When Diana Mai Carlson and her partner, Andrew, made the choice to elope, they felt liberated from traditional wedding norms. They decided to invite only their closest friends, and rather than opting for an elaborate long dress, Diana selected a short one that captured her heart. I’ve observed an increasing number of short wedding dresses appearing in photos and among friends over the last few years. In this piece, Diana along with six others recount the inspirations behind their lovely — and often quite budget-friendly — dresses…
A Friend Discovered It First
Diana and Andrew tied the knot on the cliffs above El Matador State Beach in Malibu, followed by a delightful Japanese dinner at Nobu.
Photo by A Raw Collection.
“A friend wore this dress for her bridal shower, and I knew it was meant to be mine. It reminded me of an áo dài, a traditional Vietnamese outfit, and I wanted to incorporate my heritage, even in a non-traditional ceremony. My husband measured me in our kitchen using a tape measure, and I bought the dress online. I adored the combination of a short dress with a long veil.”
Photo by A Raw Collection.
Ideal for a Rainy Ceremony
Akai and Joe prepped for their wedding at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, captured moments at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and hosted a small brunch ceremony for their families at Sunday in Brooklyn.
Photo by Kara McCurdy.
“For our intimate Brooklyn wedding, I sought a timeless style with unique details and found this Theory dress online.”
Photo by Kara McCurdy.
“The upper layer is made of organza, which — just so you know — can be tricky to tailor. Between the two different materials and some awkward draping, it took four fittings, a mishap, and two separate tailors to perfect it. I finally collected my dress from the shop the morning of the wedding — with my fingers crossed!”
Photo by Kara McCurdy.
“I felt wonderful in my dress — I kept thinking the word ‘darling.’ The veil truly helped elevate the entire look, making it feel more bridal. Additionally, I was able to romp around in the pouring rain, through muddy grass and city grime, without stressing over my dress’s safety. ”
A Last-Minute Choice That Clicked
Fennel and Sara exchanged vows at a photo studio in Long Island City before 10 dear ones. Between the ceremony and dinner at Mayfield, the couple ventured to Central Park for some photos.
Photo by Sylvie Rosokoff. Sara is on the left; Fennel is on the right.
Fennel explains: “Two months prior to our wedding, I underwent top surgery. I had selected a white Calvin Klein jumpsuit with a cape, but after such a significant change, it didn’t feel appropriate anymore. I had to swiftly find a different option, which was daunting as I was adjusting to my ‘new’ body. Sara and I both desired to wear white, but a long, formal gown didn’t resonate with me. I explored boiler suits, top/skirt combinations, and shorter dresses. After ordering a few online to try at home, I finally zeroed in on a linen jumpsuit from Etsy and a halter-neck dress from Anthropologie. On our wedding morning, the dress felt just right.”
Photo by Sylvie Rosokoff.
“The dress showcased my tattoos and had a slight punk essence. It beautifully honored the tradition of the white dress while allowing me to feel at ease in my own skin. I felt stunning, which is not something I typically associate with myself, and authentically me. I especially loved that Sara and I were both in dresses. Since I wear Dr. Martens almost daily, it felt fitting to don them for our wedding. The night before, I surprised Sara with personalized key charm necklaces as wedding gifts, and we wore those as well.”
A Dressy Homage To Family
Caelan and Wil married at New York’s City Hall on a Friday, followed by a small dinner on Saturday at Torrisi and drinks at Loreley.
Photo by Kara McCurdy.
“Understanding that we were opting for a micro-wedding alleviated much of the stress associated with finding ‘the’ dress. My heritage is Filipino, and my husband’s father is half-Filipino. I was determined to wear a Filipiniana-style dress for our dinner on Saturday. I ordered a custom piece for $275 from a fantastic Etsy seller. The fabric was delightful, and it fit like a dream.”
Photo by Kara McCurdy.
“Above, my sister and her boyfriend are presenting the Filipino cord and veil ceremony. I became unexpectedly emotional and started crying. It was truly meaningful to honor our heritage and share this ceremonial moment with our loved ones. After dinner, we visited a bar where another Filipina bride recognized my ethnicity because of my dress!”
Long Sleeves for a Cozy Celebration
Ali and Simon exchanged vows at the Dublin Registry Office (similar to City Hall), followed by drinks next door at the Storyteller Pub, then a meal at Fade Street Social.
“We prepared together at home. No nerves, just pure excitement. For my dress, I desired something that felt both simple yet structured but with a twist. I was also keen on having sleeves in case it turned chilly, as I absolutely detest being cold.”
“My family was late, and we almost missed the time slot for our ceremony, plus a construction worker shouted at us while we were trying to capture photos! We shared many laughs — the day was truly relaxed and joyful.”
