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Updated Oct 14, 202450 Short Wedding Dresses to Wear Throughout Your Bridal Era
Because every bride needs a little white dress.
Photos, left to right: Anthropologie, ELOQUII, Sachin & Babi
If you thought short wedding dresses were reserved for elopements and prewedding events, we're here to convince you otherwise. Sure, a bridal mini may be the obvious choice to wear to your engagement party, wedding shower or bachelorette trip, but it can be an equally elegant option for your big day as well. At New York Bridal Fashion Week, designers pulled out all the stops when it came to short bridal dresses, proving that good things really do come in small packages. On the runway, we saw everything from short and simple wedding dresses to ones adorned in embellishments from top to bottom. The good news for nearlyweds is that you can achieve a runway-worthy look for less with the help of a short white bridal dress. We've rounded up shoppable options for every style and budget below. Keep scrolling to browse our top picks by category, then seamlessly shop your fave with the click of a button.
In this article: Top 10 | Where to Buy | Simple | Unique | With Sleeves | Plus-Size | Inexpensive
Top 10 Short Wedding Dresses
In a hurry? Check out a handful of our favorite short wedding dresses below.
- Best Overall: Birdy Grey Maria Convertible Dress, $99
- Best Short Simple Wedding Dress: Lulus Sophisticated Selection White Sleeveless Backless Mini Dress, $79
- Most Unique Short White Wedding Dress: Azazie Kristi Dress, $399
- Best Short Wedding Dress with Sleeves: ELLIATT Vida Dress, $236
- Best Short Plus-Size Wedding Dress: Bridal by ELOQUII Strapless Mini Dress With Draped Train, $299
- Best Short Satin Wedding Dress: MESHKI Isabel Dress, $299
- Best Short Lace Wedding Dress: Lovers and Friends Sarina Mini Dress, $249
- Best Sexy Short Wedding Dress: Azazie Starla Dress, $219
- Most Affordable Short Wedding Dress: Lulus Unforgettable Icon White Satin Strapless Floral Mini Dress, $69
- Most Splurge-Worthy Short Wedding Dress: Olivia Bottega Short Floral Lace Wedding Dress Selkie, $1,420
Where to Buy Short Bridal Dresses
Good news for nearlyweds: It's never been easier to shop for wedding dresses online. Many of the retailers you know and love actually carry a selection of women's short wedding dresses. Better yet? They also offer quick shipping straight to your door (which is perfect if you're looking for a last-minute elopement dress or second reception dress).
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- Lulus: You don't have to spend a million bucks to look like a million bucks, and one trip to Lulus' website will prove it. It's our go-to place to find stylish short wedding dresses for under $100. Use code THEKNOT25 for 25% off at checkout (new customers only; select categories; terms apply; US only).
- Anthropologie: Whether we're talking wedding attire or everyday attire, Anthropologie's options are always in style. Needless to say, it was one of the first online retailers to hop on the short wedding dress trend. Today, you'll find a wide selection of short wedding dress options to fit every bride's style.
- REVOLVE: No search for a sexy short wedding dress is complete without a visit to REVOLVE's website. Known for having all the hottest brands, it's the perfect online destination for any bride looking to splurge on a designer dress. Not to mention, you'll also find plenty of shoes and accessories to complete your look with.
If you're hoping to have the classic dress shopping experience, not to worry. Your local bridal salon likely carries a selection of short wedding gowns as well. Head to The Knot Vendor Marketplace to book a try-on appointment at a bridal salon near you.
Simple Short Wedding Dresses
Short and simple wedding dresses should be on every bride's radar. Here's why: They're versatile enough to wear to all your wedding-related events, and you can even keep them in your wardrobe rotation after you say "I do". Take a simple satin slip dress, for instance. You can pair it with pumps and a bold red lip for your engagement party, then, wear it with sandals and a woven handbag on your honeymoon. Seriously, there's no limit to the amount of looks you can create using a simple bridal mini as the base. Choose one from our selection of editor-approved picks below, and we guarantee that it will become your new go-to.
