a petite bride looks good in a wedding dress

What wedding dresses look best on petite brides?

Numerous factors should be taken into account when searching for the perfect wedding dress, including the location of the ceremony, the bride's financial situation, her personal taste, and her physical characteristics.

The latter is the topic of discussion today, more specifically, height. While in the end you should choose the wedding dress that you love and that makes you feel beautiful, there are a few things to keep in mind when looking for the perfect dress.

As a woman of diminutive stature, you may have spent your entire life searching in vain for the perfect fitting dress. There are a handful of petite fashion designers to choose from, and you can get away with some regular size styles as well. Perhaps you've even gleaned a few nuggets of wisdom from this.

Walking down the aisle in a gown with a higher waistline will give the appearance of a longer silhouette. It doesn't matter if you're on the search for the brilliant wedding dress and have a particular style in mind or a particular designer you'd like to explore.

We have compiled a list of the Top Wedding Dress Shops in Melbourne to help you select your perfect gown.

Table of Contents

What shapes of wedding dresses look best on short brides?

The silhouette, or cut, of the dress you wear is crucial when you have a small frame. Different silhouettes look better on some physiques than others. The following four bridal silhouettes are particularly flattering on brides who are on the shorter side.

There are a number of different dress types that can help you look taller and thinner. Consequently, we will assist you in your quest to locate the ideal bridal gown.

As each girl wants to look ideally at her wedding day, we offer you to pay attention to the following tips on what the best wedding dresses for short brides are.

A-Line Dresses

If you are having trouble deciding on a style, an A-line cut works well on everyone. This dress style resembles the letter A in that it is narrowest at the top and widens as it nears the bottom.

Brides who are on the shorter side of the size spectrum should search for an A-line or empire-waist gown. This cut is flattering on a wide range of body types and looks stunning in any wedding venue.

Cocktail Dresses

If you absolutely must wear the puffy princess dress, consider opting for an above-the-knee length instead. Cocktail wedding dresses are a fun way to break tradition and are perfect for a relaxed ceremony or fun reception.

The shorter the wedding gown, the more decorative elements and laces you can add without it becoming too much. They're great because the dress won't get snagged on the grass during outdoor ceremonies. In addition to looking great, shortened wedding dresses are ideal for destination nuptials because they take up less space in the suitcase.

Mermaid and Trumpet Dresses

Dresses with a trumpet or mermaid silhouette are perfect if you want to make a grand entrance. The high waist of these cuts will make you look slimmer, while the wide hemline at or below the knee will elongate your legs.

The trumpet and mermaid silhouettes look great on a wide range of body types, from curvy to straight to petite. This cut is perfect if you want to highlight your bust and thighs.

Select a mermaid silhouette for your wedding gown if you're looking for a more feminine look. It's universally flattering and helps create the illusion of lengthening one's body. This cut emphasises your hips and bust, making the most of your curvy figure. Lifting up your waistline will give the illusion of longer legs.

The skirt has a fishtail or mermaid-like flare at the knees or above. When you walk down the aisle in this look, you'll feel beautiful, seductive, and glamorous.

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Sheath Dresses

The sheath silhouette is the perfect choice for a sensual wedding dress. The best way to flaunt your trim physique is to wear a form-fitting sheath dress. This style's vertical shoulder-to-hip seam is a design highlight, contributing to a sleek and understated silhouette.

Due to the ease of movement afforded by most sheath dresses, they are a great choice for nuptials in both outdoor and indoor settings. Whether the ceremony will take place in a classic chapel or on a far-flung beach, sheath dresses are the perfect choice for petite brides.

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How to Find the Perfect Wedding Dress for a Petite Bride

Narrow Silhouette

A wedding dress for a petite bride should be fitted and slim. Don't go out and buy a ballgown dress if you don't want to get lost in a sea of skirts. Based on what we've seen, the narrow silhouette is flattering on all brides, even those with less-than-perfect physiques, because it gives the impression of added height and draws attention to the positive aspects of the body.

We highly recommend going with the sheath silhouette. This cut is also suitable for the perfect wedding guest dresses.

Waist Issue

Keep the bodice narrow to draw attention to the bride's bust and waist if she prefers a more slip-on dress and veer away from sheath gowns if she prefers a more flowing skirt.

The answer is a dress with an empire waist. Your legs will appear longer thanks to the proportionately high waist. Dresses with a low waistline, however, can visually elongate the torso and shorten the legs.

Try on some wedding gowns with an empire waist if you can. This high waistline begins just below the bust, which visually lengthens the body and makes the wearer look taller and more proportionate.

Avoiding low waistlines can help you look taller. Wearing a dress with a dropped waistline below the bust will make your torso look much shorter.

Check out our post on How do I look good in a mermaid wedding dress?

Pay Attention to Seaming

There is an art to dressing to draw attention to one's best features while drawing less attention to others. Think about vertical rather than horizontal embellishment placement if you're interested in beading, sequins, pleats, or embroidery.

