I do understand that not everyone agrees with me. Obviously not everyone agrees with me, because there are quite a lot of short dresses making it onto the runways today! And some, I admit, are pretty darling.  So if you’re got a beach wedding planned or just want to slip into something easier to dance in (after you’ve had your fun in the ball gown!), here are some delightful little dresses to consider!

All photos from Martha Stewart Wedding.

Matthew Christopher

Modern Trousseau

Matthew Christopher

Monique Lhuillier

Simone Carvalli

Ines di Santo

Aria

Matthew Christopher

Simone Carvalli

See more short dresses at Martha Stewart Wedding!

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All photos from Martha Stewart Weddings

J. Crew. Spring 2011, jcrew.com

J. Crew, Spring 2011, jcrew.com

J. Crew, Spring 2011, jcrew.com

Pear Shaped: An A-line dress like this one, by Jim Hjelm, has a V-neckline, spaghetti straps, and a natural waist, so it highlights the tiniest part of your figure and disguises your more voluptuous hips.

Petite: A shorter bride, looking for something sassy, should opt for a knee length dress, like this ruffle collar dress by Thread. Something longer, or tea length, may make you look even shorter.

Athletic: If you’ve got a boyish frame and broad shoulders, Then this style by Peter Langner, could look great on you. The V-shape will draw the eye downward and create the illusion of a more petite frame while a cinched waistline will help you fake an hourglass shape.

Short torso: A bold, vertical embellishment, like the floral applique on this Carolina Herrera design, paired with a halter neckline is an elegant way to elongate your figure.

Problem areas: This sparkles on this dress by Platinum for Priscilla of Boston serve as a great distraction for any areas you want to hide. It also has a pretty sweetheart neckline and corseted bodice that will flatter any figure.

Tummy Tuck: A draped skirt and a center-knotted waistline will create a cinching effect. Add some heels and that tummy bulge is all gone!

Skinny-minny: This Amsale gown illustrates how there’s nothing like all-over ruching and slim tiers to give you an hourglass figure.

Arm-conscious: For a design with a bit more upper-arm coverage, will love the flutter sleeves on this gown by Nicole Miller.

Floral Details
One of the main trends for 2009 is floral details. Almost every designer on the catwalks featured a bridal design with flowers, in all shapes and sizes, from delicate floral embroidered lace to bold Mikado rose petal skirts.
“There are few things as feminine and beautiful as a flower. It is the perfect complement to bridal fashion, and a fabulous way to give your dress that extra delicate touch,” Rachel Vowels, Editor of B Magazine and WOL says.

Cymbeline Paris

Light and Airy
Some brides may be glad to know the days of dragging around a heavy wedding gown are over (for this season at least). For 2009, designers are all about lighter materials such as taffeta and organza, with romantic details and waistlines. This trend makes dancing, eating and breathing much easier!
“Romance has always been a staple in bridal wear, but this year you are seeing a return to classically feminine and soft looks; suited to the bride who wants to look as if she is floating down the aisle. Try layering soft fabrics and adding details like an elegant bow under the bust, or having one shoulder strap for that goddess style,” says Rachel.

Jim Hjelm Bridal Spring 2009 @ Brides.com:

Texture
Last year we saw an increased interest in texture style, and 2009 is pushing the trend even further. Layered fabric, ruching, and lacy overlays are all over the catwalks for 2009.
“No matter what your body type, the texture trend is perfect. You just need to find the type that suits you. For the bride with a shapely figure, try light ruching in the on the hip, if you are hour glass shape, try a mermaid style gown with a full ruffle skirt,” Rachel Vowels says.

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2009

Lace
There are few things as elegant as a lace wedding dress, matched with a mantilla veil and simple hair and make-up. It is also a timeless trend that will not have you kicking yourself in 20 years when you look back at the wedding photos.  In 2009 we will see graceful styles using illusion and boat necklines, as well as lace detail in the neckline and sleeves.
“If you are a bride who is worried about showing too much, lace sleeves are your answer. Lace is great for coverage, but still emanates femininity. You can find countless dresses this season with either full length, three quarter length or capped sleeves.”

Mori Lee lace wedding gowns

Short hemlines
It is hard to imagine wearing a short dress as a wedding gown, but bridal designers are big supporters of the short hemline this year. For the destination wedding, summer nuptial or the bride who wants a bit of edgy style, this look is perfect.
“Often brides overlook finding the dress that suits the season of their wedding, the mini dress is perfect for the summer event. Or some brides find that one wedding dress is just not enough, so they are using the mini dress as a second dress for the reception!”

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2009

Sleek and Sculpted

The ultimate in sophistication is beautiful, sleek, shining hair, pulled back into a coiled bun or teased into a modern beehive. These timeless styles will have you ready to walk down the isle… or the red carpet… in no time!

Loose and Lovely

This look of effortless elegance will do for the most casual of beach weddings or the most extravagant event of the year.  Starting with an extreme side part, sweep your hair back in sections and pin the ends under. Anchor straggling ends with jeweled hair combs. Or try a low ponytail that’s teased before being styled into a loose chignon.

Romantic

If you’ve spent a lifetime dreaming of your prince, a loose up-do with soft, wispy tendrils or sensual, sweeping curls would suit your fairy tale style.Two long plaits are wrapped around the head for an earthy-but-angelic look. A classic French twist is just right for starry-eyed brides seeking a sweet yet simple up-do.

Glamorous

Want to achieve the dramatic look of a silver screen star, like this Audrey Hepburn coiffure? Pile your hair up… It’s all about height and sculpted curls… and don’t forget the red lipstick!

Hair Accents and Accessories

Put the finishing touch on your up-do with earls and rhinestones, ribbons and feathers…A tiara is always classic, or a crown of crystal flowers. Not a tiara type of girl? Try feathers, sparkling clips or a headband. You can achieve the glamor of an up-do even if your hair barely grazes your earlobes. Here, curls are caught up in a headband by Jennifer Behr, jenniferbehr.com.

Flower Power

For just a few dollars, you can purchase nature’s perfect adornment, and they come in every size, shape, and color. A couple fresh blooms tucked among your curls, a big, exotic blossom, or an entire crown of mulit-color flowers will transform you into a fairy princess or the Queen of May.

• “We are humble people who do not live fancy schmancy lives…” For her, a shorter dress equals simplicity.
• “I also don’t fancy the idea of a dress dragging behind me like a dead fish. I want to be light on me feet…” (Well, when you put it that way!! You can always bustle it up after the ceremony!)

In any case, there’s nothing “dead fish” about these dresses. Here are the pictures from her “inspiration board:”

I’m definitely a long wedding dress type of gal, but here is one beauty that almost makes me change my mind. OK, I’ve already had my chance at wedding gowns, (and wore a lovely, long dress with a train!) so it’s not really up for discussion, but IF I was still looking for a dress, this would be up for serious consideration!! It’s a Stephanie Allin “modern vintage look” that I found at the bridal wish list blog:

Some other ideas for short wedding dresses, compliments of tickled pink brides (Top row by Rivini; Middle row by Anne Barge; Bottom row by Romona Keveza):

If I had to go with a short wedding dress, I’d chose one that swirls!! I love the one in the middle with the silver sash and the one right under it with the long sleeves. Gorgeous!

What’s your short wedding dress style?