Are short wedding dresses appropriate for my wedding ceremony?

Short wedding dresses are just as ceremony-appropriate as floor-length gowns. With so many options to choose from, you'll be sure to find a short wedding dress that matches your bridal style, venue, and formality, whether you're shopping for one online or in person.

Can I wear a short wedding dress for a formal wedding?

Yes! Short wedding dresses in luxurious fabrics like silks, organzas, or lace feel right at home for more formal occasions. Intricate detailing like beading or dramatic accents like statements sleeves also creates a more glamorous look.

Can I change into a short dress for my reception?

Absolutely! Second looks have become increasingly popular and are a great chance to showcase your personal style with a short dress.

What shoes can I wear with a short wedding dress?

While your wedding shoes might be hidden when wearing a floor-length gown, a short wedding dress puts them on full display. So, it's worth investing in a pair that you really love. From sky-high stilettos to really elongate those legs to casual wedges that put a premium on comfort, there are tons of shoe options to complement a shorter dress.

The 20 Best Short Wedding Dresses of 2024

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 and 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 a short dress for your rehearsal dinner, ceremony, or after-party, a little white dress is always a stylish choice for a bridal wardrobe.

No matter where you're tying the knot—the beach, at the courthouse, or in your backyard—there's a short wedding dress that matches both your venue and your bridal style. Plus, the cropped length makes it a versatile addition to your wardrobe, meaning you definitely won't wear this dress just once.

Ready to show off some serious leg? We researched and compiled a list of the best options available, keeping materials, style, silhouette, fit, size range, and cost in mind. We found gorgeous minis to complement every bridal style, body shape, and budget.

Best for the After-Party

Retrofête Claire Belted Sequin Mini Dress

Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter $485 View On Farfetch.com $340

Every wedding needs a party dress—and it's even better if the dress belongs to the bride! We love this flirty number for its effortless silhouette, elegant neckline, and all-over shimmering sequins.

Size Range: XS–XL | Material: Chiffon | Shipping: Varies by retailer | Return Policy: Varies by retailer

Best for a City Hall Wedding

Reformation Zenni Dress

Reformation

View On Reformation $298 View On Anthropologie $298 View On Shopbop.com $298

Opting for an intimate courthouse affair? Nothing pairs better with a civil ceremony than a sleeveless, boatneck mini dress. This is one dress you'll be able to wear again and again.

Size Range: 0–12 | Material: Polyester | Shipping: Free standard | Return Policy: Within 30 days

Most Modest

Huishan Zhang Reign Feather-Trimmed Crepe Mini Dress

Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter $1,707

This dress is all demure sophistication, and we're totally here for it. With a crew neck and longer hemline, this is the perfect pick for more modest brides. Still, we love how the feathered sleeves create a full-on fashion moment.

Size Range: 2–14 | Material: Crepe, feathers | Shipping: Rates vary | Return Policy: Within 28 days

Best for the Contemporary Bride

Alexia María Silk-Wool Blend Mini Dress

Alexia MarÃa Isabella Silk-Wool Blend Mini Dress

Saks Fifth Avenue

View On Saks Fifth Avenue $1,075

Calling all brides who are planning a modern wedding! This little number is crisp, simple, and exquisitely structured. We love how the bow sleeves add a romantic element to a sleek style. Check, check, and check.

Size Range: 0–12 | Material: Silk-wool blend | Shipping: Free on $100+ | Return Policy: Within 30 days

Best Sleeveless

Rasario Silk-Satin Mini Dress

Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter $831

This sweet mini dress will surely satiate any princess ballgown dreams. If your wedding itinerary includes twirling the day and night away, we suggest you look no further.

Size Range: 2–10 | Material: Silk-satin | Shipping: Rates vary | Return Policy: Within 28 days

Best Sleeves

Selkie The Puff Dress

REVOLVE

View On Revolve $249

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.

Size Range: XXS–6X | Material: Polyester | Shipping: Free standard | Return Policy: Within 60 days

Most Versatile

Sachin & Babi Archie Dress

Anthropologie

View On Bhldn $395

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.

