7 Sweet and Simple (and Short!) Wedding Dresses for Vancouver Brides

Getting married is a special experience, and not just because you get to declare your love in front of your closest family and friends. It’s also one of the rare occasions that you get to buy a fancy white gown—you know, the kind you only wear once. While many brides imagine saying “I do” in floor-length dresses, there’s something to be said for shorter hemlines. This is especially true in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has encouraged many couples to scale down their wedding celebrations.

Whether you’ve recently decided to host a small, intimate ceremony or have always pictured yourself walking down the aisle in a less traditional style, here are seven short wedding dresses from some of Vancouver’s top bridal boutiques. 

1. Lucille, Union Bridal

Each of the dresses in Union Bridal’s Elope collection has a pretty back detail, from a plunging V to a keyhole opening. Our favorite? The Lucille ($1,125)—the local shop’s take on the two-piece gown. The combination of an open chantilly lace top and 50s-inspired A-line skirt is *chef’s kiss*.  

2. Sinclair Dress, Park & Fifth

Park & Fifth may have an entire line of sleek and sophisticated bridal gowns to choose from, but it’s the White Collection of “un-bridesmaid” dresses that has us swooning. The mid-length Sinclair Dress ($220), with its plunge neckline and ruffle detail, is perfect for brides that want to wear a simple silhouette—and make a subtle statement walking down the aisle. 

3. Amanda, O M Couture

Off-the-shoulder dresses are trending this year, and with designs like the Amanda ($1,180) appearing on the racks, we have no doubt brides will continue seeking them well into the 2022 wedding season. The sleeves on this mini dress—part puff, part crinkled chiffon—create a look that’s feminine, playful and downright gorgeous. If the cape’s not your style, you can easily detach it. 

4. Kiernan by Jenny Yoo LWD, Everly Bridal

Full skirts, ruffles and tulle are some of the first things that come to mind when you think “wedding dress.” The Kiernan ($450) by designer Jenny Yoo, available at Everly Bridal in Yaletown, is the complete opposite of that image—but just as beautiful. For brides that want to go against the status quo, take a closer look at this dress’s structured bodice and geometric lace pattern.

5. Leda Dress by Ave, Luxx Nova

The Leda Dress ($890) is just one of the European designs stocked at Vancouver’s Luxx Nova bridal boutique. While we can’t decide if we like it better in classic ivory or blush, one thing’s for sure: no matter which colour you decide to don on your big day, you can count on this gown’s cinched waist detail to make jaws drop. We can picture the first-look photos already.

6. Juliet by Wtoo by Watters, The Bridal Gallery

The Juliet ($1,350), from the Wtoo by Watters collection, invites you to wear your heart on your…skirt. Words from a Shakespearean love sonnet are embroidered in the layers of tulle that make up this elegant tea-length dress. A velvet ribbon sash and straps add an extra touch of whimsy to the classic A-line silhouette. 

7. Athena, Elika in Love

Not sure if you want to wear a long or short dress? The Athena ($2,100) from bespoke wedding dress designer Hrissa Soumpassis gives you the best of both worlds. Silk chiffon has been hand draped to form an asymmetrical skirt and a cascading train that’s guaranteed to look great gliding down the aisle or twirling on the dance floor. 

For more wedding dress inspiration, check out these eight local designers.