More laid-back than a traditional full-length gown, a bridal mini dress or tea-length gown is just the thing for an intimate wedding.
SEE: 12 celebrity brides who wowed in unforgettable short wedding dresses
Looking for celebrity inspiration? Kourtney Kardashian was the latest star to embrace the trend, choosing a Dolce & Gabbana lace bustier mini dress for her Santa Barbara ceremony with Travis Barker. And she’s not the only bride to opt for an unconventional frock – Emma Stone recently re-wore her beautiful short Louis Vuitton wedding dress to the Met Gala 2022, Emma Bunton rocked a chic white mini Miu Miu dress for her secret wedding with Jade Jones in 2021, and Lily Allen donned a vintage Dior mini dress for her Las Vegas nuptials with David Harbour in 2020.
Kourtney Kardashian chose a Dolce & Gabbana lace mini dress for her wedding with Travis Barker
There was also a brief spate of short wedding dresses in 2013 and 2014 with the likes of Poppy Delevigne and Keira Knightly rocking Chanel mini dresses.
Now the style is here to stay and here are a few from Net-a-Porter, ASOS and more we think you’ll love, whatever your budget…
Bustier short dresses
Shop Kourtney’s exact dress (minus the floral motif) – it’s ideal for a warm-weather ceremony.
Dolce & Gabbana bustier lace mini dress, £1,200, Farfetch
SHOP NOW
If you’re not fussed about bridal white, pick up this champagne-hued corset dress from Lavish Alice with a luxe satin texture.
Lavish Alice corset dress, £95, Selfridges
SHOP NOW
Tuxedo short dresses
‘In The Style’s’ collaborative collection with Dani Dyer includes this unique plunge necked blazer dress with a tiered pleated skirt to set you apart from other brides.
In The Style x Dani Dyer Plunge Blazer Dress, £39.99, ASOS
SHOP NOW
SEE MORE: Emma Stone just recycled her never-before-seen wedding mini dress
This Karen Millen compact stretch blazer dress has similar double breasted detail and a cinched-in waist just like Lily’s. This one has an added element of long sleeves and glossy buttons for a more formal touch.
Button Tuxedo Dress, £205, Karen Millen
SHOP NOW
This Rime Arodaky dress is tailored in the shape of a blazer and has ties at the waist to cinch your frame. The delicate net trim adds a feminine flair to the overall look.
Rime Arodaky Jax Belted Dress, £1,195, Net A Porter
SHOP NOW
Romantic short dresses
This organza puff-sleeved mini dress with a sweetheart neckline by Sister Jane is blissfully fun and romantic.
Sister Jane Organza Puff Sleeve Dress, £155, ASOS
SHOP NOW
This unique asymmetric dress consists of raw silk and intricate floral arrangements along the neckline.
Greta Constantine Silk Blend Dress, £1285, Selfridges
SHOP NOW
READ: 12 royal brides’ wedding beauty secrets you’ll wish you knew sooner
This braided trim and embroidered lace wedding dress features the most beautifully constructed neckline and full sleeves.
Maje Braided Trim Lace Dress, £359, Selfridges
SHOP NOW
Self Portrait’s exclusive bridal collection at Net-a-Porter includes this white mini dress made from signature guipure lace with a belt defining the waist. Perfect for an intimate wedding in the city or in the country.
Self Portrait Grosgrain Trimmed Dress, £320, Net A Porter
SHOP NOW
This pure white chiffon ‘Lucianna’ dress with floaty sheer sleeves and delicately frilled cuffs looks so breezy and beautiful.
Lucianna Chiffon Dress, £195, Revolve
Revolve
Crafted in a small Italian factory from ivory crepe, this mini dress with a floor-sweeping cape will allow you to float gracefully from your ceremony to the dancefloor.
Taller Merano Caped Fringe Mini Dress, £995, Net A Porter
SHOP NOW
SHOP: 12 backless wedding dresses 2022: From Selfridges, ASOS, Net-a-Porter & more
RELATED: 22 amazing websites to buy wedding dresses online
1920’s style short dresses
The Scandi fashion line ‘Vila’ creates fashion-forward pieces in delicate styles like this lightly layered drop-waisted dress with puff sleeves.
Vila Bridal Dress, £24, ASOS
SHOP NOW
The short floaty fringed sleeves on this little number have a bohemian feel but the intricate beading of the sheer fabric makes this an ornate bridal piece.
Sequin Tiered Mini Bridal Dress, £450, Needle & Thread
SHOP NOW
This intricately designed Needle & Thread mini dress is pure Gatsby style. Decorated with tonal iridescent sequins and a fully lined skirt.