Size Range: 0–16 | Material: Polyester | Shipping: Free on $50+ | Return Policy: Within 30 days

Best Shift Dress

Jane Nerys Jersey Shift Dress

Jane

View On Janeatelier.com

Classic, elegant, and effortless. The simple shift dress is the perfect number for a classic bride. Plus, it can double as a chic honeymoon outfit!

Size Range: UK6-18 | Material: Structured jersey | Shipping: Rates vary | Return Policy: Within 14 days

Best With Ruffles

Katie May Elle Mini Dress

REVOLVE

View On Revolve $468 View On Katiemay.com View On Shop-confete.com

Tiers and tiers of frothy ruffles make our hearts skip a beat. With all-over tulle fabric that adds playful volume, this look is a must for fun and flirty brides.

Size Range: XS–XL | Material: Nylon-polyester blend | Shipping: Varies by retailer | Return Policy: Varies by retailer

Most Inexpensive

More To Come Bella Off Shoulder Dress

REVOLVE

View On Revolve $78

You don't always have to break the bank when it comes to your wedding attire. Case in point: this chic, off-shoulder mini dress that features a beautifully draped neckline and satin-like appearance.

Size Range: XXS–XL | Material: Polyester-spandex blend | Shipping: Free standard | Return Policy: Within 60 days

Best Plus-Size

Bridal by ELOQUII Floral Mini Dress

ELOQUII

View On Eloquii.com

The all-over lace long-sleeves on this size-inclusive frock are just 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 and sexy twist.

Size Range: 14–28 | Material: Polyester | Shipping: Free standard | Return Policy: Within 60 days

Best One-Shoulder

Rick Owens One-Shoulder Cape-Effect Mini Dress

Rick Owens Aphrodite One-Shoulder Cape-Effect Mini Dress

Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter $1,779

Daring brides, you can stop your dress search right here. What is bolder than this? This modern fitted mini features a slightly asymmetrical hem and a cape-like one-shouldered sleeve.

Size Range: 2–12 | Material: Cotton, viscose, elastane | Shipping: Rates vary | Return Policy: Within 28 days

Most Sexy

Bronx and Banco Madeleine Dress

REVOLVE

View On Revolve $460

This is not your standard bridal dress! The semi-sheer lace adds a touch of sexiness without compromising sophistication. The structured, quarter-length sleeves also add a dynamic element.

Size Range: XS–XL | Material: Polyester-elastane blend | Shipping: Free standard | Return Policy: Within 60 days

Best Strapless

Nookie Adore 2Way Dress

Woman wearing white Nookie Adore 2Way Strapless Dress with Detachable Bow

Revolve

View On Revolve $369

News flash: Dramatic trains work with short dresses, too! Wear the detachable bow train down the aisle then remove it when it comes time to hit the dance floor. Technically, you're getting two gorgeous looks for the price of one (score!).

Size Range: XS–XL | Material: Nylon, polyester, spandex | Shipping: Free standard | Return Policy: Within 60 days

Best Open-Back

Lulus Romance Language Backless Lace Dress

Lulus

View On Lulus $48

While we love this affordable mini dress for a trip to the altar, it also has "bridal shower" written all over it. Between the crochet-like lace, open back, and scalloped hem, this stunner is as summery as can be.

Size Range: XXS–XL | Material: Polyester | Shipping: Free standard | Return Policy: Within 30 days

Best With Tulle

BCBGMAXAZRIA Short Strapless Evening Dress

Courtesy of Revolve.

View On Amazon $119 View On Revolve $356 View On Lyst.com

This stretchy strapless dress has a simple bodice and a slightly flared skirt with a bit of polka-dotted tulle peaking out the bottom. It's the perfect above-the-knee length for brides who want to show some leg.

Size Range: 2–14 | Material: Polyester, spandex, nylon | Shipping: Varies by retailer | Return Policy: Varies by retailer

Best High-Low

For Love & Lemons Everly Bridal Gown

Courtesy of For Love and Lemons

View On Forloveandlemons.com

With a high-low hem and all-over vintage-inspired lace, this dress is just the thing for a second look, bachelorette party, or bridal shower. It also works well as a wedding dress for a beach wedding or summertime nuptials in a warmer climate.

