While long wedding gowns are favored by convention, petite bridal frocks are worth considering for a number of reasons.

First, they’re unique and playful—your bridal look will be far from boring. As compared to a ball gown with a cathedral-length veil, a perky mini dress has a dramatically smaller surface area for a designer to work with, which can be a good thing. The constraint makes it easier to draw the eye to thoughtfully-crafted details. Plus, you can experiment with bold, innovative designs like supersized bows or sculptural appliqués that may make a fuller gown appear overstuffed.

READ NEXT: 10 Timeless Wedding Dress Styles That Will Never Go Out of Style

Speaking of size and weight, another benefit of a shorter dress is cost efficiency. Since it’s objectively smaller than the conventional bridal gown, less materials will go into producing it. Additionally, it will be much easier to transport, which is an important consideration if you will be holding a destination wedding. Instead of having it shipped overseas on its own (which could pose some logistical problems), you can pack a short wedding dress in your own luggage.

Lastly, knee or thigh-grazing bridal frocks are generally more comfortable. Unless your dress is a particularly avant-garde creation with speciality materials, expect more ease of movement than you would from, say, a six-kilogram gown complete with a petticoat and gem-encrusted overskirt.

In summary, a short wedding dresses are a solid option for chic, practical brides. Scroll below for some design ideas!

12 Short Wedding Dresses for the Chic, Practical Bride:

1. Nude Off-Shoulder Tailored Dress

This tailored off-shoulder dress is all about clean lines. Complete with pockets, (for storing your vow cards, perhaps), it’s a functional and easily re-wearable dress that you won’t regret adding to your closet. For your wedding, style it with a transparent tulle veil and dainty beaded gloves.

2. Minimalist Dress with a Back Bow

For a chic wedding in the middle of the city, consider a minimalist strapless dress punctuated with an exaggerated bow. Continue the sweet motif with ribbon-embellished white pumps.

3. Tinkerbell Dress with Appliqués

Embrace a fairytale-esque aura with a cascading petal skirt and a 3D flower-adorned bodice. This flouncy, feminine bridal dress will work for intimate garden weddings, and easily transitions into an afterparty outfit.

4. Strapless Silk Dress with Removable Train

If you still want a long train to adorn your float down the aisle, go for a no-frills strapless dress with a chic removable cape. While practical and straightforward, this blunt gown isn’t short on class—simple doesn’t have to equate to plain.

5. Sweetheart Dress with Princess Gloves

Borrow the top half of a ball gown and exchange the balloon skirt with a sleek, short one. Balance out the clean lines with feathered sandals.

6. Square-Neck Puff Sleeve Dress

This one is cloud nine in dress form. The short puff sleeves and straight neckline are whimsical yet on-trend. Style it with pointy pumps to offset the round shapes.

7. Frothy Ruffle Dress

If the previous dress was a cloud, this one is reminiscent of crashing waves. The deep v-neckline is enhanced by flaring frills in a pleated fabric. Team up this dress with dangling earrings and metallic heels.

8. High Neck A-Line Lace Dress

For a scenic chapel wedding, go for a mock neck lacy dress with medium-length sleeves and a flattering A-line skirt. Chic complementary accessories include a birdcage veil fastened with a thin headband, and strappy sandals to match.

9. Blazer Dress

Holding your nuptials in a well-lit courthouse? Dress up in a tailored blazer dress with a soft v-neckline and a subtly cinched waist. Accessorize with bohemian drop earrings and closed-toe heels.

10. Mixed Fabric Bouquet Dress

Hearken to the ’90s in a velvet mini dress embellished with large fabric carnations. Keep your beauty look clean and simple to let the dress do the talking.

11. Sparkly Mini Dress with Detachable Puff Sleeves

Mix urban chic with a princessy touch: enhance a crystal-covered dress with detachable puff sleeves in a frosted fabric. Pair it with white strappy heels and slim, collarbone-grazing earrings.

12. Cowl Neck Halter Dress

Straightforward yet sophisticated, this slinky satin dress features a high cowl neck and slight ruched detailing, creating an asymmetrical hem. Dress up the look with a pair of theatrical earrings.

Ultimately, the choice to wear a short dress boils down to what you envision for your wedding day, including factors like your comfort, budget, mobility, and design preference. Do whatever it takes to bring your dream bridal look to life! 

To explore the latest trends, expert advice, and breathtaking inspiration in the world of weddings, don’t miss out on the Get Wedded in Australia 2023-2024 digital magazine! Whether you’re a bride-to-be or a wedding enthusiast, this magazine is a must-read.

Below, browse and read your free copy of the Get Wedded in Australia 2023-2024 digital magazine today.