The Most Iconic Short Wedding Dresses of All Time—And How to Get the Look

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When it comes to planning your wedding, it’s often said that you need to start shopping for your dress a full year in advance. You might book a few appointments at Kleinfeld, Mark Ingram Atelier, or Saks Fifth Avenue, where you’ll try on a series of tulle gowns in shades of eggshell and porcelain. It could be weeks until you finally land the one. Next you’ll wait several months until your first fitting, followed by another few until the dress is finally done—though at that point it’s hard to imagine being just as excited about it. Who wouldn’t be tempted to change their mind a year later? On top of all of that, a custom-fit gown is often wildly expensive. If you’d rather avoid the headache—or you’re planning a low-key wedding at City Hall—we have an easy alternative: Go short!

The ivory minidresses available now feel sweet and just a little retro—and most of them aren’t even true wedding dresses, so finding your favorite is as easy as placing an online order. If you’re feeling fashion’s ’60s revival, consider something like Sharon Tate’s baby doll number with princess sleeves circa 1968. Elizabeth Taylor’s canary yellow mini looks fresh too and was designed by Cleopatra’s costume designer, Irene Sharaff. Mia Farrow’s two-piece set back in 1966 would be a chic option for Las Vegas or City Hall today, while a more alternative bride might channel Yoko Ono, who styled her minidress with knee-high boots.