What Wedding Dress to Choose if You're Petite?

Are you getting married soon? You’ve been planning your wedding for several months now and even set up a timeline. The appointment at the registry office, the budget, the venue, the reception, the catering – everything is sorted. Now it’s time to find your wedding dress. For this magical occasion, which is so significant in your life, you need to look beautiful and elegant. But if you’re petite, standing at less than 1.6 metres, you might be unsure of what dress to choose. Don’t worry! There are plenty of styles that will flatter you. Here are some tips to help you make your selection.

Wedding Dresses to Avoid for Petite Sizes

What are the best wedding dresses for petite brides? Let's explore what you should steer clear of. The first piece of advice from an expert would be to avoid any excess fabric at all costs. The idea is to elongate the silhouette of a petite woman. Therefore, steer clear of dresses that can make you appear shorter instead of accentuating your height. Voluminous wedding gowns adorned with bows, ribbons, and frills are not recommended. Petticoats, long trains, classic strapless dresses, and mermaid silhouettes can also shorten your appearance. Remember, the goal is to look taller and to shine among your guests!

Choosing Wedding Dresses Based on Your Body Shape

Selecting the right wedding dress also involves considering your body shape, especially when you’re petite. If you have a less defined waist, you have an H shape. To enhance your figure, opt for straight and flowy styles and avoid fitted waist cuts. Empire-line dresses and scoop necklines will suit you beautifully if you have a smaller bust.

Women with an A shape have wider hips and narrower shoulders. Flared bohemian dresses that are cinched at the waist, with bateau or V necklines, will look fabulous on you. Rounder women with an O shape should avoid voluminous designs and instead favour flowing fabrics. A lovely shawl can conceal fuller arms and add elegance to your outfit. If you have an 8 shape, you're in luck! Your rounded shoulders are in line with the perfect curve of your hips, and you have a well-defined waist. However, steer clear of empire-line dresses that won't show off your harmonious and voluptuous figure. Instead, focus on flowy fabrics and tailored cuts. The X shape is typically slender, with a smaller bust, a slim waist, and shoulders that align with the hips. You’ll look great in plunge necklines and shorter styles. For a sporty and feminine V shape, avoid American armholes. Flared dresses and shorter styles are ideal, as they bring out your femininity. If you want more information on wedding dresses suited to each body shape, we have a comprehensive article on the topic here.

Perfect Bohemian Wedding Dresses for Petite Sizes

Bohemian wedding dress

Empire Dress

With a fitted bodice under the bust and a high waist, the bohemian empire wedding dress will delight romantic petite brides. If you're unsure about what wedding dress to wear when you’re petite, this one fits the bill perfectly. Named after Greek styles, its cut is ideal for smaller busts. Made from lightweight and airy fabrics, it suits those with a less defined waist. Lucky you! You can easily find this style in the 2020 collections from various brands and designers. For a more poetic touch, the empire dress can come with wide lace straps that will beautifully flatter slim shoulders. When it comes to accessories, keep it simple; long earrings adorned with cream flowers will highlight your delicate neck. Be sure to tie back your hair for this look.

Pencil Dress

Incredibly feminine, this style gives a sensual silhouette to the wearer. It also elongates the figure for petite women. However, it’s not suitable for those with an O shape or women with wider hips, as it is fitted. There are gorgeous options in fine lace, featuring diverse designs that will give you a refined look.

Short Dress

Nothing beats a lovely short wedding dress for standing out. Aside from being modern and stylish, it's practical for those who love freedom of movement. Perfect for summer, as it will show off your legs. Ideal for petite women who can easily accessorise it. Beautiful heels or stylish open-toe shoes are perfect. Women with an O shape might prefer midi wedding dresses, which fall below the knee. Midi short dresses will delight lovers of vintage and retro fashion.