Which wedding dress is best for petite brides?

You're getting married soon, and you’ve been planning your wedding for several months. You've even set up a timeline. The appointment at the registry office, the budget, the venue and reception, the meal – everything is sorted. 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 what if you're petite, standing under 1.6m, and unsure of which dress to choose? Don’t worry, there are plenty of styles that will enhance your figure. Here are some tips to help you make your choice.

Dresses to Avoid When You're Petite

What type of wedding dress should you choose when you're petite? It's essential to know what to avoid. The first piece of advice from an expert would be to steer clear of excessive material. The goal is to elongate the silhouette of a smaller woman. Therefore, you should avoid dresses that make you appear shorter rather than enhancing your height. Voluminous wedding dresses adorned with bows, ribbons, and frills are not recommended. Crinolines, long trains, classic strapless gowns, and mermaid-style dresses can make you look smaller. As you can see, the dress should make you appear taller, and you should shine among your guests!

Choosing Wedding Dresses Based on Body Shape

Choosing 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 flatter your figure, you should opt for straight, fluid designs and avoid fitted cuts at the waist. Empire dresses and V-necklines will suit you beautifully if you don't have a larger bust.

Women with an A shape have a wider hips and narrower shoulders. Flared bohemian dresses that are cinched at the waist, with boat or V necklines, will be perfect for you. Women with an O shape should avoid bulky volumes and prefer fluid designs. A beautiful shawl can hide fuller arms and add elegance to your outfit. If you have an 8 shape, you’re fortunate. Your rounded shoulders are aligned with the perfect curve of your hips, and you have a well-defined waist. However, avoid empire wedding dresses that won't showcase your harmonious and voluptuous figure. Instead, focus on flowing fabrics and fitted cuts. The X shape is generally slender. You may have a small bust, a slender waist, and shoulders aligned with your hips. Plunging neckline gowns and short styles will look great on you. For a V-shaped body, which is athletic yet feminine, avoid American armholes. Flared dresses and short wedding gowns are ideal as they enhance femininity. If you want more information on wedding dresses suited for each body shape, check out our comprehensive article on the topic here.

Perfect Bohemian Wedding Dresses for Petite Sizes

Bohemian wedding dress

Empire Dress

Fitted under the bust and at a high waist, the bohemian empire wedding dress will delight petite romantic ladies. If you’re wondering what wedding dress to wear when you’re petite, this one is perfect. It takes its name from ancient Greek dresses, and its cut is ideal for smaller busts. Made from light and airy fabric, it suits a silhouette with a less defined waist. You’re in luck because you’ll easily find it in 2020 collections from various brands and designers. For a more poetic touch, the empire dress comes with wide lace straps that will beautifully flatter petite shoulders. When it comes to accessories, keep it simple; long earrings adorned with cream flowers will be enough to highlight your delicate neck. Consider tying your hair up for this look.

Sheath Dress

Incredibly feminine, it offers a sensual line to the wearer. It has the advantage of elongating the silhouette of a petite woman. However, it may not suit an O shape or women with wider hips since it is close-fitting. There are many stunning sheath dresses in fine lace with varied graphics that will give you an elegant appearance.

Short Dress

Nothing compares to a lovely short wedding dress to stand out. In addition to being modern and stylish, it’s practical for those who enjoy freedom of movement. It’s perfect for summer, as it shows off the legs. Ideal for petite women, who can easily accessorise it. Beautiful heeled sandals or elegant open-toe pumps will be perfect. Women with an O shape may prefer a midi wedding dress, which falls just below the knee. Midi short dresses will delight fans of vintage and retro fashion.