Modern newlyweds have long moved away from the tradition that the outfit for a celebration must be long, lush and white. Many brides prefer other models, including short wedding dresses. From our article you will learn the advantages of this choice, its varieties and what accessories it goes well with.
Peculiarities
Practicality, price and comfort – this is why short wedding dresses are increasingly becoming the choice of modern brides.
Short outfits have at least five advantages:
- They are much more comfortable. Guests will definitely not trample the hem, and therefore it will look decent all day long. And the bride herself may feel more comfortable in such a dress if she is not used to wearing elongated models in everyday life. The opportunity to relax and not be afraid every minute of getting tangled in layers of a skirt is worth a lot;
- A short wedding dress that reveals the bride's gorgeous legs looks much sexier than a traditional long dress. If you have something to show, then why hide it under a long and voluminous skirt;
- You won't feel hot in a short dress at a summer wedding. It's perfect for a beach wedding. In a short dress, the bride can go shallowly into the pond with the groom to pose for the photographer to create amazing shots;
- Shorter dresses usually cost the bride much less. This can be a deciding factor for many couples who are on a budget;
- A short dress is also a practical option because after the wedding you can easily wear it to a party or holiday , and not hang it as a dead weight in the closet. This is especially true for colored models. Many girls openly say: “Why should I buy an evening dress for a date in a restaurant? I still have my wedding outfit!” By the way, you can wear it for an anniversary.
Any wedding photographer will confirm how painful it is to photograph tense brides who constantly unattractively lift up their hemlines for fear of stepping on them. In a short dress, the bride can easily jump into the arms of the groom and not limit herself during the first dance.
When is it appropriate?
In the following cases, the choice of a short dress is quite justified:
- in a wedding outdoors, in the garden, when the priority is the issue of convenience;
- if a non-celebratory ceremony is planned among close friends and parents;
- at the second and subsequent weddings taking place in a less solemn atmosphere;
- at a thematic celebration where deviations from the canons are stylistically justified.
Often a short dress is chosen on the second day of the wedding, when a crinoline and corset are no longer needed. The bride also wants to enjoy the holiday: dance a lot and take part in interesting competitions. Especially if on her wedding day she was wearing a classic dress, which is not very comfortable to walk in, let alone participate in an entertainment program.
Length
Shortened models of wedding dresses will delight you with variety.
Mini
Owners of ideally slender legs can safely focus on this option, but you should not choose ultra-short models. The maximum openness that a bride can allow herself, so as not to be considered vulgar, is the hem 10 centimeters above the knees.
Important! Don't forget the main rule of good taste: the shorter the skirt, the more covered the top should be.
Shoulders should be covered with at least translucent fabric. This finish will give chastity to the neckline and shoulders. A boat collar or V-shaped neckline will emphasize the fragility of the neck.
Don't worry that the minidress looks too simple. Rich decoration with rhinestones or pearls, interesting embroidery, and a competent selection of accessories can help you out. A veil is quite suitable for a very short wedding dress; the main thing is to choose a shorter veil so that it does not distract attention from the dress.
Not long and not short
Dresses with a skirt that covers the knees are suitable for most brides who want to wear a short dress on their wedding day.
A straight sheath dress with or without sleeves is considered a classic. The model is perfect for those who want to add minimalism and rigor to their image. Those who want to look sexier should pay attention to tight-fitting models that effectively highlight the contours of the figure.
In a mid-length dress you will be able to show off your beautiful legs and stand out among the many girls in traditional wedding dresses.
Just below the knee
Outfits of this cut are already more demanding on the bride's figure , so it is important to rationally assess the proportions of the figure. Thus, dresses to the middle of the calf will definitely not decorate girls of medium and short height, but will make their figure more squat.
Interesting! The advantage of a la cocktail wedding dresses is that the style is ideal for parties, which means the bride will feel comfortable.
In addition, dresses just below the knee can be worn with pleasure even after the wedding celebration .
Short in front, long in back
Asymmetrical outfits are a compromise option for brides who want to look traditional and feel comfortable. The short front of the dress does not interfere with movement during a photo walk, climbing stairs or participating in dance competitions.
