PERFECT SHORT DRESS STYLES FOR WEDDINGS

Whoever said you must wear a floor-length gown for a wedding, whether as the guest, bridesmaid, or even the bride, was terribly out of the loop. The wedding dress codes of yesteryear are to be forgotten, swapping outdated rules for more fashionable options. Knee-length, midi, and mini dresses have been left out of the wedding attire conversation for too long, but these short dress styles prove that your skirt does not have to reach the ground to be suitable for the big day.

Short dresses are as fashionable as they are versatile since you can find more than just a single use for a short dress including parties, costumes, dates, or any other special event that calls for a statement to be made. At Z Couture, we are your go-to destination for all things formal wear and have a large variety of short dresses to choose from for your upcoming wedding festivities. 

For the Bride

The modern bride knows that there are no limitations placed on what they wear on their big day. Who says you have to wear a floor-length gown is the only style fit for a bride? Short wedding dresses can be just as fit as more traditional gowns and are finding popularity in recent years. Many brides have taken to reserving a second dress for the reception, a dress that allows for more mobility, and that is where the short wedding dress comes in.

Whether your nuptials follow a more laidback theme or you simply want to make a statement, there are plenty of options for the bride when it comes to wearing a wedding dress that falls to the knee or above the ankle.

Daytime Dresses

If your wedding takes place in the daytime, your options for a short wedding dress are limitless. A popular day fabric choice is lace, but the airy feel of a daytime ceremony allows for other dreamy fabrics like tulle, satin, or chiffon. Play up the lightness with silhouettes like the a-line or babydoll, adding flowing lines to your shape.

Nighttime Dresses

For weddings that begin after the sun goes down, there are plenty of silhouette options more suitable for nighttime, from fit-and-flare to shift. Experiment with sleeve types, from long sleeves to off-the-shoulder, to add an elevated and dramatic element to your short wedding dress. You do not have to stick to standard fabrics like satin once night falls. Flirt with the dark in a dress decorated with sparkling embellishments, metallic beads, or shimmering sequins.

Formal Wedding

Just because your dress does not sweep the floor does not mean it is not formal. If you are thinking of wearing a short wedding dress for a more elevated wedding, you can opt for a structured shape, hitting at the knee or tea-length. Beading and jewels can help to bring glamor to your wedding look, as well as an asymmetrical neck or hemline.

Beach Wedding

Beach weddings allow for the attire to be more relaxed, and casual even. Take advantage of the beauty of your natural surroundings by incorporating them into your wedding look, calling upon soft, delicate fabrics like lace and relaxed shapes and silhouettes like an empire waistline. Perhaps opt for a champagne-colored dress over stark white to include the color palette of the beach. The options are endless!

For the Bridesmaid

Whether you are the bride calling the shots or a bridesmaid who gets their pick of bridesmaid dresses, there is no reason a bridal party must wear full-length gowns to a wedding. If a short bridesmaid dress better suits your party or event theme, follow your eye rather than observing tradition. Short dresses for bridesmaids create a feeling that is both fun and flirty, allowing them to feel more at ease and even showing off more personality.

Daytime Dresses

For the daytime bridesmaids, perhaps a dress of chiffon or lace, in colors like blue, green, or yellow. Prints and patterns can feel overwhelming when overdone, but for a daytime wedding, a floral short bridesmaids dress in the same color palette as the other dresses may be just the trick to making your maid of honor stand out from the rest of the party.

Nighttime Dresses

The same rules that apply to the nighttime bride apply to bridesmaid's dresses at a night wedding. With fabrics like satin, intricate beading, and sparkling shimmer, your bridesmaid dresses can be elevated to a level of elegance called for by the night. Sleek colors like black, eggplant or navy are a sophisticated choice to level up a mini or knee-length dress.

Formal Wedding

While some still hold the idea that short bridesmaid dresses are less formal, there are plenty of memorable ways to make a short dress feel dressy and original. There are countless classy cocktail-length options that are just as dapper as a full-length skirt, with structured shapes that look refined and elegant.

Beach Wedding

A beach wedding is a perfect excuse to call upon the short bridesmaid dress for your party. If the wedding takes place in the spring or summer, the odds that it will be warm are high. Your bridesmaids will enjoy the opportunity to wear lighter attire, allowing them to move around and dance all night, even in the sand. Similar to daytime dresses, a beach bridesmaid dress can be more relaxed, with natural lines and beautiful pastel shades of greens, blues, or yellows.

For the Guest

Short dresses are perfect for any wedding occasion, from formal to relaxed, but are especially ideal for daytime and summer weddings since they are easier to move around in, comfortable for dancing, and keep you cool. Whatever your sense of style, women of all ages, sizes, and shapes can pull off the charm and classiness of a short dress at a wedding event. With styles ranging from fun and free, to chic and classic, there is a myriad of short dress options for the wedding guest.

Daytime Dresses

A daytime wedding allows for some fun and experimentation when it comes to dresses. Floral or other bold prints are an easy way to make a statement, and on a short dress, there is little chance of the pattern being loud or overwhelming. Other daytime options are layers and layers of frill, ruffles, or lacy detailing. 

Nighttime Dresses

For a nighttime wedding, guests can opt for structured silhouettes with sleek, stiff lines, rich colors like burgundy or forest green, and luxurious fabrics like satin or chiffon.

Formal Wedding

When invited to a more formal wedding, you can shop short guest wedding dresses in styles like the a-line dress or full skirt for a dress that is timeless and graceful. Alternatively, you can go with a tea-length or midi dress that creates sophisticated silhouette lines like a silk pencil dress.

Beach Wedding

If you've been invited to a beach wedding, you are probably wondering what the dress code is for guests. A beach wedding allows guests to wear something a little more relaxed and comfortable, and short dresses reign supreme in this category since they provide an added bonus with a hemline that won't get covered in sticky sand. Go with colorful prints or light airy fabrics for a fun, tropical wedding look. 

Begin by browsing our beautiful selection of wedding dresses online, or visit us at our Austin, Texas location. Wedding dresses are arriving daily, and we can/t wait to help you find your perfect dress at Z Couture.