Starlet Bridal Fringe Dress, £125, ASOS
SHOP NOW
A flirty style with a 1920s edge – just imagine how much fun you’d have in this white crystal fringed mini dress by Christopher Kane.
Christopher Kane Crystal-Fringe Mini Dress, £995, Matches Fashion
SHOP NOW
SHOP: Holly Willoughby’s favourite brand Rixo launches bridalwear – check it out
This 100% silk slip dress is fully lined and positively sparkles when the light catches the tiny diamante and crystal beaded fringe along the short hemline – we love it!
Isabella Dress, £468, Revolve
SHOP NOW
SEE MORE: 23 best plus-size gowns for curvy bridesmaids
The level of craftsmanship that has gone into the white fringe beading on this flapper style bridal frock is truly remarkable. The endless threads of beads make it perfect for a spin on the dance floor.
Asos Design, Embellished Fringe Dress, £140, ASOS
SHOP NOW
Full skirted short dresses
This stunning white satin silk wedding dress features a corset-style bodice that’s fitted with supportive padding and kicks out to a voluminous puffball skirt. It has been designed exclusively for Net-a-Porter so you won’t see this creation anywhere else.
Rasario Satin Silk Mini Dress, £1,012.20, Net A Porter
SHOP NOW
This A-line cropped dress is perfect for spinning on the dancefloor. A chic dress with a large smart bow – what’s not to love?
Carrie Dress, £249, Monsoon
SHOP NOW
This smooth white satin dress has a built-in corset to keep the strapless silhouette close and comfortable.
Rasario Strapless Satin Pleated Dress, £1,300, Net A Porter
SHOP NOW
This romantic, strapless dress features layer upon layer of tulle as well as a corset-style bodice and romantic back bow tie.
Coast Corsetted Full Mini Dress, £103, Debenhams
SHOP NOW
This lacey A-line dress is an impressive dupe of a few designer gowns you may recognise…
Lace A-Line Sheer Dress, £87, Revolve
SHOP NOW
If you are after more traditional lace and a full-skirted style with a modern update we would recommend this stylish halterneck number.
Valerie lace halter, £95, ASOS
SHOP NOW
WOW: 15 pretty high-street bridesmaid dresses to fall in love with
MORE: 35 high street wedding dresses for 2022
This Rotate Birger Christensen ‘Carmina’ strapless satin crepe dress will emphasise your legs and décolletage while offering a generous amount of luxurious fabric to twirl and dance in.
Carmina Satin Crepe Dress, £280, Harvey Nichols
SHOP NOW
Statement short dresses
This cape-effect silk mini dress is incredibly elegant and ensures that this dress is stunning from all angles.
Brandon Maxwell Draped Cape Dress, £1930, Net A Porter
There’s no doubt you’ll make an entrance with a mini dress with matching train. Cue the sashay.
The Party Bride, £605, Harmur
SHOP NOW
16 Arlington’s show-stopping Cynthia dress brilliantly combines elegance with lavishness from the draped neckline to the ostrich feather hemline.
16 Arlington Cynthia Feather Dress, £750, Harvey Nichols
SHOP NOW
This off-the-shoulder white mini dress has a unique vinyl coating and masterfully tailored oversized bows at the front and back – a real showstopper.
Vinyl Mini Dress, £300, Harvey Nichols
SHOP NOW
Short dresses for older brides
This utterly timeless, paired back blazer will never date and provides an optimal blank canvas for bold accessories.
Phase Eight Lolicia Tuxedo Dress, £169.00, John Lewis
SHOP NOW
We adore this contemporary dress – the statement cropped feather sleeve cuffs are balanced out with a clean A-line cut.
Huishan Zhang Reign Feather Dress, £1,795, Net A Porter
SHOP NOW
This vintage art-deco style beaded piece comes with flattering angel sleeves and a fitted fishtail skirt if you are after something short but not too short.
Beaded Dress, £207.20, Coast
SHOP NOW
For a polished and streamlined silhouette, this Phase Eight dress would be our choice. The final flourish of ostrich feathers at the hemline alludes to the 1920’s ‘flapper’ era which is fun!
Premium Feather Hem Pencil Dress, £159,20, Coast
SHOP NOW
This flattering dress from Amazon is a bargain that we had to include it in our edit.
Grace Dress, from £20.99, Amazon
SHOP NOW
SEE MORE: Best wedding dress hire sites in 2022: Selfridges, HURR & more
Planning your wedding? Sign up to HELLO!’s brand new Bride Guide newsletter for expert advice, budget help, wedding inspiration and real life stories delivered straight to your inbox.
HELLO!’s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
Source: HelloMagazine