A Dress That Earned Mom’s Approval
Dani and Michael tied the knot at City Hall in New York, then enjoyed a reception for 10 at Palma.
Photo by Kara McCurdy.
“As my mom resides outside the U.S., I ventured to a bridal boutique alone. The sizing options were limited, and the overall experience left much to be desired. I departed feeling defeated and anxious about finding a dress, but then I realized I was close to one of the largest Anthropologie stores in the country. Without an appointment, they accommodated me, and I instantly connected with the sales associate.”
Photo by Kara McCurdy.
“This off-the-shoulder dress embodied the essence I was aiming for. It was comfortable enough for sitting and dancing without issues. At the store, I Facetimed my mom, and she agreed it was stunning.”
A $82 Vintage Discovery
Erika and Christian said their vows at a church in Manhattan, followed by a reception at Sauced in Brooklyn.
Photo by Freda Banks.
“My husband and I expressed our love after just one month of dating. We were already certain we would marry, making the dress purchase a fun start to the planning process. I’ve always been drawn to a Sixties aesthetic, and then I came across an iconic family photograph of my now-husband’s Great Aunt Bess outside a church wearing a short wedding dress. I discovered this wedding dress from that era on eBay for $82, which I then tucked away in a box under the bed.”
Photo by Freda Banks.
“Two months later, he proposed. The dress didn’t fit perfectly and had quite a bit of extra fabric, but I trusted the skilled team at Bode Fine Tailoring. I borrowed earrings that my mother-in-law had worn for her wedding. When I glanced in the mirror just before the photographer arrived, I felt so much like myself in the dress. That was incredibly important to me.”
Would you consider a short wedding dress? If you’re married, did you opt for short or long? Is anyone currently searching for wedding dresses?!
P.S. 4 New York City Hall weddings and “my favorite moment from my wedding.“
(Opening photo by A Raw Collection. Photos of Ali’s wedding captured by family and friends. Other images taken by Kara McCurdy, Sylvie Rosokoff, Freda Banks, and A Raw Collection.)
**7 Gorgeous Short Wedding Dresses You May Want to Consider Wearing**
When it comes to wedding fashion, the conventional long gown is no longer the only selection. Many contemporary brides are choosing short wedding dresses, which bring a stylish and modern twist to bridal attire. Whether planning a laid-back beach wedding or an elegant city hall affair, a short wedding dress can be both fashionable and functional. Below are seven gorgeous short wedding dresses you might think about wearing on your special day.
1. **The Timeless A-Line Dress**
A short A-line dress is ideal for brides seeking a classic aesthetic with a modern edge. This style flatters numerous body types with a fitted bodice and a skirt that gently flares. Choose lace or satin for a touch of sophistication, and consider a tea-length hem for a nostalgic vibe.
2. **The Playful Fit and Flare**
For brides eager to flaunt their curves, a fit and flare dress is a fantastic option. This style hugs the figure through the bodice and hips before flaring out at the skirt, producing a lively and feminine silhouette. Seek dresses adorned with intricate details such as beading or embroidery to enhance the glamour.
3. **The Elegant Sheath**
A sheath dress provides a sleek and refined appearance, perfect for a minimalist bride. This style hugs the body without being overly tight, offering a comfortable yet fashionable choice. Opt for a dress with clean lines and subtle embellishments for understated elegance.
4. **The Enchanting Lace Dress**
Lace is a timeless option for wedding attire, and it looks fantastic in short designs as well. A lace dress can vary from simple and sweet to bold and striking, depending on its design. Consider a dress with a scalloped hem or illusion neckline for added charm.
5. **The Fun Tulle Skirt**
For a whimsical appearance, consider a dress featuring a tulle skirt. This style is suitable for brides wanting to make an impression with their wedding outfit. Pair a tulle skirt with a fitted bodice for a harmonious silhouette, and add a splash of color with a ribbon or belt.
6. **The Stylish High-Low Hem**
A high-low hem dress combines the sophistication of a long gown with the fun of a short dress. This style is perfect for brides wishing to showcase their shoes or infuse some drama into their look. Select a dress with a flowing skirt for added movement and elegance.
7. **The Retro-Inspired Tea-Length Dress**
A tea-length dress pays homage to vintage fashion, providing a delightful and nostalgic appearance. This style typically falls between the knee and ankle, making it perfect for brides who desire a retro aesthetic. Look for dresses with full skirts and delicate accents like bows or buttons for an authentic vintage feel.
In summary, short wedding dresses present a versatile and stylish choice for modern brides. Whether you prefer a classic, romantic, or playful look, there’s a short dress that aligns with your taste and personality. Keep these stunning options in mind as you prepare for your perfect wedding day outfit.
