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woman in short dress

Can I Wear a Short Dress to a Wedding?

Getting dressed for a wedding can be a stress-inducing task. You’re likely to see people you don’t know or people you haven’t seen in a long time. What’s more, there will undoubtedly be photographers and even videographers walking around capturing everyone. In short, you want to look your absolute best. One question that guests often ask: can you wear a short dress to a wedding?

If you’ve found the perfect dress, but it’s a bit on the short side, you might be wondering about the length. So, how long should wedding dresses be? Unfortunately, there’s not a straightforward answer. It depends on several factors, including the dress code of the wedding itself. Let’s take a look.

The “short” answer is yes, sometimes. These days, weddings just aren’t as formal as they used to be, and there are fewer expectations for guests when it comes to what they wear. 

However, there is such a thing as too short or too revealing. It depends on your height, as well. Essentially, when we talk about too short, we’re talking about a dress that threatens to reveal places that no wedding guest should see during the reception and ceremony. 

You also don’t want a short dress that is too tight. You’re already showing off your legs. It’s best to stay professional and draw attention towards the bride and groom, not yourself.

Generally speaking, be sure that whatever you wear is flattering on your body type. You can check many websites that can advise you on the most flattering dress profiles for your body type.

Be careful about the seasonality and color as well. You don’t want to wear a pastel dress with tiny flowers in the middle of winter, no matter how beautiful it is. In addition, you may want to avoid pure white or the exact colors of the bridesmaid dresses.

When to Avoid Wearing Short Dresses to a Wedding

There are a few circumstances in which wearing a short dress can be inappropriate. At many black-tie or formal weddings, a very short skirt is not acceptable. You can undoubtedly find formal dresses that are shorter than floor-length, but if it is far above the knee, the chances are good that you’ll stand out, and not in a good way.

Use your common sense when choosing your wedding attire. If your short dress shows a lot of skin, think about the big picture. Do you want to stand out in the sea of guests? What do you hope to gain by wearing a shorter dress? 

Other Factors to Consider

Even aside from black-tie or formal attire, the dress code will always be a factor worth considering. If the attire is cocktail attire or business casual, then your short dress is more than likely okay. If it’s evening wear or semi-formal, you might want to go with something a bit dressier. 

If you can find out what the bridesmaids are wearing ahead of time, that might be an excellent way to gauge your outfit. If their dresses are on the shorter side, there’s no need to wear a long skirt. 

If you’re sure you want to wear this dress, make sure to ask the bride if it’s okay. She’ll be the best bet in telling you whether your attire is welcome on her big day or not. 

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