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Short Wedding Dresses To Buy In 2023 If You're Less Princess And More Party

Kourtney Kardashian and Sofia Richie Grainge have paved the way for mini bridal dresses. Here's our pick of the best short wedding dresses.

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Short wedding dresses are one of the biggest bridal trends we’ve seen emerge in the last few years, and we for one couldn’t love them more.

Traditionally, many brides opt to invest in boho, princess or modern dresses with large trains, embellished detailing and hems that skim the dance floor. However, a growing number of brides-to-be are opting for shorter bridal dresses which add some much-enjoyed drama, shape and - let’s face it – leg to proceedings. Just take a look a recent brides Sofia Richie Grainge, Kourtney Kardashian and Gwen Stefani. Last year actor Chloë Sevingny showed us the power of an outfit change too, opting to swap her Jean Paul Gaultier wedding dress for her church ceremony for a custom mini dress with a lace overskirt by Jonathan Anderson for Loewe.

Of course, for brides who struggle to decide on one dress, there’s always the option to buy a full-length design for the day and switch into a shorter party number for the reception and dancing. After all, when it comes to weddings – you have the power to write the rules. If you're struggling for inspiration, we suggest you take a look at the outfits worn by celebrities at the recent Met Gala which, according to Karen Millen, caused searches for ‘wedding dress, ‘dress with train,’ and ‘Chanel wedding dress’ to skyrocket by 122%, 258%, and £1,110%, respectively.

If dramatic wedding dresses or wedding suits aren’t for you, perhaps it’s time you opt for a short wedding dress that provides a modern twist on a traditional design? Before your invest in a wedding bag, wedding shoes and start your Pinterest wedding hair inspiration board, take a look at our list of the best short wedding dresses for 2023:

1

Reformation Maves Satin Dress

Maves Satin Dress
1

Reformation Maves Satin Dress

£298 at The Reformation

We're not-so-secretly obsessed with this Reformation dress, and we think you'll agree that it's not hard to see why. Whether you choose to wear this for your hen do or your big day, we think it's the perfect short wedding dress option for brides on the search for a modern option without the fuss and frills of more traditional designs. We love the almond hue of the dress, in addition to its slight bell sleeves and lined, slimline shape. Style yours with pointed satin ballet pumps or platform heels.

2

Coast Statement Bow Twill Mini Dress With Jewel Trim

Statement Bow Twill Mini Dress With Jewel Trim
2

Coast Statement Bow Twill Mini Dress With Jewel Trim

Now 20% Off

Part of the new Sophie Habboo x Coast collection, this mini is serving Hollywood glamour that'd be perfect for a mid-evening outfit change during the wedding if you want to stay chic but take a layer off.

3

The OWN Studio STYLE 087, Asymmetric silk chiffon mini with corsage, £950

STYLE 087, Asymmetric silk chiffon mini with corsage, £950
3

The OWN Studio STYLE 087, Asymmetric silk chiffon mini with corsage, £950

This is truly a timeless option. The dress is made of a silk chiffon and has a detachable corsage detail at the neck and a flowing sash that cascades down one shoulder. Wear this with heels in the day and change into ballet flats at night to mix up the look.

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4

SHUSHU/TONG Lace-trimmed puff mini dress

Lace-trimmed puff mini dress
4

SHUSHU/TONG Lace-trimmed puff mini dress

If you didn't already know how much we've fallen head over heels for SHUSHU/TONG before now, then let this be the moment for us to educate you. This lace-trimmed mini dress features a plunging V-neck and short puff sleeves, and is made in a beautiful milk white majority cotton-based fabric. The love is real.

5

Self-Portrait Crystal-embellished taffeta mini dress

Crystal-embellished taffeta mini dress
5

Self-Portrait Crystal-embellished taffeta mini dress

Now 30% Off

There's a reason Self-Portrait is a go-to for brides, and this is an example why. The sculptural design, made of white taffeta, perfectly hugs the body, which the embellishment gives it a touch of glamour. While you're at it, throw in some MACH & MACH silk-satin pumps – we dare you.

6

BERNADETTE Tilly off-the-shoulder taffeta mini dress

Tilly off-the-shoulder taffeta mini dress
6

BERNADETTE Tilly off-the-shoulder taffeta mini dress

Now 55% Off

If you're all about adding shape and volume to your bridalwear, then this is the option for you. The Tilly mini dress is trimmed with a floral aplliqué and is strapless, which means you can add some more focus to your earrings and headwear, whether it's a Lelet NY headband of pair of Completedworks pearls.

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7

THE FALL BRIDE - Price on request PREA JAMES Winona + Bowie

PREA JAMES Winona + Bowie
7

THE FALL BRIDE - Price on request PREA JAMES Winona + Bowie

If you're all about modern dresses, then take a look at Australian bridal designer Prea James' collection, available to purchase at The Fall Bride. We love this design, dubbed the Winona + Bowie, not only for its big back bow, but also its sexy structured silhouette.