1. Birdy Grey Maria Convertible Dress
Photo: Birdy Grey
Size range: XS–3X
2. BHLDN Sleeveless Square-Neck Taffeta A-Line Mini Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
Size range: 0–16
3. Lulus Sophisticated Selection White Sleeveless Backless Mini Dress
Photo: Lulus
Use code THEKNOT25 for 25% off at checkout (new customers only; select categories; terms apply; US only).
Size range: XXS–XXL
4. MESHKI Isabel Dress
Photo: MESHKI
Size range: XXS–3XL
5. ELLIATT Espousal Dress
Photo: REVOLVE
Size range: XXS–XXL
6. BHLDN Strapless Velvet Mini Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
Size range: 0–16
7. Birdy Grey Ronnie Dress
Photo: Birdy Grey
Size range: XS–3X
8. Show Me Your Mumu Jasmine Halter Mini Dress
Photo: Show Me Your Mumu
Size range: XXS–XXL
9. Lovers and Friends Sarina Mini Dress
Photo: REVOLVE
Size range: XXS–XL
10. Sachin & Babi Alanna Dress
Photo: Sachin & Babi
Size range: 0–14
11. Ten Audience Satin Mini Halter Dress
Photo: Aritzia
Size range: 00-12
Unique Short Wedding Dresses
Whether you're looking for an after-party dress or one to walk down the aisle in, chances are you want something that will make a statement. Fortunately, there are plenty of wow-worthy mini dress wedding gowns on the market today. Some of our favorite styles for 2025 and 2026 brides include short length wedding dresses with detachable trains and overskirts, as well as bridal minis with over-the-top embellishments. Of course, when it comes to your wedding attire, what matters most is that it feels like you. Browse through a few of our favorite unique short wedding dresses to find one that fits your personal style.
12. Birdy Grey Lexie Dress
Photo: Birdy Grey
Size range: XS–3X
13. Azazie Kristi Dress
Photo: Azazie
Size range: 0–30 (Custom sizing available)
14. MESHKI Meredith Dress
Photo: MESHKI
Size range: XXS–3XL
15. Runaway The Label Elodie Mini Dress
Photo: REVOLVE
Size range: XS-XXL
16. Olivia Bottega Short Floral Lace Wedding Dress Selkie
Photo: Olivia Bottega
Size range: 2-28 (Custom sizing available)
17. Azazie Starla Dress
Photo: Azazie
Size range: 0–30 (Custom sizing available)
18. Bronx and Banco Colette Mini Dress
Photo: REVOLVE
Size range: XXS–XL
19. Reformation Ecru Dress
Photo: Reformation
Size range: 0–12
20. Petal & Pup Evelynn Mini Dress
Photo: Petal & Pup
Use code PETALXKNOT for 15% off your purchase.
Size range: XS–XL
21. Sachin & Babi Kelsi Dress
Photo: Sachin & Babi
Size range: 0–14
22. Olivia Bottega Shiny Short Wedding & Evening Dress Rakel 2
Photo: Olivia Bottega
Size range: 2-20 (Custom sizing available)
23. MORE TO COME Shannan Mini Dress
Photo: REVOLVE
Size range: XXS–XL
Short Wedding Dresses with Sleeves
Wedding dresses with sleeves aren't just for winter nuptials. In our books, short bridal dresses with sleeves work great for any time of year. Sleeves offer timeless style, while shorter hemlines allow for breathability. Of course, for weddings taking place in colder climates, they can always be worn with a pair of tights underneath. (BTW: White lace tight are totally in right now.) If you're looking for short style wedding dresses with sleeves, we've got you covered with plenty of shoppable options below. Some of them even have detachable sleeves so that you can switch up your look between the ceremony and reception.
24. Lulus Luxurious Vision White Satin Off-the-Shoulder Mini Dress
Photo: Lulus
Use code THEKNOT25 for 25% off at checkout (new customers only; select categories; terms apply; US only).