It will be more attractive and useful in creating that lengthening effect if the detailed sections are featured vertically rather than horizontally. Princess seams are an example of vertical seaming that does this. Since horizontal lines tend to make one appear shorter, this waistline is a good alternative.

The illusion of the long torso

The torso area is often lengthened in order to achieve a more dramatic silhouette in many dresses. If elongating one's body is a fashion goal, it's important to try on a wide range of garments and be receptive to the advice of a stylist.

Diagonal ruching

A dress's ruching is a magical way to add a waist where there isn't one or to cover up less-than-flattering areas of the body. Depending on the dress, it can alter your waistline and add or subtract detail.

A Proper Length

The dress's length is the most crucial factor. The ideal wedding guest dress length should be somewhere between the bride's natural height and the floor. So, make sure the dress you pick is the right length for you.

Sleeves

Wearing a sleeveless wedding dress is a classy way to highlight your neck and shoulders. Some examples of sleeveless silhouettes include the spaghetti strap, halter, illusion neckline, and off-the-shoulder sleeve. Choose a shorter hemline that will draw attention to your legs if you want to add length to your torso by wearing sleeves.

Equally important is the sleeve length. You should look for sleeveless dresses. However, if you insist on wearing a dress with sleeves, choose one with short ones. Wearing long sleeves will make you appear shorter. Not only do we need to think about the bride's dress, but also the best dresses for the wedding guests.

The Neckline

For the petite bride, a V-neckline is a great option because it visually extends the neckline. If you're a bride who is short but has nice breasts, these dresses are among the best plus size options available. Dresses with on thin straps, open shoulders or without them at all, are a good option if you have small breasts.

Beads, scalloped lace, or other feminine sequins at the neckline will draw the eye and elongate your figure. Choose accessories that complement your outfit, help your proportions, and draw the eye upwards to your face.

Finding the ideal wedding dress when you're petite can be challenging, but there are many beautiful options out there. Dresses that enhance your best features and make you feel and look fabulous can be found by following these fashion advice.

Think About Fabrics

Fabrics with larger prints or laces can look too bulky on a petite person. We recommend more delicately patterned laces, elaborate sequins and beading, or, alternatively, sleek, understated fabrics like satin and crepe.

Add Height

The shoes the bride wears on her wedding day are very important. They undoubtedly have on high heels, which would make them taller. However, if you want to be comfortable all day long, you shouldn't wear stilettos. Even more so, sheath dresses and stilettos don't go together.

Because your gown will cover most of your feet, this is the most logical choice. Consider wedges or platform shoes if you want to add some height but aren't used to wearing heels. As an additional height enhancer, tie your hair up in an updo. The overall effect will be appropriate for the dressy occasion you will be attending.

Keep it Simple

In the case of short dresses, less is more. Big, bulky accents, such as bows, should be avoided. Avoid big, frothy princess gowns with long, elaborate trains and veils.

Picture a beautiful flower surrounded by a lush forest. It's not easy to spot the flower among all the clutter. For tiny brides, the comparison holds true. They are short-statured and typically diminutive in stature. Trying to move around in a cumbersome and unflattering cathedral-length train and an ornate crinoline is a surefire recipe for disaster.

All eyes will be drawn to them, making you look smaller and less confident in your dress. You can save money by getting a blusher or a flyaway veil instead of a long veil.

In addition to shorter lengths, these are the most figure-flattering options for brides of shorter stature.

wedding dress styles

Here are the best ideas for keeping a bride from looking shorter:

Ball Gown

  • Think of your waistline if it were to rise just a little bit in the middle.
  • Decide on a silhouette with a straighter front and a sloping back.
  • Go for a slim belt or ribbon in a matching (not contrasting) hue.
  • In order to request a less puffy skirt, you can ask for the crinoline or tulle to be taken out.

You should always ask for a tailored small or a petite cut. This will most likely result in an additional fee, but it could save you money on alterations and will definitely prevent you from having a disappointing first fitting.

For Any Other Shape You Like

  • You could try a curved waistline or a modified sweetheart neckline.
  • You can test out various strap widths (an easy alteration or customization).
  • If you want to look taller and more put together, a V-neck is the way to go.
  • A hemline's bottom edge should progressively blend into the skirt.

Avoid Wearing Big Accessories

Your necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and bouquet all fall under this category. In the same vein as the preceding piece of advice, your dress should be the focal point of the room.

Following the aforementioned tips, finding the ideal wedding gown for a petite bride is not difficult at all. By following our advice on the best wedding dresses, we hope you can make your big day one to remember by creating a look that is uniquely you.

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Conclusion

When you have a petite frame, the silhouette (or cut) of the dress you wear is especially important. Certain body types look better in certain cuts than others. Look for an A-line or empire-waist dress if you are on the shorter side of the size spectrum.

More embellishments and lacework can be added to a shorter wedding dress without making it look gaudy. Wearing a cocktail dress to a casual wedding or reception is a fun way to stray from convention.