Short dresses with long back skirts are both frank and sensitive. The difference from the front edge of the skirt to the back can be quite insignificant if the bride wants to add contrast to the image, but at the same time look quite modest and close to the classic understanding of the bride’s image.
Fabrics
Fashion designers consider satin, taffeta and brocade to be some of the best options for sewing sheath wedding dresses. Satin shimmers nobly in the sun, while taffeta and brocade create a more textured, “grainy” shine, which also looks very rich and elegant. In addition, these fabrics hold their shape well, which is very important when it comes to a tight-fitting style.
When trying on this or that garment, be attentive to the sensations. The fabric should be pleasant to the skin, not cause irritation or allergies, and the seams should not chafe. The model itself should not restrict your movements.
The most beautiful styles with photos
When choosing a cut, it is no less important to take into account the features of your figure than when determining the desired length of the outfit. Of course, with ideal parameters, you can afford any model: in this case, it is enough to focus on your own taste. For example, fans of the minimalist style can choose a simple straight-cut satin dress.
With a train
An outfit complemented with a train looks impressive, especially in wedding photographs. A spectacular piece can be of any length, lush, multi-layered, decorated with ruffles, flounces and even feathers. The choice depends solely on the preferences of the bride. If she wants a long and voluminous train, it is important to agree in advance with the assistant who will hold it. You can also make a special loop for the bride’s hand to hold the luxurious detail.
Advice! For convenience, it is better to purchase a dress with a removable train. This will allow the bride to appear in all her splendor at the ceremony, and when the fun begins, she will be able to get rid of any movement-restricting details.
The most popular cable options:
- on a transparent lining with a lace pattern, which is duplicated on a closed short sheath dress;
- a chiffon train to emphasize the grace of, for example, a lace dress;
- contrasting shade with the fabric of the wedding dress.
Particular attention should be paid to choosing shoes for a short dress with a train. Ballet flats and low-heeled shoes are not acceptable. Shoes with high heels will complement the look as effectively as possible.
With a full skirt
Short fluffy dresses are suitable for many brides, as a voluminous skirt made of lightweight materials favorably transforms the silhouette, bringing it closer to the universal hourglass type. Even a plump girl in a dress with a full skirt will look slender, and a petite one will become charmingly fragile.
Idea! If the bride wants to look like a princess from a fairy tale, without wearing a floor-length dress, then a fluffy short dress is what she needs. Models with bare shoulders look especially impressive.
Short and at the same time curvy models are suitable for lovers of retro style. The first samples were created from a corset bodice, emphasizing the waist, and a voluminous skirt with a crinoline. This contrast visually made the girls slimmer and gave the image elegance. Today, when choosing a short fluffy dress in retro style, it is appropriate to complement the look with short gloves or a collar in the form of a bow or ruffle.
Another fashion hit is the so-called “babydoll” dresses, in which the emphasis is on the fusion of innocence and femininity. A tight bodice with an airy skirt turns an ordinary girl into a doll. To emphasize this image, bows, rhinestones, pearls and ribbons are used.
Lace
European modern catalogs for brides offer a large number of elegant lace dresses of atypical lengths. They are popular, although they are not suitable for everyone. Textured lace visually adds volume to the figure , and therefore it is better for overweight girls to choose models with small inserts made of exquisite fabric.
According to the rules of good taste, the emphasis in the image is always placed not on decorations, but on the texture of the fabric. Therefore, when choosing a lace outfit, you should not overload it with accessories. A highlight can be a belt made of satin ribbon in the color of the bride’s bouquet.
With lace sleeves
Partially decorated outfits with noble material look no less impressive than those completely lace.
A patterned bodice and a lace-lined back and hips can add sophistication to the look, but the material looks especially delightful on the arms. The bride will look both seductive and gentle. The lace pattern will hide minor imperfections from prying eyes and make your hands flawless.
In addition, long sleeves on short models are a detail that adds a touch of modest elegance to the look.
For pregnant
A protruding belly will help hide an empire style outfit with a very high waistline. A skirt flowing in soft waves will successfully decorate your figure.
Idea! If pregnancy is accompanied by excess weight gain in the arms, you can hide it with a bolero.
