Lifestyle Weddings Wedding Dresses Why You Should Consider Wearing a Short Dress on Your Wedding Day By Samantha Sutton Samantha Sutton Instagram Samantha has been working in media for over a decade and joined InStyle's team as the Senior Fashion Editor in 2019. She previously held roles at Coveteur, POPSUGAR, Refinery29, and Men's Fitness, covering both fashion and celebrity/entertainment. In her spare time, she enjoys performing sketch comedy with her friends, watching Love Island, and endlessly scrolling through social media. She is originally from Staten Island, but currently resides in Brooklyn (and sometimes, Schenectady!) with her fiancé J.T., their dog Poppy, and way too many clothes. Samantha graduated with a B.A. in journalism from Rider University. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on April 18, 2019 Pin Share Tweet Email Photo: Courtesy Lela Rose While I have nothing against tons of tulle and poofy wedding dresses (live out those fashion fantasies, girl!), there's no written rule that says everyone must wear a ball gown on their big day. Times are changing, trends are shifting, and in recent years, I've seen the rise of everything from jumpsuits (heck yes, pants!) to simple designs in place of something over-the-top and embellished. And after looking at the latest round of bridal collections, I can sincerely say that short wedding dresses are definitely having a moment. It seems as if mini dresses and tea-length designs are taking over, and, honestly, it's not too surprising. Shorter hemlines are way better for dancing the night away, instantly seem more chill, and make bathroom trips less of a process. Even if brides don't walk down the aisle in a short dress, at the very least they can still change into one for the reception or wear it to another wedding-related event, such as a bridal shower or rehearsal dinner. Whether you're about to say "I do," already have, or have no plans to do so in the near future, these stunning options are worth looking at anyway. Looks like celebs who wore short weddings dresses, such as Cindy Crawford and Audrey Hepburn, were way ahead of their time. VIDEO: The Cost of Renting America's Most Expensive Venues 01 of 22 Amsale Bridal JP YIM/Getty Images Short and super sweet! We love the sheer cap-sleeves on this Amsale number. 02 of 22 Amsale Bridal JP YIM/Getty Images The high-neck, the thigh slit — this simple, sleek, and short design is worthy of a red carpet. 03 of 22 Amsale Bridal JP YIM/Getty Images We're getting Audrey Hepburn vibes from Amsale's feminine tea-length dress, which we could picture being paired with a birdcage veil. 04 of 22 BHLDN Courtesy BHLDN Looking for a wedding dress that's more minimalist? BHLDN's short shift is a worthy option. 05 of 22 Danielle Frankel Courtesy Danielle Frankel With the matching pants, it's a suit. Without the matching pants, it's a dress. And no one says you can't wear it both ways on your big day. 06 of 22 Danielle Frankel Courtesy Danielle Frankel This mermaid-like, knotted dress would be perfect if you're saying "I do" on the beach. 07 of 22 Danielle Frankel Courtesy Danielle Frankel Another suit jacket belted and worn as a mini? We're into it. 08 of 22 Floravere Courtesy Floravere Floravere combined the best of both worlds when it created a short, lacy wedding dress with a long top layer. 09 of 22 GALA by Galia Lahav Courtesy Galia Lahav Sure, sheer material isn't meant for a modest bride, but there's something so whimsical about that bubble skirt. 10 of 22 Jenny Packham Courtesy Jenny Packham It sparkles, it shines, and it has feathers? Consider us big fans of this flapper-like design. 11 of 22 Lela Rose Courtesy Lela Rose/Taylor Jewell Off-the-shoulder puff-sleeves and silver embellishments means this Lela Rose dress will no doubt make a statement. 12 of 22 Oscar de la Renta Courtesy Oscar de la Renta This ain't your average white mini dress, thanks, in part, to the playful fringe detail. 13 of 22 Oscar de la Renta Courtesy Oscar de la Renta When you want to go short but still want to wow, your best bet is this feathered dress from Oscar de la Renta. 14 of 22 Reem Acra Thomas Concordia/Getty Images The short white dress trend doesn't just have to be for the bride. We can easily see this Reem Acra mini — which includes a big bow — being worn by bridesmaids. 15 of 22 Viktor & Rolf Courtesy Viktor & Rolf/KVC Think you have to sacrifice the poofy element when wearing a short wedding dress? Think again. 16 of 22 Viktor & Rolf Courtesy Viktor & Rolf/KVC There are so many great details on this Viktor & Rolf wedding dress, from the elaborate beaded design to the scalloped hem. 17 of 22 Whistles Courtesy Whistles Whistles' breezy, off-the-shoulder, tea-length design is one of those dresses that can definitely be worn again. 18 of 22 Whistles Courtesy Whistles This ruffled, eyelet midi-dress says casual summer wedding, and would make a pretty choice for a bridal shower, too. 19 of 22 Mira Zwillinger Courtesy Mira Zwillinger/DAN AND CORINA LECCA You won't just walk down the aisle in this dreamy short dress, which comes complete with a sheer overlay — you'll look like you're floating. 20 of 22 Mira Zwillinger Courtesy Mira Zwillinger/DAN AND CORINA LECCA Mira Zwillinger definitely spiced up the more traditional A-line wedding dress by making the hemline higher and asymmetrical. 21 of 22 Mira Zwillinger Courtesy Mira Zwillinger/DAN AND CORINA LECCA The classic, short fit-and-flare got an update with some slightly sheer material and a corset top. 22 of 22 Mira Zwillinger Mira Zwillinger/DAN AND CORINA LECCA It's possible to follow multiple bridal trends at once. Just take a look at this super-sexy short dress, which combines sheer material, feathers, and some standout embellishments. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit