adore the Galvan London Pandora Satin Halterneck Midi Dress. Going for a glamorous look? Our favorite picks are the Galina Signature Floral Petite Wedding Dress with Removable Sleeves and the Markarian Rhett Dress.

From leg-baring mini dresses to stunning A-line gowns and simple slips, read on for the best wedding dresses for petite brides.

Our Top Picks

Best With Ruffles:

Lulus White Satin Ruffled Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress at Lulus

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For a Spring Wedding:

Lulus Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress at Lulus

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Sachin & Babi Detachable Train Wedding Dress at Anthropologie

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Galina Signature Floral Petite Wedding Dress at David's Bridal

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For the Minimalist:

Galvan London Pandora Satin Halterneck Midi Dress at Net-a-Porter

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Best High-Low:

DB Studio Mikado High-Low Wedding Dress at David's Bridal

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For a Black-Tie Wedding:

David's Bridal Off the Shoulder Satin Gown Wedding Dress at David's Bridal

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Best Asymmetric Hem:

Anna October Snowdrop Asymmetric Maxi Dress at Annaoctober.com

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Best Two-Piece Look:

Lace & Liberty Milan Crop Top at Laceandliberty.com

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Carolina Herrera One-Shoulder Silk Mini Dress with Bows at Bergdorfgoodman.com

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Lulus

View On Lulus

Ruffles add the perfect finishing touch to this utterly romantic dress. Flattering from head to toe, you'll never want to take this frilly yet oh-so-flattering number off.

Price at time of publish: $89

Lulus

View On Lulus

What could be sweeter than this playful frock? Crafted from floral lace and featuring an elegant off-the-shoulder neckline, this tea-length number is dreamy for a spring or summer wedding.

Price at time of publish: $82

Sachin & Babi Detachable Train Wedding Dress

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

What could be more fun than a mini dress with an oversized bow and flowing train? We love this style for everything from the rehearsal dinner to the after-party. We can also picture this show-stopper being perfect for a courthouse wedding.

Price at time of publish: $395

floral tulle wedding dress with removable sleeves

David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

This floral embroidered gown is as romantic as ever for a formal or black-tie wedding. It comes with removable sleeves, making it an excellent choice for brides who are looking for a gown that boasts two looks in one.

Price at time of publish: $1,499

Galvan London Pandora Satin Halterneck Midi Dress

Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

In liquid satin, this exquisite Galvan dress features an elongating halter neckline. The slim-fit silhouette drapes beautifully over the body and is designed to accentuate your figure.

Price at time of publish: $1,295

David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

Wedding dresses with high-low hemlines are a great choice for petite brides as they give you all the drama of a ball gown without overwhelming your frame. We love this simple and sleek choice that's at once elegant and flattering.

Price at time of publish: $300

David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

Just because you have a petite frame doesn't mean you can't don a fabulous ball gown! This off-the-shoulder stunner is ideal for showcasing your shoulders and décolletage. It's a beyond-elegant choice for a black-tie celebration.

Price at time of publish: $699

Anna October Snowdrop Asymmetric Cotton-Blend Maxi Dress

Moda Operandi

View On Annaoctober.com View On Modaoperandi.com

With a subtle high-low hemline, this maxi dress is designed to flatter your legs while the bustier bodice adds an element of sexiness to the silhouette. Pair yours with gold accessories and sleek sandals.

Price at time of publish: $805

Lace & Liberty

View On Laceandliberty.com

Trendy, chic, and flattering, this two-piece set is perfect for petite brides who love a little edge. Pair this with statement earrings and a gorgeous veil to elevate the overall ensemble.

Price at time of publish: $400

Bergdorf Goodman

View On Bergdorfgoodman.com

For petite brides, a short wedding dress is a smart and stylish choice. Show off your legs (and a statement pair of heels) in this playful yet architectural mini dress from Carolina Herrera.

Price at time of publish: $3,490

Reformation

View On Reformation

Want to wear a jumpsuit down the aisle or change into one for the reception? Go for this simple and sweet jumpsuit from Reformation. The fitted bodice is perfect for showcasing your figure while the slightly flared hem draws attention to your legs.

Price at time of publish: $278

Markarian

View On Markarian-nyc.com

From the tie sleeve detail to the crystal trim straps and belt, there's so much to love about the 'Rhett' dress from Markarian. If you're a bride-to-be who has an eye for fashion, this dress is the perfect fit for you.

