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.

What wedding dress silhouettes should petite brides avoid?

While we strongly believe that all brides should feel free to wear whatever makes them look and feel their best, if you're worried about your wedding dress overwhelming your petite frame, it's best to avoid voluminous ball gowns or dresses with exaggerated embellishments.

What dress lengths work best for petite brides?

While petite brides can certainly wear floor-length dresses or gowns with trains, shorter lengths like tea-length or mini dresses are flattering cuts for petites.

20 Best Wedding Dresses for Petite Women of 2021

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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. For example, short dresses and styles with high-low hemlines are perfect for showing off your legs, while shoulder-baring silhouettes that feature a halter neckline or pin-thin straps are a stylish way to accentuate and elongate your frame. And while there are plenty of ball gowns that cater to petite brides, if you're worried about wearing a wedding dress that might end up wearing you, it's best to avoid voluminous silhouettes and dresses with exaggerated ruffles and long trains.

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

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For the Minimalist: Galvan Satin Halterneck Midi Dress

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.

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Best Floor-Length: Reformation Petites Hollyhock Dress

Available in sizes 0P to 12P, Reformation's 'Hollyhock' dress is a gorgeous option for petite brides looking to wear a floor-length wedding gown. The smocked back bodice and thick shoulder straps make this silhouette bra-friendly, to boot.

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Best Mini Dress: Carolina Herrera Bow-Accented Silk Mini Dress

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.

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For a Black-Tie Wedding: David's Bridal Collection Off the Shoulder Satin Gown Petite Wedding Dress

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 and is a beyond elegant choice for a black-tie celebration.

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Most Unique: Rime Arodaky Embroidered Tulle and Crepe Mini Dress

Cut in a flattering fluted shape, this mini dress features playful details like an illusion tulle bodice and ruffled sleeves. We love this style for an impossibly chic city wedding or as a party-ready second look.

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Best Details: Markarian Rhett Dress

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.

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For a Backyard Wedding: Reformation Petites Jovi Dress

Throwing a casual backyard wedding? Reformation's 'Jovi' dress would make the perfect complement to any laidback celebration. Pair yours with simple sandals and a bouquet of wildflowers.

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Best Asymmetric Hem: Anna October Cotton-Blend Maxi Dress

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. Team yours with gold accessories and sleek sandals.

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Best Jumpsuit: Reformation Petites Alfred Jumpsuit

Looking 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.

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Best Midi: Erdem Crystal-Embellished Chantilly-Lace Dress

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

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Most Romantic: Galina Signature Floral Petite Wedding Dress with Removable Sleeves

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.

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Most Fashion-Forward: Danielle Frankel Liv Mini Dress

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.

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Most Retro: Shona Joy Balloon Sleeves Mini Dress

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.

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Best With Ruffles: Lulus White Satin Ruffled Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress

Ruffles add the perfect finishing touch to this utterly romantic dress. Flattering from head to toe, we won't blame you if you never want to take this frilly number off.

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Best Slip Dress: Express Petite Satin Cowl Neck Midi Slip Dress

No matter your size or body type, a slip dress is always a sophisticated choice for any type of wedding. This one is designed to hit just below the knee, making it a great choice for petite brides.

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For a Spring Wedding: Lulus White Lace High-Low Midi Dress

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

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Best Flared Sleeves: Mestiza Flora Mini Dress

Whether you’re looking to make a statement on your wedding day or have a penchant for vintage-inspired silhouettes, a flared sleeves mini dress is an eye-catching choice for any type of wedding.

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Best High-Low: DB Studio Mikado High-Low Wedding Dress

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.

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Best Shift Dress: Amsale Bow Back Dress

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.

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Most Versatile: Sachin & Babi Detachable Train Wedding Dress

What could be more fun than a mini dress with a train? We love this style for everything from the rehearsal dinner to your wedding day look.

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.
What wedding dress silhouettes should petite brides avoid?

While we strongly believe that all brides should feel free to wear whatever makes them look and feel their best, if you're worried about your wedding dress overwhelming your petite frame, it's best to avoid voluminous ball gowns or dresses with exaggerated embellishments.
What dress lengths work best for petite brides?

While petite brides can certainly wear floor-length dresses or gowns with trains, shorter lengths like tea-length or mini dresses are flattering cuts for petites.