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Check Out Our New Collection of Short Wedding Dresses!

Who doesn’t love a fun and flirty second look?

Ask any bride: picking a wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of planning a wedding. Many brides have had an image of their dream wedding dress in mind from when they were little girls, while others are avid fashionistas keeping tabs on bridal trends in the hopes of finding that perfect timeless-yet-era-defining look.

While many bridal trends have come and gone over the years, most brides opt for a floor-length gown—often with a lengthy train—to maximize the drama and celebrate the special day. As a result, shorter styles aren’t often seen. However, a recent bridal trend has been for brides to choose a second dress (often a less formal look) to wear for one of the many events surrounding the official wedding.

Occasions for a second dress:

  • Engagement photos. If you’re hiring a professional photographer, investing in a second dress will give you the most bang for your buck.
  • Bridal shower. The bridal shower can be a big opportunity to bring family and family friends together before the wedding, and for in-laws to bond, making it a good time for a more sophisticated look.
  • Bachelorette party. In contrast to the bridal shower, the bachelorette party is a moment to do something more fun and playful than the wedding day.
  • Rehearsal dinner. There’s no better way to cast aside pre-wedding jitters than with a cute dress! (Or is that just us?)
  • A formal or tight dress may be exactly what you want for the ceremony, but when it comes time to hit the dance floor, and shorter dress can give you the movement you want to have a great time.
  • Wedding brunch. Traditionally, the wedding brunch is for the day after the wedding, as a final way to say thank you to the smaller group of friends and family—especially those who traveled from out of town to attend.
  • First anniversary. Since second dresses are often more wearable than a formal wedding dress, they make the perfect option for a romantic date on your first anniversary.

If one of these occasions stands out as extra special to you, and you’d like to use it as an opportunity to showcase a second look, we have great news! Our collection of short dresses could be just what you’re looking for to celebrate the day.

1: Reese: A petite princess look.

Reese has every element of a classic princess ballgown—just with a shorter hemline! From the Basque waistline to the corset boning to the off-the-shoulder straps, this dress is an absolute fairytale.

Reese has every element of a classic princess ballgown—just with a shorter hemline! From the Basque waistline to the corset boning to the off-the-shoulder straps, this dress is an absolute fairytale. We love this for a rehearsal dinner—or even for engagement photos!

2: Oaklynn: Glitzy and chic.

Oaklynn may have a simple silhouette, but she makes up for it with all-over beading that is as sparkly as anyone could ask for. The thin belt at the waistline adds an extra point of interest to this classic short dress silhouette.

Oaklynn may have a simple silhouette, but she makes up for it with all-over beading that is as sparkly as anyone could ask for. The thin belt at the waistline adds an extra point of interest to this classic short dress silhouette.

3: Magnolia: Classic glamour with a modern twist.

We love the “old money” look of Magnolia—a great choice for a country club or a ritzy Detroit venue. The pearl-studded bow at the back is removable, but we love the flare it ads. And as far as we’re concerned, accessorizing with gloves is a must!

We love the “old money” look of Magnolia—a great choice for a country club or a ritzy Detroit venue. The pearl-studded bow at the back is removable, but we love the flare it ads. And as far as we’re concerned, accessorizing with gloves is a must!

4: Mae: Short dress, statement train.

Mae may be petite, but she packs a big punch! While the dress proper is a form-fitting sheath, the giant bow in the back does all the talking. We’re in love the way the gathering on the satin snatches in the waist, adding a point of interest to the front while balancing out the drama of the back.

Mae may be petite, but she packs a big punch! While the dress proper is a form-fitting sheath, the giant bow in the back does all the talking. We’re in love the way the gathering on the satin snatches in the waist, adding a point of interest to the front while balancing out the drama of the back.

5: Lily: Puff skirt meets fitted bodice.

Don’t let the tiered skirt distract you from the gorgeous brocade on the bodice! While the ruffles give Lily volume, the modern pattern of the lace elevates adds a touch of sophistication to those who give it a closer look. The delicate beaded straps and plunge neckline are the final details to complete this design.

Don’t let the tiered skirt distract you from the gorgeous brocade on the bodice! While the ruffles give Lilyvolume, the modern pattern of the lace elevates adds a touch of sophistication to those who give it a closer look. The delicate beaded straps and plunge neckline are the final details to complete this design.

6: Jenny: Country charm, city dazzle.

From the giant puff sleeves (we love the off-the-shoulders styling!) to the sweetheart neckline, Jenny is an absolute darling. For brides that love sparkle, the all-over sequins on this dress make it shine. We think this is the perfect choice for a reception dress at a rustic chic venue.

From the giant puff sleeves (we love the off-the-shoulders styling!) to the sweetheart neckline, Jenny is an absolute darling. For brides that love sparkle, the all-over sequins on this dress make it shine. We think this is the perfect choice for a reception dress at a rustic chic venue.

7: Evelyn: A corset bodice and lace sleeves.

Corset boning, a sweetheart neckline, and removable sleeves: Evelyn fits a lot of detail into a short package! The all-over lace adds a touch of romance, while the sheer sleeves remind us of opera gloves. We love this look for the reception, with the option of taking the sleeves off once you’re ready to hit the dance floor.

Corset boning, a sweetheart neckline, and removable sleeves: Evelyn fits a lot of detail into a short package! The all-over lace adds a touch of romance, while the sheer sleeves remind us of opera gloves. We love this look for the reception, with the option of taking the sleeves off once you’re ready to hit the dance floor.

8: Emma: Sweet and sparkly.

The simple lines on Emma let the beaded tulle overlay do the work. We love how the flowing lines look like tree branches or the veins on leaves, enhancing the flow of the full skirt. The deep V of the neckline completes a look that would be perfect for a rehearsal dinner or wedding brunch.

The simple lines on Emma let the beaded tulle overlay do the work. We love how the flowing lines look like tree branches or the veins on leaves, enhancing the flow of the full skirt. The deep V of the neckline completes a look that would be perfect for a rehearsal dinner or wedding brunch.

9: Brooklyn: Full glam with feathers and sequins.

There’s nothing demure about this little number! If you’ve always loved a show, Brooklyn, with its skirt of ostrich features and bejeweled bodice will make sure you’re the center of attention. We think it’s perfect for dancing queen brides who want to buck tradition and go their own way.

There’s nothing demure about this little number! If you’ve always loved a show, Brooklyn, with its skirt of ostrich features and bejeweled bodice will make sure you’re the center of attention. We think it’s perfect for dancing queen brides who want to buck tradition and go their own way.

Make the most of your bridal style.

Whether that’s the bridal shower, the rehearsal dinner, the reception, or your first anniversary, a second dress can give you the flexibility to carry your bridal vision beyond your main gown and into other major events. If you’re ready to come try on dresses at our bridal boutique, located right here in downtown Brighton, MI, schedule an appointment! We look forward to seeing you.