Contrast a short wedding dress with a cathedral veil for a look that's dramatic and ultra chic.
Sweet and chic, short wedding dresses are expressive, chic and they’re all about creating a vibe of effortless ease. Not only are they generally more affordable than longer wedding dresses, but the overall look can be easily transformed with the right wedding accessories. Best of all? You can wear your dress again after your wedding day.
Short wedding dresses allow for greater movement which is perfect for elopements and relaxed nuptials. Keira Knightley inspired us with her short corset ballet dress and it seems bridal designers worldwide have well and truly embraced the short bridal dress.
Can you wear a long veil with a short wedding dress?
We get asked this a lot. And the answer is yes! Previously short wedding dresses were often seen with a short flyaway veil or a cropped veil that fell to the elbows, nowadays it has become more common for brides to up the drama and contrast their short wedding dress with a cathedral veil for a look that’s high style and ultra chic.
When it comes to accessorising short wedding dress, choose accessorises that will reflect the style of your dress, your venue and your personal style. It’s easy to transition from aisle style to evening soirée with a sparkly clutch, statement necklace and fun shoes and you’re good to go.
1. Bridal jewellery and short wedding dresses
Accessorising a short wedding dress allows you to express your personal style and add unique touches to your bridal look. Playing with bridal jewellery including pearl drop earrings, bridal necklaces or pearl bracelets can elevate your ensemble and create a cohesive, chic look.
The right bridal jewellery for you should complement your wedding dress without overpowering it. The choice of jewellery depends on the neckline of your dress and personal style. As a guide, we love the look of a collar-length pearl necklace with a short wedding dress for a classic look. A pearl bracelet, or stack of bracelet, will frame your arms and beautifully accentuate your cropped hemline.
2. Birdcage veils and short wedding dresses
When it comes to styling a wedding dress, a birdcage veil offers a vintage-inspired look that pairs beautifully with pearl drop earrings and a pearl bracelet.
Adding embellishments to your birdcage veil through 3D florals or delicate lacework will draw the eyes upwards and elongate your look.
3. Statement earrings and short wedding dresses
Choose earrings that can add drama and will frame the neckline. Oversized florals or beaded bows suspended from the ears are a beautiful way to extend the details of your look upwards.
We love the look of statement earrings with a short wedding dress as it offers balance to bare legs and feels playful and flirty.
Our stylist tips for accessorising a short wedding dress
- Your shoes will be on full display so feel free to be expressive with them. Think bridal boots or sky high stilettos to a fun pop of colour and drama.
- It’s all about balance and ensuring your accessories are in proportion in size to you and your dress. Statement headpieces or collar length necklaces are a big yes. Find statement pieces that work in harmony with your dress and show off your dress as well as your personal style.
- If you decide to go with a short veil, choose a veil that falls to the shoulders, waist or the hemline of your short wedding dress. Two tiered veils work beautifully and will draw attention to your waist line.
- For a unique alternative to a wedding veil, opt for a bridal shawl to channel your inner Audrey Hepburn. A bridal shawl like our Ballerina shawl will beautifully drape across your arms and accentuate your arms.
Want more bridal inspiration and tips?
For more bridal inspiration and tips, explore the Style Journal on our blog, and follow us on Instagram and Pinterest. We’re here to help you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself on your wedding day, and create the wedding of your dreams.
Need personalised styling advice?
Feel free to send us an email with photos of your wedding dress and bridal hairstyle and we would be happy to send you recommendations and ideas via email.
Every wedding gown and bride is different and the perfect accessories for you will not only depend on your gown but your personal style, vision, height and style. We love to work with our brides to create the perfect veil that you will love to keep as an heirloom after your wedding day.
We are based in Australia and ship worldwide.
