I got a lot of comments on my short wedding dress in my post, Informal “Formals” so I thought I’d address this in more detail. I didn’t set out to buy a short wedding dress. After looking at many different dresses at many salons (see my “dress shopping” post), Anju, the wonderful woman helping me at Mark Ingram’s Bridal Atelier said, “I have an idea, I’ll be right back.”
When I first started looking for my wedding dress I was drawn to lace and all things romantic! I also knew (or thought I did anyway), that I didn’t want a strapless gown. Basically I was trying to avoid the standard A-line long strapless wedding dress I’d seen in every magazine! Don’t get me wrong, it’s a lovely silhouette, but I just wanted something that was more “me,” you know?
So, Anju brought me two dresses. The first was a short Monique Lhuillier similar to this one (except on my five foot nothing frame it was more mid calf):
It was lace — which I liked, and the short was a bit of whimsy. OK, I thought, this is a nice thought. And it had pockets which I just adored! But it wasn’t quite perfect. I didn’t feel beautiful in it.
The second was a two piece short raw silk gown. I didn’t know what to make of it. She told me it was a “Romona” and I smiled as if I knew what that meant.
It turns out it was a Romona Keveza from her Legends Collection (I discovered this when I scoured the internet to find the dress). When I brought my mother to New York to see the dress she said “You look adorable!” That was her first reaction. Then she said I looked like a Degas Ballerina.
And when I showed it to a dear friend from college she gasped and said “Oh my god! You’re Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face!”
Now, here I am at my last fitting:
Here are things I love about my dress:
1) It’s comfortable. I had room to eat, could sit comfortably and really enjoyed wearing it.
2) Wearing it again. Because it’s two pieces I can (and will) wear it again. I’m already thinking about being invited to some fabulous black and white New Year’s party (I’m open to your invitations ;)). I have a black velvet and raw silk top that would look awesome with the skirt!
3) Any shoes I wanted. Because the length was a non issue, I was able to buy any shoes I wanted and didn’t worry about the height of back up shoes for the reception. Also, major bonus, people could see my fantastic Cynthia Rowley Shoes.
4) No Bustle. Because there was no bustle to worry about I could sit easily, dance easily and just enjoy the party.
5) It’s different and totally me. Because I’m so petite one of the issues I had with dress shopping was, even though I tried on many beautiful gowns, they just seemed to be wearing me.
Some Tips:
If a short dress is what you’re after, don’t go straight to wedding gown salons. If I hadn’t fallen in love with this dress first I would have looked off the rack. Take a look at white party dresses at department stores. Even if you spent $300-$800 on a fabulous designer cocktail or party dress, that is still much less than your typical wedding gown.
During the planning process I got a lot of “Love the short dress, wish I had the courage,” or “I could never do it, but it looks great on you.” So I say to you — don’t be motivated by convention. If you want to wear a short dress to your wedding — I say go for it! Just because tradition says it’s not “bridal” or you don’t think it’s formal enough for a wedding doesn’t mean you can’t look fabulous! If you feel beautiful that is all your husband and guests are going to see.
So now I’m dying to know — are there any other bees or readers out there who were or plan to be short dress brides? If so, was it for a first or second wedding? I know that it used to be the case that women would choose a shorter dress for a second marriage. I’d LOVE to see photos of you in your dress! I felt like a huge minority in the process (not that I minded at all) but it would be lovely to share with some other short dress brides!
Totally! Your dress is great!
My friend is making me one… long empire waist with a train but I was always going to get a backup dress. I searched ebay etc. Well, I was walking down Madison Avenue last week and saw the best dress in the window of Morgane Le Fay, ivory color, mid calf. It looks like a princess ballerina dress. ( I wish I could find a photo- it’s at the tailor). I’m totally wearing it down the aisle if my other dress doesn’t come through. Definitely I will change into it at my reception. And I will wear it again! * Disclaimer- I’m having a destination wedding so I think the rules on the dress are a little more lax.
I agree– your dress is super fabulous. You look amazing in it and somehow, it’s modern, chic, and classic all at once.
Short dress brides unite! I am also wearing a cocktail length dress for my wedding and am head over heels in love with it. My favorite part of wearing a short dress is getting to show off a fabulous pair of hot pink peep-toe shoes! It feels totally ‘me’ and that’s what I was hoping for.
For wintertime, St. John Knits has some really beautiful evening suits suitable (pun intended) for a bride.
i’m so going for a short dress. I want to wear red shoes, they are my trademark. This way everyone gets to see them.
I’m going to be a short dress bride! I was excited to see your dress. It’s good to see another real bride in a short dress. My dress is actually exactly what I pictured when I thought about my dream dress. I tried on many beautiful dresses but when I tried on this one my face lit up and my mom told me she knew it was the one. I agree with what you said about it being “you.” I feel like this dress is very “me” and I can’t wait until I get to wear. Oh, and this is my first wedding.
I’m going to have a short dress! Our wedding is going to be a very casual beach affair; my dress is cotton with a neat semi-eyelet texture.
I could have loved a long dress, too — but this one is very ‘me’ and I’ll be able to wear it over and over.
I am also wearing a short dress… AND it’s red. This is my first wedding. I just didn’t feel like I had to have a long white dress just because that’s what’s “done” — in fact, I wanted something different and, as you say, “me.” I look better in dark colors and I like them better, so I’m going to wear my favorite color. And I’ve always thought I’d feel like I was at my prom again if I wore a floor-length dress onto the dance floor — to me, it’s all about the dancing!