Since shorter dresses take up less room in the suitcase, they are a great choice for destination weddings. Brides of petite stature should look for wedding gowns that are form-fitting and not too bulky.

Avoiding clothes with low waistlines can make a woman appear taller and longer in the legs. The perfect dress length for a wedding guest should fall between the bride's actual height and the ground. A V-neckline is great for petite brides because it gives the illusion of a longer neck.

If your bust is on the smaller side, you may want to opt for a dress with thin straps, open shoulders, or none at all. When it comes to miniskirts, less is more. Large, cumbersome embellishments, such as bows, should be avoided. Don't bother wearing a frilly princess dress with a train and a veil. If you are uncomfortable in high heels, try wedges or platform shoes.

Alterations can be costly, but a well-tailored small or petite cut can help you avoid that. If you want to look taller and more put together, a V-neck is the way to go. For tiny brides, a curved waistline or a reworked sweetheart neckline can be a good option.

Content Summary

  • While in the end you should choose the wedding dress that you love and that makes you feel beautiful, there are a few things to keep in mind when looking for the perfect dress.
  • We have compiled a list of the Top Wedding Dress Shops in Melbourne to help you select your perfect gown.
  • What shapes of wedding dresses look best on short brides?The silhouette, or cut, of the dress you wear is crucial when you have a small frame.
  • As each girl wants to look ideally at her wedding day, we offer you to pay attention to the following tips on what the best wedding dresses for short brides are.
  • If you absolutely must wear the puffy princess dress, consider opting for an above-the-knee length instead.
  • Dresses with a trumpet or mermaid silhouette are perfect if you want to make a grand entrance.
  • Select a mermaid silhouette for your wedding gown if you're looking for a more feminine look.
  • The sheath silhouette is the perfect choice for a sensual wedding dress.
  • The best way to flaunt your trim physique is to wear a form-fitting sheath dress.
  • A wedding dress for a petite bride should be fitted and slim.
  • We highly recommend going with the sheath silhouette.
  • Dresses with a low waistline, however, can visually elongate the torso and shorten the legs.
  • Try on some wedding gowns with an empire waist if you can.
  • The dress's length is the most crucial factor.
  • Make sure the dress you pick is the right length for you.
  • Equally important is the sleeve length.
  • You should look for sleeveless dresses.
  • Not only do we need to think about the bride's dress, but also the best dresses for the wedding guests.
  • Choose accessories that complement your outfit, help your proportions, and draw the eye upwards to your face.
  • As an additional height enhancer, tie your hair up in an updo.
  • In the case of short dresses, less is more.
  • Avoid big, frothy princess gowns with long, elaborate trains and veils.
  • You can save money by getting a blusher or a flyaway veil instead of a long veil.
  • In addition to shorter lengths, these are the most figure-flattering options for brides of shorter stature.
  • Here are the best ideas for keeping a bride from looking shorter:Ball Gown
  • Think of your waistline if it were to rise just a little bit in the middle.
  • Decide on a silhouette with a straighter front and a sloping back.
  • Go for a slim belt or ribbon in a matching (not contrasting) hue.
  • You should always ask for a tailored small or a petite cut.
  • A hemline's bottom edge should progressively blend into the skirt.
  • In the same vein as the preceding piece of advice, your dress should be the focal point of the room.
  • By following our advice on the best wedding dresses, we hope you can make your big day one to remember by creating a look that is uniquely you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Gowns

DIFFERENT TYPES OF WEDDING DRESS
  • Empire Wedding Gown. This style of wedding gown is the high waist that is right under the bust. 
  • Column (Sheath) Silhouette. This is simple, elegant and sexy. 
  • Trumpet Dress. This is also known as a fit and flare wedding gown. 
  • Ball Gown Wedding Dress. 
  • A-Line Wedding Dress. 
  • Mermaid Dress.

We recommend wearing seamless underwear on your wedding day. They are usually more forgiving and don't hug your hips as much as ones with elastic waists and side seams. If your wedding gown is very fitted, you may want to wear a seamless thong to be extra sure that no one will catch a glimpse of your panty line

Bridal sizing isn't like typical streetwear sizing. While you might be a size 4-6 in jeans, you're in fact a bridal size 8-10, and if you're a size 14-16, you're likely an 18-20. Don't worry about it–sizing is just a number! You'll likely see most of our samples in a bridal size 8, 10, 12, 18, 20 or 22 to try on.

Bride and family pay for bride's dress, veil, accessories and trousseau (read: lingerie and honeymoon clothes). Groom and family pay for the groom's outfit. All attendants pay for their own clothing, including shoes.

Classic wedding dresses are designed to be timeless and come in tried and true silhouettes. A classic wedding dress isn't typically ornate or trendy. Rest assured, classic does not translate to boring. Rather, it simply means relying on tried-and-true silhouettes, necklines, textures, and embellishments.

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