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Lengthy trains, floor-length hemlines, and ample doses of drama come to mind when thinking of a wedding ceremony look—until now. Shorter hemlines have always played a role in a bride's trousseau, but ever since civil ceremonies and small weddings replaced larger events in droves, minis, midis, and ankle-lengths have become key options for the aisle. Don’t feel the need to sport what people expect you to wear: Your look(s) should feel unique to your personal style, to you both as a couple, and to the location you've decided to host your event.
Short wedding dresses look undoubtedly chic paired with a veil and your desired clutch of blooms. Should you choose to stick with a floor-grazing gown for the ceremony, these dresses come into play when shopping for the rehearsal dinner, after party, showers, and beyond. Show off your legs in one of these mini or midi aisle-appropriate options. Here, 23 short wedding dresses to consider for the aisle.
For summer weddings, opt for easy shapes—like this relaxed silhouette in an all-over jacquard pattern—to suit any event. This style will take on the formality of your accessories; pair it with strappy stiletto sandals or an easy flat or mule for the engagement party, welcome drinks, or a daytime ceremony outdoors.
Simone Rocha Textured Floral Pattern Smock Dress
A puff sleeve smock dress is whimsical and chic for the aisle—especially when styled with romantic bridal accessories like a pearl headband or fingertip veil.
A cutout midi dress in lightweight linen or silk feels apropos for a civil ceremony or elopement by the shore. Pro tip: No matter where you plan to host your wedding, you'll want to prep a wardrobe of white for the weekend. Easy dresses that pair well with flats by day and heels by night are foolproof.
An off-the-shoulder neckline with gathered sleeves is romantic enough for the aisle and beyond.
Sharp tailoring done in bridal fabrications and adorned with aisle-ready finishings feels sweet yet sophisticated for a civil ceremony. Insert veil here.
Brandon Maxwell Draped Cape-effect Silk-crepe Mini Dress
Clean silhouettes, like this sleek mini, are elevated by elements of visual interest, including this short cape.
Dressing for your setting is key. Choose exaggerated shapes when dressing for an event hosted in a city, industrial space, gallery, or a landscape with clean lines—regardless of the event size and scope.
The best part about this mini dress? The exaggerated bow at the back drapes past the mini hem and works double duty as a cropped train and ample dose of drama. Stick to petite drops and a small clutch when accessorizing this look, it's standout all on its own.
Whether you add a veil, bouquet, or both, this shirred crepe mod mini evokes bridal icons like Yoko Ono and Priscilla Presley in all the right ways.
Channel your inner Meghan Markle (a la her Frogmore House reception) with an elegant, slim halter dress—but make it a midi.
Show off your legs—and your wedding shoes—in an understated option like this strapless style. This is a silhouette simple enough to be styled with some jaw-dropping jewelry.
For the bride who loves unexpected elements—sans fuss or frills—this look is all about the cut.
No matter where you wed, this mini dress will look amazing.
Giorgio Armani Pleated Keyhole-Cutout Jersey Midi Dress
For a daytime wedding in the colder months, opt for a look that still feels special thanks to an architectural neckline and sleek shape. This look would look stunning layered under a coat for outdoor photos, and paired with shoulder-duster earrings or dainty hoops at an intimate dinner reception.
A lace midi dress is foolproof for spring weddings. This one, with a ruched bodice, feels sexy, modern, and traditional—all at the same time.
Thanks to fine lace and a dramatic yet romantic cape, this look feels undeniably festive without the need for a floor-length hem.
For a modern take on corsetry, define your waist with eye-catching details and exaggerate it with a full skirt that sits at the small of your ankle. It's just the right length to show off your shoes.
Don't shy away from bold details, like a micro-mini hemline, puff shoulders, or cropped, fluted ruff sleeves. This floral lace dress feels Victorian and ballet-inspired. The result is bold and sexy—yet simple.
For the ultra-minimalist: Opt for a futuristic mini with pointed shoulders and a super-fitted silhouette.
Business in the silhouette, bridal in the fabrication. A classic lace sheath feels wedding-worthy regardless of the scalloped lace hem length—and allows you to have fun in styling or keep things classic.
Heather Hall is a weddings, fashion, and lifestyle writer and editor. Her career in weddings began at The Knot, where she worked as a bridal fashion editor. She then worked as a PR Manager at Amsale, a bridal design house, before starting her own events and digital marketing business. She has been featured on Today.com, MSN.com, Yahoo.com, Racked.com, Huffington Post, Verily Magazine, and Style Me Pretty. Heather loves music, travel, and practicing yoga. In her spare time she's typically researching the next fun workout class to try, or finding a new concert to attend. Her latest goal: become a DJ.
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