But expectant mothers should not wear dresses with a peplum at the waist: the detail will further round out the tummy. Puffed sleeves will also add unwanted volume to the figure : it is better to abandon them in favor of openwork options or modest straps.
When choosing a dress for pregnant women, not only beauty plays a role, but also comfort. Shortened models do not restrict the tummy and allow you to breathe freely.
It is important to take additional care to ensure that the bride is not hot , especially if the celebration is planned on a summer day. For this purpose, it is better to choose a dress made of light fabrics.
And, of course, it is better for the newlywed to refuse models with a corset, tights that squeeze the legs and high-heeled shoes. If you want to emphasize the sophistication of your legs, you can take a closer look at shoes with thin straps.
Decor elements
Application
Recently, 3D 3D designs with floral motifs have become very fashionable; they look luxurious and expensive.
The flowers on the dress may not necessarily match the dress; sometimes, on the contrary, they are made very bright, which looks impressive.
The applique is made from various materials:
- silk;
- organza;
- net;
- lace.
And they usually add:
- beads;
- ribbons;
- sequins;
- expensive stones;
- beads;
- feathers.
Stones
The decoration of outfits is often made of white or colored rhinestones, pearls, transparent Swarovski crystals, precious or semi-precious stones, focusing the main attention on the corset, belt, neckline or sleeves.
Such wedding models go well with other accessories of the bride and groom, for example, they will harmonize perfectly with:
- with a tiara;
- crown;
- necklace;
- or clutch.
Rhinestones are inferior in cost to precious stones, but in appearance they are in no way inferior to them.
Sequins
This is a decorative element, which is made in the form of flat iridescent disks of different sizes and shapes. They decorate the bodice, the skirt itself or the entire product, which adds solemnity and elegance.
Shiny dresses are very popular this year.
Ribbons
One of the most popular decorations is satin ribbons, which can be narrow or wide. Despite the fact that they look quite simple, they make beautiful wedding additions:
- if you tie it in the form of a bow;
- use as a belt and wrap around the bride’s waist;
- use for lacing a corset;
- sew on, framing the hem of the skirt.
Lace
It has long won the love of many newlyweds, so designers offer more and more models with lace every year.
Fully openwork dresses are now at the peak of popularity; they make a girl’s wedding look incredibly gentle, sophisticated and romantic. Lace trim also looks great, which can be:
- on the bodice;
- sleeves;
- back;
- skirt;
- train;
- or several elements at once.
Selection by body type
When choosing a wedding dress, you must take into account the features of your figure in order to highlight your advantages:
- The bell style with a flared skirt and a tight-fitting bodice will perfectly hide plump or, conversely, too thin hips. If you have a low waist, it is better to avoid this outfit: it will make your figure disproportionate;
- For ladies with full arms, it is better to choose a dress with long sleeves. It is not necessary that they be made from the same fabric as the dress. They can be made of chiffon or lace. The main thing is that the sleeves are not too tight. Alternatively, you can choose a dress with three-quarter length sleeves, which will allow you to show off your graceful wrists;
- A dress with short puffed sleeves will make a bride’s silhouette with narrow shoulders more harmonious;
- With an undefined waist, you can distract your gaze from the bride's hands by choosing a model with airy, flared sleeves. They will add femininity to the image. If there are folds in the waist area, it is better to abandon the belt;
- Overweight brides are better off not trying on dresses that are longer than the knees and take a closer look at a model with an asymmetrical skirt, which will make your legs slimmer and longer;
- A very fluffy tutu skirt looks good only on long-legged and slender brides with model parameters. For those with wide hips, it is better to choose a semi-circle skirt;
- For brides with a good figure, both a fluffy hem and a tight-fitting skirt that emphasizes the curves of the figure are suitable.
White or red, black or colored?
The traditional color for a wedding look is white, symbolizing the tenderness and purity of the bride. It is he who leads in wedding catalogs, although in recent years girls have willingly preferred cream, peach, champagne, and ivory colors to boiling white.
