Short wedding dresses are a big bridal trend for this year, so check out these shorter hemlines that you can actually dance in.
Earlier this week, we talked about yet another bridal trend that veers into the realm of comfortable: short wedding dresses. While crop top wedding dresses are a lovely trend women are embracing in 2022, they may not be as accessible to some brides. Shorter hemlines for wedding dresses are all over the place these days, being worn by celebrities from Keira Knightley to Olivia Palermo. So how can you wear the trend without dropping thousands on their Chanel and Carolina Herrera, respectively? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with this handy dandy shopping guide for short wedding dresses. And the best part: you can wear many of these dresses again after your wedding!
(Related: Short Wedding Dresses Are 2022’s Best Bridal Trend).
1. Aisle Be There Dress in Lily (Modcloth)
This gown features an elegant surplice bodice that will cover up your chest up for the most part yet still allow your shape to show. The off-white shade is reminiscent of a vintage style; wearing finger waves or even victory rolls with this dress would look unbelievably lovely.
2. Phase Eight Bridal Florentine Wedding Dress (John Lewis)
I think Daisy Buchanan might approve of this dress for your wedding, don’t you? Pick a simple, pretty veil to go with it.
3. Nicole Miller Piper Cut The Cake Dress (Nicole Miller)
I absolutely love this simple, beautiful design. It’s actually the short version of Nicole Miller’s Elizabeth gown, so if you enjoy top portions like that one’s but want a bit more movement and leg to be shown, try this pick.
4. Amsale Bowery Dress (Amsale)
I’ve been dreaming of Amsale dresses for my hypothetical wedding since I-don’t-know-how-long, and the designer’s collections from the past couple of years are no exception. The Bowery dress is from their Fall 2013 collection and features a structured bodice and a beautiful silhouette with a hemline that rests comfortably below the knees. It’s a versatile gown that could be worn with your hair down, up, or anywhere in between, with plenty of stunning or soft makeup looks.
5. Strapless Tea-Length Gown with Cap Sleeve Shrug (David’s Bridal)
This stunning gown is tea-length, which makes it technically not so short, but it was just too beautiful for me not to include. Plus, that shrug makes it more versatile depending on how you want to present yourself at the wedding versus the reception.
6. Kaliko Middleton Pleated Dress (John Lewis)
I am positively obsessed with this light blue pleated design. Not only is it perfect for a bride who wants something unique–yet still soft and delicate–for her wedding, it is also one of the most re-wearable designs of this bunch. If blue is just not your favorite shade, it also comes in pale pink!
7. Shindig by the Skyline Dress in Ivory (ModCloth)
I’m a total sucker for wedding dresses with belts, so this selection from ModCloth made me gasp a little. The cap sleeves and sweetheart neckline are enough to make me want to just wear this for fun regardless of the occasion.
8. Temperley London Catroux Embroidered Tulle Dress
This is one of two Temperley designs on this list, and with good reason: they’re amazing at beautiful dresses that are beyond unique. This is an excellent option for women who want to wear some form of sleeves to their wedding but also want to achieve a modern look and skip any kind of puffiness.
9. Kiyonna Luxe Lace Wedding Dress (Sonsi)
Showcase your silhouette with this lovely design from Kiyonna that features a knee-length hemline, 3/4 sleeves, and beautiful scalloped lace.
10. Truly Zac Posen Short Mikado Dress With Corset Bodice (David’s Bridal)
How cool is the shape of this ivory Truly Zac Posen dress? The bodice, the flare, the fitted structure? It’s all A+ for a bride who loves to show off.
11. Ryu Ivory Rose Dress (ModCloth)
This gown quietly whispers “pretty in pink” for anybody who’s curious about wearing pastel rather than white to her wedding. Nervous about wearing this shade to a wedding? The review section of the item’s ModCloth page features tons of customers who have photos from their own weddings that they wore the Ivory Rose Dress to!
12. Amsale Rivington Dress (Amsale)
This stunning dress features a silk organza neckline and embroidered tulle overlay. If you’re a dancer searching for a wedding dress fit for ballet royalty, look no further. This gown is just plain perfection.
13. Oleg Cassini Cap Sleeve Wedding Dress with Illusion Neckline (David’s Bridal)
If you haven’t already noticed, I am a total sucker for cap sleeves, and this gown by Oleg Cassini certainly has the perfect ones.
14. Donna Morgan Strapless Fit & Flare Dress (Neiman Marcus)
This is a fun design that will be easy to walk, jump and twirl in all night long–perfect for a bride who plans on having an evening full of dancing.
15. Kara Lace Dress in White by Sealed With a Kiss Designs (Sonsi)
The way this model was styled with this dress is perfect: flowers in her hair, simply radiant makeup, and minimal accessories. If you’re a low-maintenance bride who wants a gorgeous outdoor wedding look, try this dress!
16. ERIN Erin Fetherston’ Phoebe’ Ostrich Feather Hem Chiffon Shift Dress (Nordstrom)
Another beautiful pastel pink dress is playful, allowing you to dance all over the wedding while these lovely ostrich feathers and the tulle flow around you.
17. Diamante Strapless Mini Party Dress (YesStyle)
I never thought I would fall for such a short wedding dress, but just look how lovely this strapless, belted one is!
18. Shoshanna Short Sleeve Petal Lace Cocktail Dress (Neiman Marcus)
This beautiful lace number from Shoshanna (which I think Girls Shoshanna would totally approve of) is sweet and flirty without being over-the-top. It would look lovely with simple gold, silver, or white accessories.
19. Anna Sui Ophelia Crocheted Lace Dress
This is a fun design that features feminine lace components and a unique asymmetrical cut.
20. Alice By Temperley Fleur Lace And Georgette Mini Dress
Are you into anything vintage, lace, and/or long-sleeved? These leg o’ mutton sleeves are sure to make your wedding dress truly special.
21. Short One Shoulder Mesh Dress (David’s Bridal)
This is a playful design that feels almost Grecian but without any type of toga references wandering in the back of the viewer’s mind. Style it with some beautiful curls or a loose up-do.