There are many reasons why you might decide on a short wedding dress – though one could simply be you are a big Audrey Hepburn fan! However if you have set your heart on a short dress you may find your choice is limited as there isn’t as much demand as there is for long gowns. Going down the couture route will give you more options and allow you to have input into the design.

Issy, wearing Elizabeth Bessant couture short wedding dress. Photographer Stacey Fabre. Hair and makeup Gaby Lindie.

It’s definitely true that short gowns are practical for the following reasons:

1. You are having an outdoor or barn wedding and don’t want to drag the hemline or train of a long wedding dress through the dirt or mud if it is a wet day.

2. Easier to transport to the venue especially if it is overseas.

3. More comfortable to wear and easier to dance in.

4. You can show off a fabulous pair of shoes especially if your legs are shapely.

5. Normally less expensive.

6. Can be worn again.

A short or ballerina length wedding dress is often the choice of a second time bride or for a registry office ceremony.

If you are having a church wedding you can wear a long veil with a short dress to add a touch of formality and style.

Claire asked me to make her a ballerina length wedding dress for her barn wedding. She wanted to feel like a bride but didn’t want to dress out of her comfort zone especially when all eyes were going to be on her. Her first dance with her groom was going to be a choreographed rock ‘n’ roll display so a 1950’s style tight bodice and full skirt was perfect.

I made her a duchess satin silk dress with a French Chantilly lace bodice and sleeves. The cummerbund on her dress was decorated with a cluster of her Royal Doulton china flower jewellery. To complete her unique look she wore zebra print sandals that were comfortable for the couple’s dance performance. The dress worked perfectly for their relaxed barn wedding and Claire enjoyed her wedding day in comfort.

Leigh-Anne, bride wearing Elizabeth Bessant couture

Some brides like Leigh-Ann want the best of both worlds so I made her a short dress to show off her glittery red shoes with a long back hem that created a train on the ground behind her.

The slim fit dress was made from a silk satin crepe with pearl and crystal beading around the neckline and low cut back.

This gave Leigh-Ann the individual look with wow factor she wanted.

There are no rules, long or short your dress should fulfil your dreams – it’s your day…