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33 best short wedding dresses for 2023 brides

Micro weddings call for micro wedding dresses...

best short wedding dresses
Chloe Best
Lifestyle Features Editor
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More laid-back than a traditional full-length gown, a bridal mini dress or tea-length gown is just the thing for an intimate wedding.

SEE: 12 celebrity brides who wowed in unforgettable short wedding dresses

Looking for celebrity inspiration? Kourtney Kardashian was the latest star to embrace the trend, choosing a Dolce & Gabbana lace bustier mini dress for her Santa Barbara ceremony with Travis Barker. And she's not the only bride to opt for an unconventional frock - Emma Stone recently re-wore her beautiful short Louis Vuitton wedding dress to the Met Gala 2023Emma Bunton rocked a chic white mini Miu Miu dress for her secret wedding with Jade Jones in 2021, and Lily Allen donned a vintage Dior mini dress for her Las Vegas nuptials with David Harbour in 2020.

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Kourtney Kardashian chose a Dolce & Gabbana lace mini dress for her wedding with Travis Barker

There was also a brief spate of short wedding dresses in 2013 and 2014 with the likes of Poppy Delevigne and Keira Knightly rocking Chanel mini dresses.

Now the style is here to stay and here are a few from Net-a-Porter, ASOS and more we think you'll love, whatever your budget…

Bustier short dresses

Shop Kourtney's exact dress (minus the floral motif) - it's ideal for a warm-weather ceremony.

dg bridal dress

Dolce & Gabbana bustier lace mini dress, £1,200, Farfetch

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If you're a fan of the on-trend corset silhouette, pick up this gorgeous dress from House of CB with a luxe satin texture.

House of CB white corset dress

House Of CB Anja Corset Dress, £169, Selfridges

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Tuxedo short dresses

'In The Style's' collaborative collection with Dani Dyer includes this unique plunge necked blazer dress with a tiered pleated skirt to set you apart from other brides.

style dani dyer tux asos

In The Style x Dani Dyer Plunge Blazer Dress, £39.99, ASOS

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SEE MORE: Emma Stone just recycled her never-before-seen wedding mini dress

This Karen Millen tailored dress is the answer to a short, sophisticated wedding dress. This one has an added element of long sleeves and a belted waist for a more formal touch.

karen millen tailored dress

Belted Tailored Dress, £199.20, Karen Millen

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This Rime Arodaky dress is tailored in the shape of a blazer and has ties at the waist to cinch your frame. The delicate net trim adds a feminine flair to the overall look.

rime belted lace trim net porter

Rime Arodaky Jax Belted Dress, £1,195, Net A Porter

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Romantic short dresses

This organza puff-sleeved mini dress with a sweetheart neckline by Sister Jane is blissfully fun and romantic. 

asso organza puff

Sister Jane Organza Puff Sleeve Dress, £155, ASOS

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This striking, sparkly mini dress is the eye-catching wedding dress of dreams. Covered in sequins with a stunning backless feature, this dress will not dissapoint.

short sequin wedding dress

Pretty Lavish Sequin Dress, £98, Selfridges

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READ: 12 royal brides' wedding beauty secrets you'll wish you knew sooner

This embroidered and oh-so-romantic dress features the most beautiful, floral detailing and would be perfect for any lace-loving bride.

self portrait lace mini dress

Self Portrait Lace Mini Dress, £350, Selfridges

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Another Self Portrait pick, this white mini dress is made from signature guipure lace with a belt defining the waist. Perfect for an intimate wedding in the city or in the country.

self portrait grossgrain

Self Portrait Grosgrain Trimmed Dress, £320, Net A Porter

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This pure white chiffon 'Lucianna' dress with floaty sheer sleeves and delicately frilled cuffs looks so breezy and beautiful.

lucianna chiffon revolve

Lucianna Chiffon Dress, £195, Revolve

Revolve

What screams blushing bride more than ruffles and frill? Not much, and this gorgeous Ulla Johnson poplin mini dress is the perfect frilly option for a bride who wants to achieve that romantic, timeless look.

ulla johnson poplin mini dress

Ulla Johnson Ruffed Poplin Mini Dress, £440, Net A Porter

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SHOP: 12 backless wedding dresses 2023: From Selfridges, ASOS, Net-a-Porter & more

RELATED: 22 amazing websites to buy wedding dresses online

1920's style short dresses

Talk about making a statement, this Asos mini dress will ensure all eyes are on you with its dramatic long train and standout bow feature. 

Asos mini bow back wedding dress

Crepe Bow Back mini dress, £140, ASOS

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The floaty fringed sleeves on this little number have a bohemian feel but the intricate beading of the sheer fabric makes this an ornate bridal piece.

needle thread mini dress

Sequin Tiered Mini Bridal Dress, £450, Needle & Thread

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A flirty style with a 1920s edge – just imagine how much fun you'd have in this Asos white fringed mini dress.