Size range: XXS–XXL
25. Watters Harlow Off-The-Shoulder Satin & Lace Mini Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
Size range: 0-14
26. Nadine Merabi Lydia White Dress
Photo: Nadine Merabi
Size range: XS–XXL
27. ELLIATT Vida Dress
Photo: REVOLVE
Size range: XXS–XXL
28. Showpo Can I Be Your Honey Mini Dress
Photo: Showpo
Size range: 0–16
29. Nadine Merabi Athena White Dress
Photo: Nadine Merabi
Size range: XS-XXL
30. Showpo Raymond Mini Dress
Photo: Showpo
Size range: 2-10
Plus-Size Short Wedding Dresses
You deserve to feel your very best on your wedding day, and that starts with finding wedding attire that fits just right. Full-length wedding gowns are typically made-to-order based on your unique measurements. However, if you've decided to order a short plus-size wedding dress online, you may be worried about sizing. Rest assured, as there are plenty of plus-size short wedding dresses out there, and we rounded up a few of the best ones below. Some of the brands we included even offer custom sizing on online orders so you can feel extra confident in your purchase.
31. Bridal by ELOQUII Strapless Mini Dress With Draped Train
Photo: ELOQUII
Size range: 14–32
32. Azazie Vienna Dress
Photo: Azazie
Size range: 0–30 (Custom sizing available)
33. Bridal by ELOQUII Mini Flare Dress With Structured Bodice
Photo: ELOQUII
Size range: 14–32
34. Showpo Brailey Mini Dress
Photo: Showpo
Size range: 0–16
35. Azazie Scarlette Dress
Photo: Azazie
Size range: 0–30 (Custom sizing available)
36. Bridal by ELOQUII Mini Dress With Puff Sleeve Cape
Photo: ELOQUII
Size range: 14–28
37. Showpo Cailene Mini Dress
Photo: Showpo
Size range: 0–16
38. Azazie Naef Dress
Photo: Azazie
Size range: 0-30 (Custom sizing available)
39. SCOMCHIC Women Plus Size Lace Cocktail Dress
Photo: Amazon
Size range: XL–5X
40. ELOQUII Eyelet Tie Front Maxi Dress
Photo: ELOQUII
Size range: 14-32
Inexpensive Short Wedding Dresses
Psst: We'll let you in on a little secret. You can score an affordable wedding dress without sacrificing on style just by opting for a shorter hemline. That's right. Mini wedding dresses aren't just adorable, they're also a more affordable alternative to a full-length gown in many cases (which is perfect if you're a bride on a budget). Keep scrolling to browse a few of our favorite styles under $200 that we're sure both you and your wallet will love. With all the money you save, you might decide to splurge on some extra special accessories or shoes.
41. Windsor Lucy Taffeta Bow Mini Party Dress
Photo: Windsor
Size range: XS-XL
42. ASTR the Label Bow Detail Bustier Mini Dress
Photo: ASTR the Label
Use code KNOT15 for 15% off your first order.
Size range: XS–XL
43. Birdy Grey Stephanie Mini Matte Satin Dress
Photo: Birdy Grey
Size range: XS–3X
44. Petal & Pup Nisha Strapless Mini Dress
Photo: Petal & Pup
Use code PETALXKNOT for 15% off your purchase.
Size range: 0–16
45. Show Me Your Mumu Claire Mini Dress
Photo: Show Me Your Mumu
Size range: XS–XXL
46. Lulus Markia White Lace Strapless Mini Dress
Photo: Lulus
Use code THEKNOT25 for 25% off at checkout (new customers only; select categories; terms apply; US only).
Size range: XS–XL
47. Angel Biba Oliana Tied Shoulders Keyhole Mini Dress White
Photo: Selfie Leslie
Size range: XS–XXL
48. Self-Portrait White Lace Tiered Mini Dress
Photo: Rent the Runway
Size range: 0–12
49. BHLDN V-Neck Tulle Rosette Mini Dress
Photo: Nuuly
Size range: XS–L
50. Lulus Unforgettable Icon White Satin Strapless Floral Mini Dress
Photo: Lulus
Use code THEKNOT25 for 25% off at checkout (new customers only; select categories; terms apply; US only).
Size range: XXS–XL
Additional market work by Christian Pruitt.
