Wedding dress styles vary considerably and finding the right type of bridal gown for you can seem a daunting experience – made even trickier if you’re petite. Most brides will need to have their wedding dresses altered, but it can help to buy a gown which is specifically made for petite frames. Petite dresses tend to use less material so they won’t swamp you and will be cut to flatter in certain shapes that specifically suit women under 5’4. With that in mind, we’ve perused the best online stores for sourcing petite wedding dresses to help you find something you’ll love for your big day.
Mia London
When picking a wedding dress as a petite bride we think the most important thing is to feel like yourself in it. That way you will be comfortable and confident all day. Typically it’s good to stay away long embellished trains if you’re petite and keep it simple with an A-line silhouette. At Mia London you’ll find almost 100 dresses exclusively for petite frames, all for excellent value.
Self Portrait
Malaysian-born designer – and Central Saint Martin’s alumnus – Han Chong founded Self-Portrait in an effort to make occasion wear accessible. And now, alongside his wedding guest-friendly dresses he has designed a petite-friendly bridal range that is perfect for shorter brides. The styles are ideal for women who want to make statement on their big day with a contemporary aesthetic but still want a flattering cut. There are plenty of mid length options to choose from and the nipped in waists look beautiful on petite frames.
Milly Bridal
Although Milly Bridal doesn’t exclusively design petite wedding dresses, it carries a line of gowns in petite sizes. The fun and flirty designs are perfect for brides who want something a bit quirky on their wedding day. With lots of shorter and asymetrical hemlines, they’re designed for women who like to show off their legs and don’t want to wear a traditional long dress when they say ‘I do’.
Macy’s
For a long time, petite bridal gowns just meant ‘above the knee’. But luckily designers have caught on and realised that not all petite brides want to wear something short. At Macy’s there is a selection of petite wedding dresses that will fall to the floor without overwhelming your frame. Try to find one that sits just below your ankle so it will make you appear taller when worn with high heels.
David’s Bridal
With over 300 stores, David’s Bridal is one of the biggest wedding retailers in the UK and US. They carry a range of brands and styles including lots of options for petite brides. Try a strapless gown if you want to show off slim shoulders or choose T-shirt length sleeves for a contemporary look.
Ellis Bridals
With a focus on luxury, Ellis Bridals is the place to go if you want to wear something extra special when you walk down the aisle. Being petite shouldn’t prohibit you from trying different styles so be as adventurous as you like. A mermaid shape skirt is so flattering on petite frames because it will hug you at the hips and then give you extra length when it falls to the floor. Don’t be afraid to try tiered styles as long as it’s a simple lace design.
Mirror Mirror
Mirror Mirror has been at the forefront of bridal fashion in London for over 28 years and offer lots of styles that will flatter petite brides. We love the simple column shapes paired with dainty jewellery. You could also try a plunging neckline to elongate the neck and a pendant necklace that will draw the eye down.
Featured image from Mia London
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