Asos embellished fringe mini dress

Embellished Fringe Bridal Dress, £175, ASOS

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The level of craftsmanship that has gone into the white fringe beading on this flapper-style bridal frock is truly remarkable. The endless threads of beads make it perfect for a spin on the dance floor.

john lewis fringe dress

Adrianna Papell Beaded Fringe Mini Dress, £115.60, John Lewis

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SHOP: Holly Willoughby's favourite brand Rixo launches bridalwear – check it out

This simple yet shimmery fringe number has it all and is perfect for a bride who is planning on dancing the night away...

isabella dress revolve

Isabella Dress, £468, Revolve

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SEE MORE: 23 best plus-size gowns for curvy bridesmaids

This intricately designed mini dress is a fresh and fun take on 1920s glamour with all the glitz and sparkle any bride could ask for - what's not to love?

asos embellished fringe dress

Starlet Bridal fringe embellished dress, £150, ASOS

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Full skirted short dresses 

This stunning white satin silk wedding dress features a corset-style bodice that's fitted with supportive padding and kicks out to a voluminous puffball skirt. It has been designed exclusively for Net-a-Porter so you won't see this creation anywhere else.

rasario satin puff net a porter

Rasario Satin Silk Mini Dress, £1,012.20, Net A Porter

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This A-line cropped dress is perfect for spinning on the dancefloor. A chic dress with a large smart bow - what's not to love?

monsoon dress

Carrie Dress, £249, Monsoon

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This smooth white satin dress has a built-in corset to keep the strapless silhouette close and comfortable.

rasario net a porter

Rasario Strapless Satin Pleated Dress, £1,300, Net A Porter

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This romantic, strapless dress features layer upon layer of tulle as well as a corset-style bodice and romantic back bow tie.

coast corset detail

Coast Corsetted Full Mini Dress, £103, Debenhams

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This lacey A-line dress is an impressive dupe of a few designer gowns you may recognise...

Revolve lace dress

Sheer Lace Lucinda dress, £318, Revolve

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If you are after more traditional lace and a full-skirted style with a modern update we would recommend this stylish tiered number.

asos cami lace dress

Lace Tiered Dress, £68, ASOS

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WOW: 15 pretty high-street bridesmaid dresses to fall in love with

MORE: 35 high street wedding dresses for 2023

This Reformation 'Caterina' dress will emphasise your legs and décolletage while offering a generous amount of luxurious fabric to twirl and dance in.

Reformation Caterina dress

Caterina Dress, £245, Reformation

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Statement short dresses

This cape-effect silk mini dress is incredibly elegant and ensures that this dress is stunning from all angles.

brandon cape silk net porter

Brandon Maxwell Draped Cape Dress, £1930, Net A Porter

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There's no doubt you'll make an entrance with a mini dress with matching train. Cue the sashay.

harmur dress

The Party Bride, £605, Harmur

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This show-stopping dress brilliantly combines elegance with lavishness from the chic silky bodice to the ostrich feather hemline.

feather trimmed bridal dress

White Rowan strapless feather trimmed mini dress, £1295, Net A Porter

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 The chic, structured silhouette, high neck, and lace detailing makes this a classic, but oh-so-stunning wedding dress. Combining that ethereal, romantic look with a tailored, sharp fit - this dress would appeal to any bride and we can't recommend it enough!

white tailored zimmerman dress

High Tide Applique Mini Dress, £750, Zimmerman

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Short dresses for older brides

This utterly timeless, paired back blazer will never date and provides an optimal blank canvas for bold accessories.

phase eight lolicia tux

Phase Eight Lolicia Tuxedo Dress, £169.00, John Lewis

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We adore this contemporary dress – the statement cropped feather sleeve cuffs are balanced out with a clean A-line cut.

huishan reigh feather net porter

Huishan Zhang Reign Feather Dress, £1,795, Net A Porter

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This vintage art-deco style beaded piece comes with flattering angel sleeves and a fitted fishtail skirt if you are after something short but not too short.

coast beaded angel

Beaded Dress, £207.20, Coast

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For a polished and streamlined silhouette, this Phase Eight dress would be our choice. The final flourish of ostrich feathers at the hemline alludes to the 1920's 'flapper' era which is fun!

coast premium feather hem

Premium Feather Hem Pencil Dress, £159,20, Coast

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This flattering dress from Amazon is a bargain that we had to include it in our edit.

dress amazon

Grace Dress, from £20.99, Amazon

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SEE MORE: Best wedding dress hire sites in 2023: Selfridges, HURR & more

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