Informal Short Wedding Dresses
From LoveToKnow Weddings
Informal short wedding dresses are especially popular during the warmer months, particularly for beach wedding attire. Fancy dresses and weddings that cost thousands of dollars aren't for everyone, and less expensive dresses in casual settings are a great solution.
Types of Short Informal Wedding Dresses
Short dresses can come in several different lengths:
- Tea length (below the knee)
- Knee length
- Above the knee (but a micro-mini may not be the best choice!)
Short dresses are particularly popular at informal outdoor weddings, beach weddings, destination weddings (easier to travel with!), and second and above weddings.
Finding Informal Short Wedding Dresses
If you have a favorite designer, chances are, they have a selection of short dresses for you to choose from. You don't have to sacrifice the Alfred Angelo look, for example, if you really like the styles of the longer dresses. In fact, their destination wedding selection is perfect for girls looking for shorter styles. Here are other designers with short dresses available:
Not into a designer wedding dress? You'll have an exceptionally easy job finding your dress. You could even find a cute white sundress to wear on your wedding day at stores like Target if you're shopping in the spring or summer.
Where to Shop
A variety of retailers offer short dresses perfect for weddings. Bridal Online Store shows you dresses at discounted prices, while David's Bridal is a natural go-to place for all types of brides and dresses.
J. Crew's preppy, casual style lends itself to wedding dresses that weren't necessarily intended to be wedding dresses. Check out the Eyelet Zoey Dress, Swiss-dot Bobbie Sundress, Confetti Mia Dress, and the Linen-silk Tussah Rosette Dress for starters. There are even a few informal long dresses that could easily find a spot in a wedding.
eDress Me's cocktail dress collection has quite a few beautiful white dresses to choose from, perfect for the informal ceremony.
Not Plain and Boring!
A short dress won't have a train, and it typically won't have a big fluffy skirt reminiscent of Cinderella's at the ball. And unless you want to hang out with the cast of Dynasty, it's probably not going to be smothered with beads, sequins, and/or puffy sleeves to make it scream, "Bride!" So? Unadorned doesn't mean plain, boring, or forgettable.
How to dress it up:
- Pops of color: Add embroidery, a few beads here and there, or a dressy belt. You may even decide to let your kitten heel flip-flops be your "something blue."
- An interesting neckline: Low-cut, sweetheart, scooped — the choice is yours, and it's a great way to show off your décolletage and a warm weather tan.
- Choose a fitted skirt to show off your killer figure or an a-line skirt for a feminine flair.
Don’t Like White? No Problem.
Your wedding is likely casual if you're scouring the stores for informal short wedding dresses. So if you don't want white, don't wear it. You can always put on a tiara or even a veil to make yourself stand out in the crowd as the bride (as if your radiant glow wouldn't give it away!).
How to Wear One
You want to be comfortable; you want to be cool. But you also want to preserve a little bit of sophistication and elegance on your wedding day. It's still doable in a short dress. You just have to accessorize appropriately and shop for your body type.
The Accessories
The idea is to look informal, but not sloppy, so leave your $3 flip-flops from last summer at home, or pack them in the suitcase for your honeymoon if you must. Keep your accessories sleek and simple or elegance and bridal sophistication.
That doesn't mean you have to stay away from the sparkle! If you want a tiara and a beaded veil, wear it! You may want to opt for a shorter veil rather than a floor-length one so you won't overpower your dress.
Jewelry you may want to consider: a diamond pendant, a string of pearls, a simple silver bangle, dangling earrings or diamond studs.
When considering wedding shoes, remember that they will be clearly visible under a shorter dress. Go for stunning heels that show off your femininity and flair, or fun bridal flip flops for a casual beach wedding. You may even want to add an anklet or toe ring for more sparkle.
Your Body Type
Petite frames can rejoice in the lengthening abilities a short dress can have on your silhouette. Long dresses—especially fluffy ones—can overpower a short girl's body. Showing a little leg never hurt anybody.
Check out our interview with Alfred Angelo's Michael Shettel for tips on choosing styles for your body type.
With the right choice of dress design and accessories, informal short wedding dresses can be perfect for more casual nuptials without sacrificing beauty and style.
Learn More
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