For my fellow petite ladies or just women who prefer shorter length dresses, I am here to tell you that you do not need to wear long dresses to the next wedding that you’re attending.
I’ve got you covered with 20 SHORT dresses to wear to a wedding (or other special occasion), with options that work for year round, different destinations and dress codes. Check it out below and be prepared to be the best-dressed guest!
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As a petite woman, I typically opt for shorter dresses compared to longer lengths as they are a lot easier for me to wear and require way less tailoring.
I also LOVE shoes and love to show them off when I get to get all dressed up for a more formal event like a wedding.
There are so many perks to wearing mini dresses to a wedding, and they are truly the most functional for the dance floor!
Here is my ultimate guide to the best wedding guest dresses that are short. These will work for all body types, destinations, weather and more.
Short Wedding Guest Dresses for Warmer Months
Warmer weather calls for lighter, shorter, and comfier styles! The last thing you want to be is too hot or just uncomfortable during spring or summer nuptials.
My key tips to finding a shorter dress to wear for a wedding in warmer months is to opt for light, airy fabrics. Chiffon, lace or thin slinky satin would all make for an excellent choice.
Look for lighter colors when dressing for warmer weather, as darker colors tend to attract the sun.
Keep an eye out for pretty pastels, bright colors or neutrals and avoid your dark jewel tones and little black dresses.
Stick to these same guidelines if you are dressing for daytime weddings as well.
When it comes to spring or summer weddings, stick to thinner sleeves, flattering off shoulders and breezy fabrics.
This is the time to bring out your bright colors such as neon pinks and bright blues, or floral print.
A puff shoulder detail for mini dresses helps to balance out the shorter length but still feels appropriate for a formal event setting.
These details are great guidelines to go off of when choosing a short dress for a wedding in the warmer months.
Short Wedding Guest Dresses for Colder Months
Shorter dresses are not just for warmer months! There are plenty of shorter options that would be a great choice for a fall wedding or winter wedding.
The key to finding a short wedding guest dress in the colder months is to look for a warmer fabric!
Think velvet, thicker satin or embroidered fabric with a heavier weight.
Another key detail when it comes to wearing a short dress for a wedding in cooler weather is sleeves!
Loving these cute Satin Tie cocktail dresses.
Longer sleeves help to balance out the shorter length and will keep your upper body covered and warm.
Long sleeves for a wedding guest dress is perfect as it is so timeless and classic.
Look for thicker fabrics when it comes to fall/winter weddings.
A gorgeous velvet fabric as well as a thicker stain feels luxe and helps you stay warm and stylish.
When dressing for colder months, opt for long sleeves as it is an added detail that looks so sleek and is also really flattering with the shorter length.
You could easily pair any of these styles with a pair of tights or heeled booties to also add some extra warmth.
Short Wedding Guest Dresses for Black-Tie Weddings
If you are attending a black-tie affair, you will be in need of a more formal look.
Typically I think most of us think of a floor length gown when searching for formal attire, but there are so many gorgeous formal dresses that come in a shorter length.
A little black dress of course is a go-to, but there are plenty of options for short dress styles that will work for black-tie weddings.
When it comes to dressing for a more formal wedding, think of luxe fabrics and details.
These key pieces turn a casual celebration dress to a more formal feel that is appropriate for black tie weddings.
These finds above are really great options for a black tie dress code while still opting for the short length as opposed to a maxi dress length.
Luxe details such as beading, feathers and sheer necklines help to give that extra oomph to an otherwise simple silhouette.
This attention to detail really makes your short dress feel appropriate for the formal setting and are just so gorgeous and feminine.
I would pair any of these dresses with some statement jewelry and some simple sleek heels, as well as a sleek updo to really push the glam elements.
Short Wedding Guest Dresses for Beach Weddings
When it comes to a beach destination wedding, the dress code is typically casual and informal compared to traditional weddings.
It is common to wear short party dresses to beach weddings to avoid your longer dress dragging on the sand.
A flowy fit, pretty bright colors and fun floral prints are all go-to’s for breach weddings.
Beach weddings do seem to be more of a casual wedding and have a bit less of a formal feel, so you can easily opt for shorter hemlines and airy, comfortable fabrics.
I loved the silhouette of this cotton dress shown above with the added ruffle and one shoulder detail that makes it totally wedding appropriate!
Simple details like this can really turn more casual dresses into wedding appropriate.
And pro tip – opt for wedges over heels so you do not dig into the sand during the ceremony/reception!
Beach weddings are SO fun and so are the dresses to wear to attend them.
I love to look for airy details such as an open back or flowy silhouette as it not only fits the setting but also helps to keep you cool while on the beach.
You can always pack a shawl or light jacket with you if it cools down into the evening.
When attending a beach destination wedding, I always love to opt for a bold colorful print or just a bright color in general as it is so fitting to the celebration.
Beach weddings do tend to be more casual, so don’t shy away from reaching towards more casual fabrics and dressing up the look with your accessories!
This is an easy trick to utilize a floral vacation dress and turn it into a perfect wedding guest look.
