best short wedding dresses

33 best short wedding dresses for 2023 brides

Micro weddings call for micro wedding dresses...

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Read our full commerce guidelines here.

Lifestyle Features Editor
Updated: February 2, 2023

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 2023Emma 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 a fan of the on-trend corset silhouette, pick up this gorgeous dress from House of CB with a luxe satin texture.

House Of CB Anja Corset Dress, £169, 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 tailored dress is the answer to a short, sophisticated wedding dress. This one has an added element of long sleeves and a belted waist for a more formal touch.

Belted Tailored Dress, £199.20, 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 striking, sparkly mini dress is the eye-catching wedding dress of dreams. Covered in sequins with a stunning backless feature, this dress will not dissapoint.

Pretty Lavish Sequin Dress, £98, Selfridges

SHOP NOW

READ: 12 royal brides' wedding beauty secrets you'll wish you knew sooner

This embroidered and oh-so-romantic dress features the most beautiful, floral detailing and would be perfect for any lace-loving bride.

Self Portrait Lace Mini Dress, £350, Selfridges

SHOP NOW

Another Self Portrait pick, this white mini dress is 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

What screams blushing bride more than ruffles and frill? Not much, and this gorgeous Ulla Johnson poplin mini dress is the perfect frilly option for a bride who wants to achieve that romantic, timeless look.

Ulla Johnson Ruffed Poplin Mini Dress, £440, Net A Porter

SHOP NOW

SHOP: 12 backless wedding dresses 2023: From Selfridges, ASOS, Net-a-Porter & more

RELATED: 22 amazing websites to buy wedding dresses online

1920's style short dresses

Talk about making a statement, this Asos mini dress will ensure all eyes are on you with its dramatic long train and standout bow feature. 

Crepe Bow Back mini dress, £140, ASOS

SHOP NOW

The 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

A flirty style with a 1920s edge – just imagine how much fun you'd have in this Asos white fringed mini dress.

Embellished Fringe Bridal Dress, £175, ASOS

SHOP NOW

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.

Adrianna Papell Beaded Fringe Mini Dress, £115.60, John Lewis

SHOP NOW

SHOP: Holly Willoughby's favourite brand Rixo launches bridalwear – check it out

This simple yet shimmery fringe number has it all and is perfect for a bride who is planning on dancing the night away...

Isabella Dress, £468, Revolve

SHOP NOW

SEE MORE: 23 best plus-size gowns for curvy bridesmaids

This intricately designed mini dress is a fresh and fun take on 1920s glamour with all the glitz and sparkle any bride could ask for - what's not to love?

Starlet Bridal fringe embellished dress, £150, 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...

Sheer Lace Lucinda dress, £318, Revolve

SHOP NOW

If you are after more traditional lace and a full-skirted style with a modern update we would recommend this stylish tiered number.

Lace Tiered Dress, £68, ASOS

SHOP NOW

WOW: 15 pretty high-street bridesmaid dresses to fall in love with

MORE: 35 high street wedding dresses for 2023

This Reformation 'Caterina' dress will emphasise your legs and décolletage while offering a generous amount of luxurious fabric to twirl and dance in.

Caterina Dress, £245, Reformation

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

SHOP NOW

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

This show-stopping dress brilliantly combines elegance with lavishness from the chic silky bodice to the ostrich feather hemline.

White Rowan strapless feather trimmed mini dress, £1295, Net A Porter

SHOP NOW

 The chic, structured silhouette, high neck, and lace detailing makes this a classic, but oh-so-stunning wedding dress. Combining that ethereal, romantic look with a tailored, sharp fit - this dress would appeal to any bride and we can't recommend it enough!

High Tide Applique Mini Dress, £750, Zimmerman

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 2023: 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.

Sign up to HELLO Daily! for the best royal, celebrity and lifestyle coverage

Email Address

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More Weddings

See more