The Rise of Short Wedding Dresses

Not every bride dreams of walking down the aisle in a big, sweeping ballgown.  We’re seeing more and more brides saying ‘I do’ to shorter hemlines and we’re very much here for it.  

From laid-back registry office ceremonies to second marriages to far flung destination weddings, short wedding dresses are everywhere right now.  They’re fun, modern and full of personality – just like the brides who wear them.  

Why go short?  

Short wedding dresses are just a little bit different, a fresh spin on your big day.  They’re easier to move in, cooler on hot summer wedding days and they can be really playful in a way big princess gowns sometimes can’t.  From vintage inspired tea lengths to oh so glam sleek little numbers, there’s a style to suit every single bride.  

And they’re not just for non-traditional weddings anymore.  Some brides are choosing short dresses as their main look while some are taking the excuse for an outfit change ready to hit the dancefloor later on.  

Who’s wearing them?  

We’re seeing all kinds of brides embracing the shorter hem: 

• Brides planning casual or intimate weddings who want something unfussy but still gorgeous. 

• Those having a second wedding and looking for a more relaxed, understated look. 

• Town hall or city brides who love a fashion-forward, minimalist vibe. 

• Destination brides who don’t want to wrestle with a giant dress on a beach (or pay for extra baggage allowance).  

• And of course, the two-dress brides, long and romantic for the ceremony, short and fun for the evening do.  

A few of our own Lily’s brides have even had prom or evening dresses altered into one-of-a-kind wedding gowns, proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to look amazing. 

Style it your way 

One of the very best things about short wedding dresses? You can really play with the styling.  Statement heels, bold jewellery, a cropped jacket or keeping the canvas simple for a big, bright bouquet…anything goes when you keep the dress on the simpler side.   

If you’re after a vintage feel you could go for a swingy tea-length dress with statement gloves and a birdcage veil.  Prefer something more modern? A sleek mini dress and simple and a low bun can look simply stunning.   

And if your wedding is a little more low-key, a short dress keeps things feeling less formal.  Easy-going and elegant without overdoing it.  

A dress you’ll actually wear again 

Unlike the classic full-length gown (which although beautiful, often lives in a box forever), a shorter wedding dress is something you might actually get a chance to wear again. And again….and again. A chic urban style mini could work for a fancy dinner, work party or even another wedding (as a guest obvs).   

It’s smart, sustainable and seriously satisfying to get more than one wear out of your wedding dress.  

One last tip from us 

Don’t get too hung up on finding the perfect short wedding dress right off the bat.  Sometimes the perfect dress isn’t short…yet! If you fall in love with a longer dress, we can help you have it shortened to suit your style.  We’ve done this for brides with everything from budget friendly finds to designer gowns.  

The bottom line? Focus on how the dress makes you feel. The rest, we can work with.  

Short wedding dresses are bold, beautiful and wonderfully you!  Whether it’s short from the start or you’re planning an outfit change, it’s all about wearing something that makes you feel like the very best you on the most important day.  

If you fancy a shorter wedding dress or are thinking about customising a longer one, get in touch - we’d love to help you find your perfect match!