Glamorous short wedding dresses

Get shortie! Our glamorous pick of short wedding dresses offer a fresh and contemporary alternative to full length, so perfect if you’re planning a relaxed ceremony or want to show off your finest assets

Short wedding dresses are perfect for laid back wedding celebrations. They are also a surefire choice if you are marrying in a warmer climate, where carrying a full-length wedding gown can add travel stress and drastically cut into your luggage allowance. To carry off this look, ensure you get the balance of details right – paying careful attention to heel height, bouquet and headdress. As a rough guide, the shorter the hem, the more pared down your accessories should be. But don’t be afraid of  adding a bit of drama – a jaunty wedding hat or beautiful flower headpiece can be the perfect way to top off a short wedding dress. And a very large diamond ring works every time.

Sixties shift: Emma Hunt London is a go-to designer for a modern bridal silhouette. Coco is a super-wearable shift with just a hint of Sixties’ It-Girl, and features on-trend lace overlay. emmahunt.co.uk

Beach baby: Perfect for the beach or poolside – and easy to top with a shrug or shawl for a more formal ceremony – Mimi, by Stephanie Allin, combines a romantic full skirt with contemporary bandeau-style top. It features sweet details such as a button-back bodice. stephanieallin.net

Let it flow: Zaeem Jamal’s King’s Road atelier creates flowing designs for brides, with beautiful hand finishes such as exquisite hand beading. This low-key white dress features an exquisite neckline detail and would be a classic choice for a high-summer or beachside ceremony. zaeemjamal.com

Go figure: This form-fitting number, with ruching and sparkle to hem and neckline, gives guaranteed standout at day-into-evening celebrations and proves that short wedding dresses can be just as glamorous as the traditional long length. It’s from designer Ian Stuart, whose experience of designing for both London and New York weddings makes him past master of looks for grown-up brides. ianstuart-bride.com

Swing out sister: An elegant take on Fifties style, with neat fitted bodice and a full swing skirt, Mayfair Mini features a frothy transparent overlay. ianstuart-bride.com