As the world watches with bated breath, the renowned fashion house Chanel recently took centre stage at Paris Haute Couture Week, showcasing its SS23 bridal collection. And what a show it was! With its stunning designs and expert craftsmanship, Chanel has once again proven why it remains a driving force in the fashion world and a pioneer in the bridal dress trend.

Brides-to-be, get ready to be inspired. This is the start of a new era in bridal wear, and Chanel is leading the charge. The iconic brand set a new standard in bridal wear, introducing the mini dress as the latest must-have for the modern bride. 

The mini dress was elevated to new heights with the breathtaking fingertip veil, adorned with delicate white swallow embroidery and a beautifully frilled neckline, imbuing it with sophisticated femininity. The model’s bold coral lip added a contemporary flourish, harkening back to the vibrant hues of spring. This bridal vision was completed with a crisp white bow tie and Chanel’s signature golden ankle boots, creating a surprising balance between femininity and modernity.

The bridal fashion landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation as short wedding dresses seize the spotlight and shake up traditional notions of bridal wear. As couples embrace more intimate, relaxed celebrations, the allure of short wedding dresses is proving irresistible, offering a chic and versatile alternative to floor-length gowns. 

As Seen on Modern Brides

This style shift is attracting a diverse range of brides, from minimalists to maximalists, seeking practicality, versatility and a touch of rebellion. With iconic figures such as Kourtney Kardashian and Lily Allen leading the charge, the trend toward short wedding dresses is rapidly gaining momentum and reshaping the bridal fashion landscape. So, for those daring enough to challenge convention and make a statement with their bridal attire, the era of the short wedding dress has arrived, and it’s a sight to behold.

Kourtney Kardashian opted for a one-of-a-kind Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda mini dress, embodying Italian sophistication with luxurious silk, satin and lace. The bride paired the unconventional design with a breathtaking hand-embroidered veil, featuring grand floral lace appliqués inspired by the blooming gardens of Portofino. 

Lily Allen radiated sophistication and timeless elegance in her exquisite short Dior dress, featuring a classic double-breasted design, flattering sweetheart neckline, sleek black buttons and a skinny belt. The stunning bride paired it with effortless black suede platform heels. She kept her bridal style classic, opting for a chic chignon hairdo, complementing it with a knee-length veil, delicate drop earrings and a radiant bouquet of purple, pink and orange roses.

We’ve Seen it Before

The bridal dress trend of short wedding dresses dates back to the swinging 60s. This unconventional bridal style has been embraced by numerous celebrities over the years, from Cindy Crawford to Audrey Hepburn, who made a case for walking down the aisle in mini wedding dresses.

Audrey Hepburn, a style icon, chose a pale pink mini dress by friend and designer Hubert de Givenchy for her 1969 wedding to Andrea Dotti. The dress featured a funnel neck and flared sleeves, and Hepburn opted for an elegant scarf instead of a traditional veil.

Cindy Crawford opted for this effortlessly elegant John Galliano slip dress for her beach wedding in the Bahamas with Rande Gerber in 1995. The dress’s lace trimming and fuss-free silhouette made it the perfect choice for exchanging vows by the sea.