At the same time, bright dresses for brides are also gaining popularity, with red models leading the way. For some, this is an opportunity to return to their roots, because in Rus', brides wore red sundresses with embroidery, symbolizing youth and energy. Interestingly, traditionally in Ancient Rome, a girl wore a red veil to a celebration in order to strengthen a harmonious relationship with her husband and attract wealth to the family.
For others, an extravagant red outfit is an opportunity to demonstrate their courage and attract more attention. The main thing when choosing one of the 25 shades of red is to take into account your type. Only fair-skinned brunettes can afford bright scarlet, while blondes need to look for lighter and more delicate shades. Most tones will suit slender brides, but it is better to focus on dark red options for fat ones.
Recently, two-tone dresses for brides have come into fashion. This can be a light dress with a single bright accent in the form of a belt or embroidery on the hem, or, conversely, a colored dress with white trim.
Delicate models in pink and blue shades remain trendy. They are usually chosen for their practicality and the ability to wear them more than once after the wedding.
Variety of colors
For a long time, snow-white dresses for weddings were in great demand, first of all. But every year newlyweds began to increasingly prefer pastel shades:
- pink;
- creamy;
- Ivory;
- peach;
- dairy;
- champagne colors;
- ivory;
- pale yellow;
- beige;
- creamy;
- honey;
- light blue;
- apricot;
- silver;
- mint;
- lilac.
Advice. These tones are an excellent choice for blondes and girls with light brown hair.
Many brides these days are not afraid of brighter colors in their image and prefer, for example:
- shades of red (scarlet, burgundy, cherry, raspberry, etc.);
- green;
- blue;
- orange.
The main advantage of colored short items is that you can definitely wear them somewhere after the wedding.
If you are not ready to give up the usual white, but want to add brighter shades to your dress, then two-tone outfits will be an excellent option for you. For example, a belt, embroidery or lacing on a corset can become a catchy accent.
Stylish accessories
A lace bolero is perfect for a low-cut outfit. It will add modesty and elegance to the look. You can only wear it for a photo shoot, and take it off in a hot restaurant hall. The bolero turns from a beautiful accessory at a winter wedding into a functional item that allows you to cover your shoulders and neck at the necessary moments.
It is better to choose classic shoes. The bride's legs are open, so stockings and tights do not always look good with sandals. For a short dress, it is better to choose stockings or tights in a flesh-colored color rather than white.
You shouldn’t give up the traditional accessory, the veil. Even with a short dress, she looks great, if you don’t choose a floor-length model.
Important! Follow a simple rule: the shorter the skirt, the shorter the veil.
If you consciously refuse a traditional accessory and want to add some zest to your wedding style, you can choose a simple headband or headband. Girls will look charming if they weave fresh flowers into their hair. For older ladies, you can choose a light hat with a small brim and a light veil.
Tight lace wedding dress
One of the most beautiful dresses for a wedding ceremony is a lace dress for the bride. When choosing a wedding dress with lace that fits your figure, you don't have to worry about your body type. Intricate patterns perfectly mask all imperfections and attract attention, while the tight silhouette favorably emphasizes the bride’s seductive shape.
There are no restrictions on wedding style for a tight lace wedding dress. It is suitable for both traditional and themed celebrations. If you add beads to the lace, the outfit can easily turn into a vintage one. Welcome to a 1920s or shabby chic wedding. A tight-fitting wedding dress with an open back will be a suitable outfit for a celebration with a Hollywood or Loft theme.
Tips for choosing
To make a shortened model look advantageous, use some tips:
- If you are not a fan of minimalism and do not want to look too modest, choose a dress with rich decoration : rhinestones, beaded embroidery, a bright belt;
- Buy shoes that match the dress or match the belt to demonstrate good taste;
- If you have a very good figure, you shouldn’t hide it! Avoid closed sleeves and a fluffy hem, and feel free to show off your assets. At the same time, do not step over the line beyond which your image will be considered provocative. For example, do not expose your chest and legs too much.
Rules of asymmetry
- Remember that an asymmetrical dress is already the main accent, so other bright accents will be superfluous;
- Most often, asymmetrical necklines do not require jewelry; necklaces and chokers can overload the look;
- Just one asymmetry is enough to make the bride’s image harmonious. If you complement it with a jacket or cape with the same twist, it will look ridiculous and careless.
