WHY EVERY MODERN BRIDE NEEDS A SHORT WEDDING DRESS
The wedding dress no longer begins and ends with the aisle.
From chic city elopements to glamorous after-parties, today’s brides are embracing the beauty—and freedom—of the short wedding dress. Whether you're planning an intimate civil wedding, dancing into the early hours at your reception, or looking for a playful second look wedding dress, a shorter silhouette is the modern bride’s second moment to shine.
At Calla Lilies, we believe a mini wedding dress is more than just a trend—it’s a timeless expression of confidence, elegance, and fun. Crafted in Switzerland from luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, and lace, each of our short dresses is designed to let you move, dance, and celebrate with ease—all while looking undeniably chic.
The Rise of the Second Look
Your ceremony gown may be classic and romantic, but your reception dress can be daring, unexpected, and full of personality. The second look wedding dress has become a bridal essential: something shorter, sleeker, and ready to hit the dance floor. Louise the epitome of this look— statement bow at the back, sleek silk, off-the-shoulder elegance and effortlessly glamorous.
Louise dress from Modern Poetry Collection
And for brides who dream of making an entrance and an exit, the after-party wedding dress is where the fun really begins. A shorter version of your reception gown can keep the energy high and the memories effortless. Helen, originally imagined as a full-length lace gown, becomes something entirely new when reinterpreted through pieces like Barbara—open-backed, romantic, and ready for a night under the stars—or Nicole, which echoes bridal tradition with delicate tulle, but feels fresh and playful when paired with the flirtatious silhouette of Lisa. It’s all about movement, texture, and letting your personality take center stage.
Lisa and Nicole, the ultimate duo for your wedding
Barbara and Helen, the romantic duo
And then there’s Juliette and Audrey. Two dresses in a category of their own. Made for the bride who dares to be different, Juliette and Audrey are our ultimate after-party mini dresses—modern, playful, and effortlessly cool. With intricate detailing and silhouette that’s meant to dance in, it’s designed for the bride who isn’t quite ready to call it a night. Unique, striking, and full of joy, these dresses are for the woman who celebrates on her own terms, all night long.
Audey on the left and on the center, Juliette on the right
Perfect for Civil Ceremonies
More and more brides are choosing short, stylish dresses for town hall weddings and civil ceremonies. Lightweight, elegant, and practical, a short wedding dress is ideal for navigating city streets or hosting a more relaxed celebration. It's bridal-wear—without the rules. designs like Mary and Victoria are understated yet full of personality. Mary brings structured simplicity with an off-the-shoulder neckline that feels architectural and feminine—perfect for the bride marrying in the heart of the city. Meanwhile, Victoria offers sleek sophistication with quiet grace, ideal for a refined registry office moment or a low-key ceremony that still feels unforgettable.
Mary on the left, Victoria on the right
Final Thoughts
The modern bride is redefining tradition—and her wardrobe. From saying “I do” at the registry office to dancing under the stars, the short wedding dress is here to stay. At Calla Lilies, we design bridal mini dresses that marry craftsmanship with freedom, femininity with edge.
Whether it’s your first dress or your second look, fall in love with the power of going short. Contact us today to book your appointment.
Vendors
Photo Mailys Fortune, Mary Fernandez
Jewellery Gibson Bespoke
MUAH Nataliya, Juliet Martin, Noélia