One of the key factors to looking and feeling spectacular on your wedding day is choosing a gown that fits not only your style but your stunning shape as well! For petite brides, this means searching for petite wedding dresses that shows off your figure without overpowering it. Â
Finding a wedding dress for petite brides should be a fun and memorable experience, so we put together some of our best shopping tips for petite women and rounded up some of our favorite petite wedding gowns. Read on for our comprehensive guide to find your dream wedding gown!Â
Petite Wedding Dress Shopping Tips
Most wedding dresses come in standard sizing, with petite bridal gowns being a rarity, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a gown you love. Here are a few things for petite brides to remember for a stress-free shopping experience!
- Bring the shoes you plan on wearing or a pair of the same height to your appointment. You will be surprised at how a few extra inches can change the look of a dress and its proportions in relation to your figure. Likewise, step off the pedestal in every gown you try on!
- Think petite in all aspects. While you can certainly wear a ballgown or rock a fantastic train, we recommend opting for dresses with scaled-down versions of the details you love. Light fabric is also a plus!
- Keep alterations in mind! When choosing your petite wedding dress, consider the type and cost of alterations that may be required. While you can alter a gown to your proportions, some bridal gowns are easier to alter than others.
What are the Best Dress Silhouettes for Petite Brides?
Of course, you should wear what makes you feel beautiful on your wedding day regardless of others’ opinions, but there are a few key tips for finding the ideal styles and silhouettes for those with smaller frames. Flattering dresses for petite women include A-lines, sheaths, columns, fit-and-flare or mermaid silhouettes. A-line gowns with bodices that end at the natural waist make the legs appear longer, highlight the waist and are an excellent substitute for larger ballgowns that may overwhelm the petite bride.
For a more streamlined look, sheath and column silhouettes elongate the body and hug the curves. While these two silhouettes are often seen as the same, they are different! You can determine which is best for you by reading our post about Sheath vs. Column Wedding Dresses.
For the bride who wants to show off their shape with a touch of red-carpet glamour, a fit and flare or mermaid is a fitting silhouette that looks stunning on an hourglass figure. Avoid any super voluminous skirts, as they may shorten the body.
What are the Best Necklines for Petite Brides?
Just as there are ideal silhouettes for the petite bride, there are also necklines that favor petite women! While a neckline may seem like a small detail, this design element can go a long way in flattering the petite figure. To elongate the body, opt for a V or plunging neckline, which draws the eye vertically and looks especially beautiful on petite women with hourglass figures.
Sweetheart necklines are classic and flatter a smaller bust. Petite brides with a longer neck can wear a high neckline beautifully, while those with a shorter neck can create the illusion of a longer neck and highlight the decolletage with a strapless or off-the-shoulder style.
What are the Best Waistlines for Petite Brides?
The best waistlines for petite brides are those that work with their natural proportions — a bodice that highlights the natural waist and is universally flattering. We don’t recommend drop-waisted styles, as styles with skirts that flare at the hips can make the legs look short.
Petite Wedding Dresses
Fit-And-Flare Petite Wedding Dress
Glamorous, sleek and oh-so-chic, Essense of Australia Style D3637 is a sexy, boho style fit-and-flare matte lace wedding gown for the modern petite bride. The wideset shoulder straps and plunging squared V illusion neckline are complemented by square illusion plunge details at the sides. The demure scooped back finishes with a row of fabric-covered buttons for an added timeless touch, while the flared skirt is adorned with swirling floral lace to the edge of its sweeping train for a fabulous finish.
Sheath Petite Wedding Dress
Sheath wedding dresses are sexy, slimming and timeless, making them ideal dresses for petite brides! Stella York Style 7597 is a stunning strapless sheath wedding dress in pure ivory lace and luxurious crepe. A soft sparkle emanates from the lace of the sweetheart bodice before diving into a deep plunging neckline lined in porcelain tulle. The waist gracefully melts into a crepe skirt to form an elegant silhouette that elongates the body. Fabric-covered buttons and a gentle sweeping train trimmed in delicate lace and soft sparkling accents finish the look.Â
A-Line Petite Wedding Dress
The All Who Wander maeve gown is an excellent choice for the ethereal petite bride! Delicate flowing tulle and 3D floral lace appliqués paired with detachable off-the-shoulder blouson sleeves provide a light and dreamy effect. The sheer bodice of tulle and lace with sparkling beading adds a romantic sexiness. While a discreet row of classic fabric-covered buttons completes the back. The soft A-line skirt with gathered layers of frothy tulle provides volume without overwhelming the petite bride. Â
Simple Petite Wedding Dress
Simple gowns are in for 2023 and are ideal for the petite bride! Designed in luxe liquid crepe, Essense of Australia Style D3634 is a chic ivory column gown that exudes clean simplicity and contemporary sophistication. The strapless neckline naturally unfolds into a pleated and draped bodice that accentuates the natural waist. In the back, timeless fabric-covered buttons form a row from the top of the bodice to the edge of the sweeping train. A minimalist column skirt glides across the form like liquid to part at the front in a sexy side slit that brings the wow factor.
Accessorizing as a Petite Bride
Bridal accessories can make or break the wedding day look for brides with petite frames! Petite wedding dresses are best accessorized with pieces that don’t overwhelm the figure or take away from your gorgeous gown. Think dainty jewelry and headpieces and simple veils with minimal embellishments.
Also, take into account the style of your dress. For example, a long cathedral veil trimmed in lace may be beautiful with a simple sheath but overwhelming when paired with a lace ballgown.
Ready to find a stunning gown for your petite frame? Find a store location near you and book an appointment to start shopping. Happy shopping!