10 Great Wedding Dress Styles for Short Brides

Photo by Rosy & Shaun

Every bride should have a wedding dress that fits and flatters them. Finding the perfect wedding dress for your body shape can be difficult. Even so, if you are a petite bride. When shopping for your wedding dress, it is important to know in advance what style of dress looks best on a petite frame. A dress that elongates a petite frame, not shorten or widen it. It is best to avoid ball gowns, long veils and dresses with lots of beading as it will swallow a short frame. Read on to find out about 10 great wedding dress styles for short brides.

10 Great Wedding Dress Styles for Short Brides

1. Sheath

A slim-fitting sheath dress is a great way to show off your natural figure. It is perfect for a variety of wedding settings because most sheath dresses are lightweight. The silhouette is designed to run vertically from shoulders to hips drawing the eyes down the body and creating the illusion of being taller. They are truly ideal for a petite bride.

2. Mermaid and Trumpet

Mermaid and trumpet dresses are a great way to add a little bit of drama to your gown while also making it look like you have an elongated waistline, which in turn will make you look taller. The flare below or at your knees will also help balance out your frame. If you want to make your legs look even longer, choose a dress with a higher waistline than your natural waist.

3. A-Line

If you get overwhelmed with all of the different dress silhouettes, an A-line dress is universally flattering on every body shape. An A-line dress is fitted to the hip and then broadens at the ankle. As a petite bride, pick an A-line dress with an empire waist to add some extra length to your frame.

4. Short

Short dresses are a great way to not hinder a petite frame. While most brides use them for destination, elopements and courthouse weddings, they can be worn at a traditional wedding as well for a daring look. Plus short wedding dresses come in all different types of styles. You can still have a fluffy princess-style dress, a dress with embellishments, or lace.

5. Fit and Flare

The fit and flare silhouette is very similar to mermaid but the flare is just above the knee. The placement of the flare will help create the illusion of being taller.

6. V-Neck

While most think of the skirt type when it comes to wedding dress styles for short brides, the neckline can also be important as well. A v-neck on a wedding dress can elongate a shorter neck and add height to your figure. Embellishments on the neckline, such as beads, sequins, and lace will help draw attention and extend your figure.

7. Empire

A high-waisted wedding dress will help make your legs look longer which as a result makes you look taller. Because the waist falls below the bust, it reduces the amount of fabric needed to be altered. However, if you are petite with a shorter torso, an empire waist will make your torso appear even shorter.  An empire waist with a soft and lightweight skirt will cover up any imperfections and lengthen your silhouette.

8. Jumpsuit

If you are on the slimmer side, a jumpsuit will look amazing on your petite frame. Especially with a higher waist, slim fitting and tailored.

9. Strapless

Strapless gowns are great because they don’t overwhelm your frame with a bunch of excess fabric around the chest and neck. This will create a longer neck, therefore making your frame look taller.

10. High Slit

An addition of a high slit to the skirt to traditionally cut wedding dresses works fabulous for petite or short brides. The exposure of a leg prevents you from being covered in too much fabric, therefore lenghting the look of your legs.

Whether you are petite and slim or petite and curvy, you should feel amazing on your wedding day. Luckily, with these 10 great wedding dress styles for short brides, there is a wedding dress style for you!