Size Range: XXS–XL | Material: Polyester, spandex | Shipping: Free on $50+ | Return Policy: Within 21 days

Best Midi

Simkhai Laura Lace Midi Dress

Signature Laura Lace AppliquÃ© Midi Dress

Courtesy of Simkhai.

View On Simkhai.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue $1,095

If you don't want to wear a full-length gown but not necessarily a midi-dress either, consider a midi cut. We love this shin-length number, which features a tiered skirt, cap sleeves, subtle eyelet embroidery, and delicate lace detailing.

Size Range: 00–16 | Material: Viscose, acetate, elastane | Shipping: Varies by retailer | Return Policy: Varies by retailer

For the Vintage Bride

Bbonlinedress Vintage Cocktail Party Swing Dress

Amazon

View On Amazon $39

For the vintage-loving brides who appreciate some retro flair, look no further than this cocktail swing dress. This 1950s-inspired silhouette features a sweetheart neckline with a ruched bodice, cap sleeves, a flattering waistband, and a classic A-line silhouette. We can picture this for a city hall or Vegas chapel wedding.

Size Range: XS-3XL | Material: Cotton, spandex | Shipping: Free Prime delivery | Return Policy: Free Prime returns

Best Lace

MSLG Lace Cocktail Party A Line Dress

Amazon

View On Amazon $50

Who doesn't love a little bit of lace? This romantic mini features intricate allover lace details with a sheer neckline and short sleeves that add a dynamic touch. We also love the raw scalloped hemline. This dress would be perfect for any casual summer wedding.

Size Range: 00–16 | Material: Viscose, acetate, elastane | Shipping: Free Prime delivery | Return Policy: Free Prime returns

What to Look For in a Short Wedding Dress

Fabric: 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. Lighter-weight materials like tulle, crepe, and chiffon are especially fitting for spring and summer weddings. But some thicker fabric options such as tweed, satin, or a silk-wool blend, like the Alexia María Isabella Mini Dress, can transition into the cooler months.
Fit and Silhouette: For the minimalist bride, there are short dresses in unfussy silhouettes, like the Jane Nerys Jersey Shift Dress. The classic bride will find impeccably tailored or slightly structured mini dresses. And for the fashion-forward bride, there are scores of statement-making styles, from blazer dresses to shift dresses to designs with detachable trains, like the Sachin & Babi Archie V-Neck Back-Bow Mini Dress.
Length: Be intentional when choosing the exact length of these shorter styles. Higher hemlines could create some friction in more conservative venues. Still, you'll want to be comfortable. Test that you can easily bend down and move around without worrying—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. And if you want something slightly longer but not floor-length, consider a midi dress, like the Simkhai Signature Laura Lace Appliqué Midi Dress.

FAQ

Are short wedding dresses appropriate for my wedding ceremony?

Short wedding dresses are just as ceremony-appropriate as floor-length gowns. With so many options to choose from, you'll be sure to find a short wedding dress that matches your bridal style, venue, and formality, whether you're shopping for one online or in person.
Can I wear a short wedding dress for a formal wedding?

Yes! Short wedding dresses in luxurious fabrics like silks, organzas, or lace feel right at home for more formal occasions. Intricate detailing like beading or dramatic accents like statements sleeves also creates a more glamorous look.
Can I change into a short dress for my reception?

Absolutely! Second looks have become increasingly popular and are a great chance to showcase your personal style with a short dress.
What shoes can I wear with a short wedding dress?

While your wedding shoes might be hidden when wearing a floor-length gown, a short wedding dress puts them on full display. So, it's worth investing in a pair that you really love. From sky-high stilettos to really elongate those legs to casual wedges that put a premium on comfort, there are tons of shoe options to complement a shorter dress.

Why Trust Brides

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. Commerce writer Theresa Holland updated this story with additional product picks and buying tips.

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