What Wedding Dress to Choose if You're Petite?

You are getting married soon, and it has been several months since you started organising your wedding. You’ve even created a timeline. The appointment at the registry office, budget, venue, catering—everything is sorted. Now it's time to look for your wedding dress. For this magical occasion, which is such an important milestone in your life, you need to look beautiful and elegant. However, if you are petite, standing under 1.60m, you might be unsure about which dress to choose. Don’t worry; there are several styles that will flatter your figure. Here are some tips to help you make your choice.

Dresses to Avoid If You’re Petite

When considering wedding dresses for a petite figure, it’s important to know what to avoid. The first piece of advice from any expert would be to steer clear of excess material. The aim is to elongate the silhouette of a petite woman. Thus, you should avoid dresses that weigh you down rather than highlighting your figure. Bulky wedding gowns adorned with bows, ribbons, and frills are not recommended. Hoop skirts, long trains, classic strapless gowns, and mermaid styles tend to shorten your appearance. As you've understood, the dress should make you look taller, allowing you to shine in front of your guests!

Wedding Dresses According to Your Body Shape

Choosing the right wedding dress also means considering your body shape, especially when you are petite. If you have a less defined waist, you have an H shape. To accentuate your figure, you should opt for straight and flowing designs and avoid fitted waist styles. Empire dresses and V-necklines will look wonderful on you if you have an average bust.

Women with an A shape have a wider hip and narrower shoulders. Flowy bohemian dresses with defined waists and boat or V-necklines will flatter them beautifully. Curvy women with an O shape should avoid bulky styles and favour fluidity. A beautiful stole can conceal fuller arms and add elegance to your outfit. If you're lucky enough to have an 8 shape, your rounded shoulders align perfectly with your curvy hips, and your waist is well-defined. However, avoid empire wedding dresses as they won't enhance your harmonious and voluptuous figure. Instead, focus on flowing fabrics and fitted cuts. If you have a slender X shape with a smaller bust, defined waist, and shoulders in line with your hips, plunging necklines and shorter styles will suit you splendidly. For a V shape that’s athletic yet feminine, avoid American armholes. Flared dresses and short styles are ideal as they add a touch of femininity. For more information about wedding dresses suitable for each body shape, we have a comprehensive article on the topic here.

Perfect Bohemian Wedding Dresses for Petite Sizes

Bohemian wedding dress

Empire Dress

Tight under the bust and at a high waist, the bohemian empire wedding dress will delight petite romantic brides-to-be. If you are wondering which wedding dress to wear when you’re petite, this one is perfect. It gets its name from Greek dresses and its cut is tailored for smaller busts. Made from lightweight, airy fabric, it suits a figure with a less defined waist. You’ll be lucky to find it easily in the 2020 collections from various brands and designers. For the more poetic, the empire dress features wide lace straps that will beautifully flatter slender shoulders. When it comes to accessories, there’s no need to overdo it—long earrings adorned with ivory flowers will suffice to highlight your delicate neck. Remember to tie back your hair for this.

Sheath Dress

This style is particularly feminine, providing a sensual silhouette to the wearer. It has the advantage of elongating the figure of a petite woman. However, it may not be suitable for those with an O shape or women with wide hips, as it is fitted. There are exquisite models of lace sheath dresses with varying designs that will give you a refined look.

Short Dress

Nothing beats a lovely short wedding dress for standing out. Not only is it modern and stylish, but it’s also practical for those who enjoy freedom of movement. Perfect for summer as it reveals the legs. Ideal for petite women who can easily accessorise it. Beautiful heeled sandals or elegant open-toe shoes would be perfect. Those with an O shape should opt for a midi wedding dress, meaning just below the knee. Midi dresses will delight vintage and retro fashion lovers.