Do your wedding dreams skip the long white gown? If so, you’re not alone. When it comes to bridal fashion, the options are virtually endless, and more and more modern brides are breaking away from tradition, opting for everything from alternative colors to bridal separates to shorter hemlines. So if the classic full-length wedding dress just isn’t your vibe, or you want something fun to wear as your second dress for the wedding reception, a short wedding dress might be what you’re after.
Short wedding dresses have taken the bridal world by storm, offering a fresh and contemporary take on bridal fashion. Once reserved for courthouse nuptials or elopements, LWWDs (little white wedding dresses) are perfect for brides who dare to defy convention and showcase their personal style.
If you’ve fallen in love with this bridal trend, any of our favorite short wedding dresses will fit the bill for a pre-wedding event, or the big day itself! This curated collection will have you saying “I do” to short and sweet bridal perfection.
Strapless Tiered Tulle Mini Dress
A tiered tulle confection of a dress, this mini style has all the drama and bride vibes of a traditional long gown, without the extra fabric! It’s virtually impossible not to feel like the main character on your wedding day in this short style–and you won’t need to do much in the way of accessories, either, since the frothy layers make a statement all on their own.
White Lace Long-Sleeve Mini Dress
Dreamy white lace gives this dress a vintage romance vibe, and long sleeves and high neckline make it perfect for a cold-weather wedding! Show off your snatched silhouette with bare legs or take it up a notch with pretty tights. It’s a timeless choice for a bride who loves classic details with a modern twist.
Tiered Mini Dress With Bow
Layers of creamy ruffles and a sweet bow make this dress festive and feminine. Its unstructured silhouette has tons of photo-worthy movement and lets you stay comfortable during a long day.
Corset Mini Dress
An adorable mini dress featuring a corset-styled bodice offers comfort and support and a roomy skirt gives your hips room to move while you dance! This LWD’s elegant simplicity makes it perfect for showing off your favorite statement accessories.
Satin Ruffled Midi Dress
If you want more coverage than a mini offers, but don’t want to go with a long formal gown, a midi dress is the perfect solution. The timeless silhouette of the full tiered skirt will make you feel like a princess, and the fitted bodice offers a snug, supportive fit.
Feather Mesh Long Sleeve Mini Dress
The soft, fluffy feather trim will have you looking just as angelic as you feel in this sheer white mini dress. A dotted mesh overlay has a touch of sultry romance and the sleek satin lining provides just the right amount of coverage while keeping the look effortlessly elegant.
Long Sleeve Satin Midi Dress
White might be traditional, but other creamy hues can create a show-stopping wedding look. A champagne satin dress is timelessly elegant, and you’ll love the little details like the scalloped neckline and dreamy, long balloon sleeves.
Sequin Pearl Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
From its sweetheart neckline to its delicate pearl and sequin details, this dress has all of the romantic details you could ever dream of. Dainty puff sleeves and princess seams create a sweet, feminine silhouette perfect for twirling the night away at a magical wedding celebration.
Shimmering Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress
For the bride who knows how much she shines! It’s a day to celebrate, and what feels more celebratory than draping yourself in iridescent sequins? This stunning sequin dress will make you shine–and will look absolutely incredible in photographs. If you thought wearing all white made you stand out, just wait until you break out this shimmering dress at your reception.
Two Piece Bustier Midi Dress
I love the little decolletage boost that bustiers offer! Sweet spaghetti straps and a comfortable two-piece construction make this versatile set a perfect blend of flirty and effortless, and ideal for your wedding events–and beyond!
Organza Feathered Mini Dress
If you like the structured look and formal fabrics of a traditional wedding dress, but prefer a shorter hemline, this jacquard mini is the perfect fit. The fabric’s subtle sheen and the shine from the pearl and rhinestone embellishments bring the glamour, and the feathered neckline adds a playful touch.
Mesh Pearl One-Shoulder Midi Dress
Bring out your inner goddess in a chic sheath dress! Gentle stretch fabric lets it hug your curves perfectly, and gorgeous mesh shoulder detail adds the wow factor. Wear this delicate dress with your favorite strappy heels for a second look or as your main wedding dress.
Sleeveless Backless Mini Dress
A sleek mini dress with a strappy back delivers the perfect balance of modern and timeless. Its elegant straight lines are reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn and the open back lets you show your sexy side.
Ruched Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress
Between the off-the-shoulder neckline and curve-hugging pencil skirt, this calf-length dress draws the eye everywhere it needs to go. Plus, ruching means it’s both supportive and stylish!
Satin Off-Shoulder Mini Dress
If your wedding vibes are modern or urban-industrial chic, this structured off-shoulder mini dress will fit right in. Wear it to both your ceremony and reception or break out this showstopper for after the formal ceremony to really show how versatile your style is.
Embroidered Lace Mini Skater Dress
If you’re looking for a short wedding dress to wear to your ceremony and your reception, this is a great contender. So elegant and glamorous, the sequin overlay and feather trim bell sleeves on this dress gives it the perfect amount of formal for a ceremony. This festive little wedding dress will leave your future spouse in absolute awe.
Organza Floral Babydoll Mini Dress
It doesn’t get sweeter than polka dots, puff sleeves, and a babydoll silhouette. When it comes to short wedding dresses, this one is as playful and festive as it gets.
Swiss Dot Puff Sleeve Mini Dress
If you’ve chosen a flowy, romantic wedding dress for your ceremony, and want something similar that’s a little easier to move in for your reception, this stunning swiss dot mini is perfect. So sweet and romantic, the sweetheart neckline, puff sleeves, and tiered skirt will make you feel like a princess–don’t forget your crown!
We want to see your bridal looks! Show us on Instagram or TikTok @lulus using #lovelulus–and shop more short wedding dresses in our Reception Dresses Shop!
This post was originally published in August 2022 and has been updated with new content.
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