What Wedding Dress Should You Choose If You're Petite?

You’re getting married soon, and you’ve been planning your wedding for several months. You’ve even created a timeline. The appointment at city hall, the budget, the venue and reception hall, the meal—everything is set. It’s time to find your wedding dress. For this magical event, which is so important in your life, you need to look beautiful and elegant. But wait, you’re petite, measuring less than 1.60m, and you don’t know which dress to choose. Don’t worry; there are several styles that will complement your figure. Here are some tips to help you with your selection.

Wedding Dresses to Avoid When You’re Petite

What kind of wedding dress should you consider when you’re petite? First off, an expert would advise you to steer clear of excessive material. The goal is to elongate the silhouette of a petite woman. Thus, you should avoid dresses that compress your figure instead of showcasing it. Voluminous wedding gowns adorned with bows, ribbons, and frills are not recommended. Crinolines, long trains, classic strapless gowns, and mermaid dresses tend to shorten your appearance. You got it—your dress should make you look taller, and you should shine among your guests!

Choosing Wedding Dresses According to Your Body Type

Choosing the right wedding dress also means considering your body type, especially if you’re petite. If you have a less defined waist, you have an H shape. To highlight your figure, opt for straight and flowy styles while avoiding waist-cinching cuts. Empire waist dresses and necklines will work wonders for you if you don’t have a larger bust.

Women with an A shape typically have a wider hip and narrower shoulders. Flowy bohemian dresses that are fitted at the waist with boat or V-necklines look fabulous on them. Curvy women with an O shape should avoid volume and favour fluid styles. A lovely shawl will cover fuller arms and add elegance to your outfit. Lucky you if you have an 8 shape; your rounded shoulders align perfectly with your curvy hips, and your waist is well defined. However, steer clear of empire cut dresses, as they won’t highlight your harmonious and voluptuous figure. Instead, focus on flowy fabrics and tailored cuts. The X shape is generally slender, with a small bust, a defined waist, and shoulders aligned with the hips. Daring plunge necklines and short styles will suit you well. For a V shape, characterized by a sporty and feminine figure, American armholes should be avoided. Flared and short wedding dresses are perfect as they add femininity. If you'd like more information on wedding dresses suited for each body type, check out our comprehensive article on the subject here.

Perfect Bohemian Wedding Dresses for Petite Sizes

Bohemian wedding dress

Empire Dress

Tightly fitted under the bust and high-waisted, the bohemian empire wedding dress will delight romantic petite brides. If you’re pondering what wedding dress to wear when you’re petite, this one is a great fit. It draws its name from Greek-style gowns, and its cut is perfect for smaller busts. Made from lightweight and airy fabric, it flatters a less defined waist. Lucky for you, it will be easy to find in the 2020 collections from various brands and designers. For the more poetic bride, the empire dress comes with wide lace straps that will beautifully complement slender shoulders. As for accessories, keep it simple; long earrings adorned with cream flowers will nicely highlight your delicate neckline. Remember to style your hair up for this.

Sheath Dress

Particularly feminine, it offers a sensual line to the wearer. It has the advantage of elongating the silhouette of petite women. However, it’s not suitable for O-shaped body types or women with wider hips, as it is form-fitting. There are stunning models of lace sheath dresses available with varied graphics that will grant you a refined look.

Short Dress

Nothing beats a lovely short wedding dress to stand out. Beyond being modern and stylish, it’s practical for those who love to move freely. Ideal for summer, as it shows off the legs. Perfect for petite women who can easily accessorize it. Nice heeled sandals or chic open-toed pumps are just right. Women with an O shape should rather choose a midi-length wedding dress, which falls just below the knee. Midi short dresses will delight vintage and retro fashion lovers.