8

The OWN Studio Silk organza empire line mini dress

Silk organza empire line mini dress
8

The OWN Studio Silk organza empire line mini dress

Inspired by all that was sartorially superb in the 1960s, this silk organza dress, with a soft crepe satin underlay, features silk organza bows on the shoulder and has an open back. We can't get this dress out of our heads.

9

16Arlington Umiko feather-trimmed satin mini dress

Umiko feather-trimmed satin mini dress
9

16Arlington Umiko feather-trimmed satin mini dress

Imagine this look on the dance floor. Think of the white ostrich feathers, satin and high-neck silhouette. Got an image? Now picture yourself wearing it. We're obsessed.

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10

Odd Muse The Ultimate Muse Halter Neck Mini Dress | White

The Ultimate Muse Halter Neck Mini Dress | White
10

Odd Muse The Ultimate Muse Halter Neck Mini Dress | White

We love a halter neck mini dress, and can't get enough of this deep V-neck-designed number, which is also backless.

11

Self-Portrait Bow-tie crystal-embellished crepe mini dress

Bow-tie crystal-embellished crepe mini dress
11

Self-Portrait Bow-tie crystal-embellished crepe mini dress

This look screams 'party' to us. From the textured crepe to the bow-tie, it's embellished, feminine and oh so perfect for a bridal boogie. Style yours with these beautiful MACH & MACH-inspired embellished shoes from ASOS.

12

ROTATE Birger Christensen White satin-crepe mini dress

White satin-crepe mini dress
12

ROTATE Birger Christensen White satin-crepe mini dress

£280.00

This satin-crepe mini dress features a tiered skirt, which is gathered under the bust, and includes a draped panel at the back. It’s short, it’s cute and the perfect party number.

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13

The OWN Studio Silk satin mini with pearl detail

Silk satin mini with pearl detail
13

The OWN Studio Silk satin mini with pearl detail

Granted, this might be more of a party number, but we couldn't resist including it, especially as it might tickle the fancy of brides who love a disco-inspired party bridal ensemble for the day and evening. The mini is made of an haute couture crystal fabric, has a slight dropped back and oversized finish, which makes this a killer look, in our opinion.

14

The Fall Bride - Price On Request Jessica Bennett Britney Mini (unlined)

Jessica Bennett Britney Mini (unlined)
14

The Fall Bride - Price On Request Jessica Bennett Britney Mini (unlined)

Designed by British-based designer Jessica Bennett, this unlined mini is sheer and gives us major Camille Charrière vibes. Style it with a pair of white stilettos and carry a satin pouch bag for ultimate modern bride points.

15

Taller Marmo Piccolo Disco one-shoulder sequinned mini dress

Piccolo Disco one-shoulder sequinned mini dress
15

Taller Marmo Piccolo Disco one-shoulder sequinned mini dress

If this look from Taller Marmo is giving you Studio 54 vibes, then count yourself a sartorial pro, because 1980s divas were the inspiration behind this design. A modern twist on the traditional bridal ivory options out there, this mini is silver, covered in ostrich feathers, and adorned in sequins. Need we say more?

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16

Givenchy Tie-neck silk satin shirt minidress

Tie-neck silk satin shirt minidress
16

Givenchy Tie-neck silk satin shirt minidress

It's Givenchy - need we say more? This is an exquisite dress which is incredibly stylist and made from silk satin. It’s loose-fitting, meaning there’s a bit of give in the style, and features sheer detailing.

17

Molly Goddard Paisley off-the-shoulder cotton mini dress

Paisley off-the-shoulder cotton mini dress
17

Molly Goddard Paisley off-the-shoulder cotton mini dress

It's no surprise this dress opened Goddard's SS23 runway. The ivory colour and cotton give this a summery modern feel, while the layered, draped bodice gives the design a touch of Vivienne Westwood-inspired punk and edge. We'd style this with some platform pumps and a pearly clutch bag.

18

Karen Millen Crystal Embellished Woven Thigh Split Mini

Crystal Embellished Woven Thigh Split Mini
18

Karen Millen Crystal Embellished Woven Thigh Split Mini

Now 22% Off

If you're on the search for a standout piece, then how about this limited edition design, which has been created as just one of just 150 styles? The edit has been inspired by model Elle Macpherson and features chunky crystal embellishment and a back cut-out.

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19

The OWN Studio Sequin halter mini, £950

Sequin halter mini, £950
19

The OWN Studio Sequin halter mini, £950

This is the sequinned halter mini dress to end all sequinned halter mini dresses. The mini is fit slightly oversized and lined with the creamiest of soft supple crepes. Wear with some knockout bridal shoes and dance until you drop.

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