Price at time of publish: $2,895

Danielle Frankel

View On Daniellefrankelstudio.com

Danielle Frankel is known for her eye-catching and fashion-forward designs, and this mini dress is no exception. We love it for the bride who isn't afraid to go for a daring and different look.

Price at time of publish: $3,990

Shona Joy

View On Shonajoy.com

With a distinctly '80s vibe to it, this mini dress is perfect for the bride-to-be who loves vintage-inspired pieces. Wear your hair up to showcase the dramatic balloon sleeves.

Price at time of publish: $320

Amsale

View On Amsale.com

Amsale's 'Little White Dress' collection is a petite bride's dream. While it's hard to choose just one favorite from the collection, we love this shift dress for its sleek yet sweet aesthetic. The back bow detail adds a bit of whimsy while the structured silhouette keeps a clean and crisp look.

Price at time of publish: $385

Reformation

View On Reformation

Reformation's 'Joana' silk dress is a gorgeous option for petite brides looking to wear a simple slip wedding gown. The strapless neckline and soft sheen of the fabric make it flattering and sexy, to boot.

Price at time of publish: $278

DBR Bridal

View On Dbrbridal.com

If you're not drawn to floor-length gowns or mini dresses, consider meeting in the middle with a tea-length dress. This embellished number feels appropriate for a wide range of celebrations from micro weddings to courthouse ceremonies and formal soirées.

Price at time of publish: $154

Selkie

View On Selkiecollection.com

Selkie is known for its whimsical, fairytale-like designs. If you want to feel like a true princess on your special day, opt for this ultra-frilly number featuring the brand's signature puff sleeves and unique ruffles throughout.

Price at time of publish: $575

DB STUDIO sequin leaf-appliqued high neck petite gown

David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

Classy and understated, this floral sequin gown is perfect for a garden wedding or outdoor setting. The high neckline and waistband are sleek and flattering, and the subtle flare of the skirt helps elongate the silhouette.

Price at time of publish: $200

Reformation

View On Reformation

Simple yet elegant, this gorgeous midi dress is perfect for boho brides and casual spring ceremonies. The flutter sleeves and ruffled hem add a romantic vibe, while the structured bodice creates a clean and flattering fit.

Price at time of publish: $298

Meet the Expert

Alison Chang is the Lead Designer at Lace & Liberty, a custom design wedding dress brand based in San Francisco.

What to Look for in a Petite Wedding Dress

Silhouette and fabric

For petite brides, shopping for a wedding dress is all about finding a silhouette that flatters your frame without overwhelming it. As a petite bride, you'll want to experiment with different dress silhouettes and hem lengths. A-line and fit-to-flare silhouettes are always a flattering choice for petite body types while mini and midi dresses are great for showing off your legs and elongating your frame. Our favorite minis are the Shona Joy La Lune Balloon Sleeve Mini Dress and the Sachin & Babi Archie V-Neck Back Bow Mini Dress.

When it comes to fabrics and prints, keep in mind that sometimes less is more. While we're all for brides making a bold fashion statement, oversized prints, heavy fabrics, and all-over embellishments might overpower some smaller frames.

Style and aesthetic

"I think a lot of it depends on personal style and the aesthetic of the wedding. If you're a minimalistic bride, crepe, satin, chiffon, and charmeuse are some of the most common fabrics. If you like romance and a bit of whimsy, then lace, sparkle, and beading might be the way to go. Most of our petite clients prefer delicate laces to ones with larger patterns," Chang advises.

"The best advice I can give to any bride is to be open to trying on a variety of dresses and styles and, of course, wear a gown that makes you feel beautiful and amazing no matter the style!"

FAQ

What dress silhouettes work best for petite brides?

Dresses with A-line and fit-to-flare silhouettes as well as dresses with short and high-low hemlines are some flattering choices for petite brides. As Chang recommended, trumpet or sheath-style gowns are also a great way to elongate your frame.
What wedding dress silhouettes should petite brides avoid?

"Many petite brides believe they can't wear A-line or ballgown styles because the amount of fabric will overwhelm them," says Chang. "I think it’s entirely possible for petite brides to wear A-line and, personally, I think that the fuller skirt can elongate your legs! It all comes down to personal preference and how much fabric you're willing to have on for the entire day."

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, wedding parties, and more.

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