The Best Short Wedding Dresses

When it comes to wedding dresses, finding a gown that makes you feel like the best version of yourself is key - and for some brides, that means opting for a stunning short wedding dress.

Whether it's a mini, knee-length, tea-length, or midi, there's no shortage of ways to make this style truly your own. A short wedding dress can be just as captivating as a traditional gown, with more and more modern brides embracing shorter lengths for their big day.

From ruffles to tulle overlays and bow backs, short wedding dresses are anything but plain. With the rise of micro and registry office weddings, it’s no surprise that brides are going down the ultra-chic route. And honestly? We think short bridal gowns give floor-length dresses a serious run for their money.

Whether you're considering a short wedding dress for your pre-wedding parties, such as engagement or hen, intimate ceremony, or evening reception, we've gathered the best short wedding dresses to inspire your bridal look.

The 22 Best Short Wedding Dresses for 2024-25 Brides

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Short White Wedding Dresses

Even if the traditional ballgown isn’t your vibe, that doesn’t mean you have to avoid the bridal signatures altogether. If a short wedding dress has caught your eye, why not opt for a classic bridal white to ensure you still feel like a bride on your big day? Mini wedding dresses can feel just as bridal and even more so if they’re white! While you may prefer to go down the entirely alternative route by exploring some timeless off-white hues or maybe even some colour, don’t rule out the classic white, too. 

Short Wedding Dresses With Sleeves

Depending on your wedding location, venue or the season you’re getting married - you might be worried about showing too much skin or catching a chill. If you’re obsessed with the idea of a short wedding dress but want a bit of balance, short wedding dresses with sleeves are a stunning compromise. Sleeves are a stylish addition to any wedding dress - especially when adorned with delicate lace and beautiful embellishments! 

Simple Short Wedding Dresses

Sometimes, less really is more! And if you’re hoping for a lowkey day with your nearest and dearest, hosting an intimate wedding, or eloping with your other half - something simple might feel more fitting. But let’s be clear - simple by no means equates to boring. You can find gorgeous simple short wedding dresses that ensure you feel comfortable and confident on your special day. 

Short Beach Wedding Dresses

For those planning a seaside ceremony, a short wedding dress is the obvious choice. Gone are the days of sandy, wet hems when you can look just as stunning in a mini gown. If you’re hunting for the perfect short wedding dress fit for the beach, opt for something easy breezy and lightweight - whether you’re visiting a UK shore or somewhere a bit more tropical. For even more coastal inspo, browse our favourite beach wedding dresses. 

Short Evening Wedding Dresses

If you’re after the best of both worlds - ie a traditional gown by day, party dress by night - short wedding dresses are perfect for when the sun goes down. For those in desperate need of an outfit change or second dress, you can’t go wrong with something glitzy, embellished, or simply just elaborate. There’s no better way to signal the start of a party than with a gorgeous mini. 

Short Vintage Wedding Dresses

After the vintage, retro feel for your big day? A short wedding dress is the perfect way to achieve this! Just because you’re opting for a mini gown, doesn’t mean you can’t ooze timeless glamour. The key to achieving the vintage look and feel (even if the dress is new off the high street) is choosing the right colour and silhouette. Champagne with touches of gold will be your best friend. And look out for luxurious satin and sleeves! 

Short Black Wedding Dresses

If you’re going for a short wedding dress, why not switch it up entirely with the colour? Whether you're planning a gothic wedding theme or simply want something a bit different, black wedding dresses are becoming more popular amongst brides seeking something more alternative, and it’s easy to see why. Black is unique, classy, and edgy - promising to help you stand out on your special day. Opt for some glitz and embellishments to make the look even more effective. 

Short Designer Wedding Dresses

Sometimes, just sometimes, you might feel like treating yourself to the finer things in life, and if there’s any time to splurge - your wedding day is surely it! Your wedding dress is an item of clothing you’ll remember forever, and who can put a price on memories? While short wedding dresses are already chic as is, designer short wedding dresses are the perfect way to level up. With details like a dramatic bow train or ruffle neckline - you’ll look and feel expensive. 

Short Satin Wedding Dresses

Satin is a fabric that elevates any dress, making it the perfect pairing with a short wedding dress. While you may naturally think that mini gowns have less grandeur, there are so many ways you can take your look up a notch. Being both sleek and shiny, short satin wedding dresses promise to make you feel super bridal. 

Coloured Short Wedding Dresses

You know we can't resist a coloured wedding dress. And more and more brides are opting for a pop of colour on their big day in both the floor-length and short wedding dress categories. For extra drama, we highly recommend adding a bridal crown or a cathedral-length veil like the pink one shown below designed by Recommended Supplier, Rebecca Anne Designs - an expert in all things bridal accessories. 

High Low Wedding Dresses

A high low hemline can give you the best of both worlds. The long train you've always dreamed of at the back, and the perfect chance to show off your wedding shoes at the front. If you're torn between a floor-length vs short wedding dress - high-low wedding dresses are the answer to all your prayers.

So, what are you waiting for? Your Dream Short Wedding Dress Awaits

We hope our roundup of short wedding dresses has shown you that there's a non-traditional style to suit every bride. And, if it has cemented that a short wedding dress isn't for you, head to our wedding dress guide to give you a nudge in the right direction.