Are Short Wedding Dresses Appropriate?

short wedding dresses

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Last Updated on May 31, 2024 by Steal the Style

In the past five years, short wedding dresses have risen in popularity. They tend to be more casual and more cost effective, as less material is used to actually make the dress. They are made by all the top designers, like Vera Wang or Amsale, as well as more affordable designers, like Alfred Angelo and Mori Lee.

A bride that opts for short wedding dresses may be going for the vintage feel that we all know and love. She may also be going for a sexier look, as many modern brides are these days. The lengths of these short wedding dresses vary from tea-length (at the knee or right below) to cocktail length (above the knee). So, it poses the question, when is a short dress appropriate?

Short Wedding Dresses Are Appropriate For…

Beach Weddings

Beach weddings are the perfect place to sport a short wedding dresses. The most popular beach styles are made from lightweight materials such as chiffon, silks, and even soft lace. Halter styles are beautiful on a shorter designer wedding gown, as it adds more interest. Think Marilyn Monroe…

Vintage-Themed Weddings

There has been a recent boom in throwback-style weddings. And with that a short vintage-style dress can be just the thing to tie the theme together. These style gowns are made with lots of lace, satin, and many have sleeves. You will also see crinoline under the skirt to give it that great Audrey Hepburn look. A shorter dress is also an awesome way to show off some gorgeous vintage shoes!

Casual Garden Weddings

Outdoor garden weddings have always been around, and they are here to stay. If you have a casual garden affair, choosing a tea-length gown could make the day feel even more whimsical. Many shorter dresses have floral detailing, whether it will be a little or a lot. Some styles even have an all-over floral design to really bring the garden theme home. Sweetheart necklines are the most popular for this venue.

Backyard Weddings

With the average couple trying to have a nice wedding on a budget, many are planning the wedding and reception right in their back yard. This is an ideal situation in which to choose a shorter, simple but elegant designer wedding dress. As with beach weddings, think light fabrics, something that flows nicely. Also, dare to be different and choose a colored short wedding gown for your backyard wedding. Pinks and blues are making a splash. Why not stand out?

Can’t afford a short wedding dress? Buy now, pay later!

Short Wedding Dresses