I’m a short dress bride! It’s off-the-rack from Milly New York, my favorite dress designer. It’s very 60s and it has the most beautiful day coat in the same fabric. I’m so excited. No offense to the strapless a-liners out there, but I just couldn’t picture myself doing something like that.
another short dress bride here and I wouldn’t have it any other way! *first wedding*
Hey Onion! I actually left you a note about this on your last post under my old user name (Jillibean) but I too am hoping to be a short dress bride. We’re getting married outdoors by a pond so the idea of dragging yards of fabric after me just doesn’t make sense. I only hope that my klutziness doesn’t get the best of me and that legs manage to remain bruise free on the big day (seriously, I bounce off our furniture like a pinball, it’s sad).
I’m wearing a short dress. It’s my first wedding and a short dress was my original plan. I’m also shot, and floor length dress just overwhelm my frame. I got a very simple short white dress, and my mother (who in a previous life was a seamstress) is making me a lace jacket and satin sash to go over it.
I plan on wearing a short dress. My main concern with a long, poofy dress was that I might look like I was playing dress up…considering I’m 5′1. I think a short dress will be perfect for my winery wedding.
I am planning to where a short dress. My first (and ONLY!) wedding. I am 5′7 but I am modern and chic and short just feels right.
I am planning to where a short dress. My first (and ONLY!) wedding. I am 5′7 but I am modern and chic and short just feels right.
Me too! I tried some awesome short dresses on in London by Candy Anthony (http://www.candyanthony.com/) and my tailor friend is going to recreate one of those for me as they’re a little pricey… But for anyone on this side of the pond I highly recommend her - she is exclusively short, 50’s and fabulous!
My dressmaker is copying the Funny Face dress for me, based on a pattern from the fifties that i bought off the internet! My wedding’s next weekend, so I’ll try to post a picture for you afterwards. I feel like a ballerina in it - soooo romantic!
I LOVE your short dress, and it was definitely up for consideration in my dress search, but in the end, I wanted something longer. I am trying to find a less expensive short dress as a reception dress, though, so I can dance and not worry about damaging my lace gown. Maybe someone could post some other short options out there (hint, hint). 
yep… I’m going the short dress route (first wedding). We’re having a day wedding so having a big long gown just doesn’t do it for the occasion. Love the dress! It is very chic!
i love your dress! and i almost got that same monique dress at mark atelier last week!!!
I wore a short dress and it was great! It actually was a white bridesmaid’s dress that I got for quite a deal. Check it out!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33411984@N00/1459993548/
ME TOO! My husband and I had a beachy shabby chic wedding this past July 4th in Hawaii. My shorter dress worked perfect with our vision and easy to move around in; jumping waves, walking on the beach and bustin’ a move on the dance floor! = D
mine is short too and for exactly the reason you gave. All of the long dresses that I tried on just made me feel like you saw the dress but not me and not my personality. I’m fun, I’m flirty and so is my wonderful dress.
I want your pockets though. that is FANTASTIC!
Mrs. Onion I love your dress- so classy, elegant and different!
Marisa makes a real pretty short lacy dress, style # 584. I don’t see it on the Marisa website, but HouseofBrides.com has it. I’m wearing a knock-off version of it for our justice of the peace wedding as soon as it comes in from the ebay seller.
I love those two dresses. If i had an outdoor wedding I would definately go for a short dress. That Monique dress is actually on EBAY right now for auction.
Woow The dress is fabulous, n ofcourse u r looking oustanding in tat dress.
[...] and flirty! I wouldn’t be surprised if many more brides started becoming short dress brides! (Mrs. Onion, looks like you’re ahead of the [...]
LOVE the short dress & I’m definitely planning on having a tea length dress, myself! Yay for short dress brides! 
I haven’t really started looking for dresses heavy-duty, yet. I browse online while I’m at work (shhh! ;)) & completely second your idea of shopping for a shorter wedding dress outside of bridal stores! There are some absolutely gorgeous white/off-white/cream/champange cocktail dresses to be found ALL friggin over the place. I look every time I go into a store!
Oh! And this is going to be my first, and last, marriage. 
[...] The thing is, I thought I knew. I was all but certain I was going to follow the famous footsteps of Mrs. Onion and rock a shortie on my big day. After all, I’ve got the gams (my legs are 38 inches long) and I [...]
I’m so happy to join you in the land of short dress brides
You’re an inspiration, missy.
Miss Candy Corn — HOORAY another short dress bee! That’s wonderful — I can’t wait to see photos and hear all about it.
Miss Onion, NYC/Burlington, VT
Age and Occupation: 26, PR & Marketing and Jazz Singer
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Data Analyst
Engagement Date: April 2, 2006
Wedding Date: September 2007
Blogging Since: July 11, 2007
Venue: Restaurant in Burlington
About Me: I didn't think I'd be "that girl," but I am having so much fun planning our wedding (mostly by myself). I'm a PR and Marketing Director for a major jazz festival and camp by day, and by night, a romantic jazz singer and bride-to-be! I hope all my research can help other brides in their planning.
I absolutely LOVE your dress.
It is one of the coolest, chic-est one I’ve seen in a long time.
It’s a good mix of nostalgia (50’s styling) and the new- exactly what I am looking for for my own reception.=)
I agree with - go with what feels like you and what you like/looks great on you.