Deducing what makes a perfect wedding dress is impossible as every woman has their own understanding of what is ‘perfect.’ For some, that might be rejecting the age-old tradition of wearing a dress that falls to the floor and embracing something a lot, lot shorter instead.
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Choosing to wear a short wedding dress is in fact one way to streamline your wedding. Not only do the styles cut out the fuss, but they also cut out the costs and can be a more affordable option. Less fabric, less overheads etc. Plus, with the only search terms required being ‘short white dress’ (that is even if you are certain you want to stick to white) you are offered up a whole wealth of dresses that are not constrained to the bridal label. The options abound.
In 2025, short wedding dresses are available in abundance with a style to suit every taste, wedding and even hour of the day — we know you are planning on having more than one dress! Perhaps JW Anderson’s lace-covered style that debuted on the London Fashion Week catwalk satiates your fashion fantasies, or maybe you are looking for something more classic from Emilia Wickstead instead. Savvy brides would also be wise to look to Sandy Liang, whose sweet white dress is full of wear again and again and again potential.
The 21 Best Short Wedding Dresses To Buy Now
Satin Mini Dress
Danielle Frankel is the go-to wedding dress designer for those who want to epitomise a contemporary bride. This puffball skirted style is not only exemplary of Frankel’s designs but also speaks to trends that we’re seeing circulating away from the wedding day trousseau.
Cotton Mini Dress
Keep things pretty and casual with Sandy Liang’s white cotton dress. The cool-girl compliments will flow as fast as the Champagne if you opt to walk down the aisle in it.
Ruched Mini Dress
Puffball hems are big news for this summer and this strapless option from wedding-favourite Aje is textbook perfect. Here’s one you know you’ll definitely wear again.
£420.00 at net-a-porter.com.uk
Embellished Mini Dress
A winning dress from M&S. This embellished style is pure swinging 60s thanks to its boxy style. Be sure to take a closer look at the chic pleats that sit across its back.
Off-The-Shoulder Mini Dress
With her wedding day choice, Hailey Bieber proved the allure of a short and sweet Vivienne Westwood wedding dress. Now, if it’s time for yours, this one should be your first port of call.
Polka Dot Mini Dress
Shake up bridal tradition with this printed dress, and take it a step further by leaning into the Eighties mood with big earrings and colour-clash pointed pumps.
Crepe Mini Dress
There’s a reason that the world’s best-dressed women often turn to Emilia Wickstead for their big days: the London-based designer knows her way around a brilliant bridal look. This chic dress is no different.
$1750.00 at emiliawickstead.com
Cotton Mini Dress
The bride who doesn’t want to look like a bride but not do away with tradition in its entirety would be hard pressed to find a dress better than this from Toga Archives.
Crepe Mini Dress
Few bridal options come chicer than this Khaite dress – no matter whether you’re going to be a town hall, gastro pub or registry office bride.
Embellished Mini Dress
Self Portrait is a bridal favourite for a reason and this embellished mini dress, with its slightly relaxed silhouette and plunging v-neck, offers a more contemporary view on the natty party dress.
£380.00 at net-a-porter.com.uk
Corset Mini Dress
Richard Quinn bridal is a fashion editor favourite and this short style doesn’t lack in impact, especially worn with runway-ready white tights. Would you? Could you?
Satin Mini Dress
Who doesn’t love a puff sleeve? This Aligne dress allows you to take the everyday favourite dress design into a more bridal space thanks to its ivory recycled fabrication.
Taffeta Mini Dress
This asymmetric Alesandra Rich dress is ready for the dancefloor.
Bow Mini Dress
Bows and bridal dresses are a match made in heaven. In keeping the silhouette sleek, this large bow at the nape of the neck avoids anything feeling too fusty, but fashion instead.
£1850.00 at net-a-porter.com.uk
Crinkled Mini Dress
If you’re going short, you might as well also breakout of the colour traditions too. This Magda Burtrym option keeps things somewhat bridal without conforming too much.
Halterneck Mini Dress
Up the ante with this brilliant white Alaïa style. Bridalwear has never looked so good.
Lace-Trimmed Mini Dress
As seen on the runway at London Fashion Week, this JW Anderson style comes entirely laced in, well, lace at its back. The fashion girl’s dress of choice.
Satin Mini Dress
If you’re unsure what sort of mini dress to wear to your wedding, a square-neck A-line mini is a failsafe place to start. A classic.
Puffball Lace Mini Dress
Wedding day lace gets a new guise in the shape of this puffball dress.
Textured Mini Dress
Bridal finds new footings when you’re shopping shorter hems on the high street. This lace choice from Mango is case in point. Just keep things simple, and ideally with flat shoes to capture the mood of the moment.
Bandeau Mini dress
Rara skirts might come and go but is there really ever going to be a more fun option than this kind of frou frou? We think not.
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