The best petite dresses for wedding guests: short girl edition

Having trouble finding a dress for a wedding you're attending? Your fashion fairy godmothers are here to help.

With effortless style, glamour and designs that hug all the right places, we've selected the best petite dresses for wedding guests that will wow, charm and tick the boxes for wedding guest etiquette.

Short gals are in luck, because we have a dress for every setting, vibe and style. So, if you're 5’4” and under, you’re in the right place!

Best petite dresses for wedding guests in the UK

For a bold cocktail dress For looking pretty in pinkFor a maxi dress that makes you look tallerFor a classic lace dress

For a bold cocktail dress

Photo: ASOS

ASOS DESIGN Petite Velvet Peekaboo Shoulder Tuck Midi Pencil Dress

You save £25 (44.64%)£56

Perfect for the day and the night, off-the-shoulder cocktail dresses are an easy way to create a sexy yet classy look on every body type.

Coming in a solid, vibrant rose pink colourway, with draped detailing over one shoulder that doesn’t overwhelm a small frame, it’s a beautiful look for spring and summer weddings filling up your diary. 

Its hem falls just below the knee, too, meaning this fancy schmancy dress is perfectly proportioned for petite figures.

Style tip: Style it with a dainty silver choker necklace and pick out the perfect chic clutch bag to complete the look.

For looking pretty in pink

Photo: River Island

River Island Petite Pink Long Sleeve Bodycon Mini Dress

Baby pink is officially back, but this time with a sophisticated twist which makes it perfect for formal wear.

Simple and chic, this River Island dress’ light pastels and frill detailing lend themselves well to a soft, feminine look whilst its full sleeves, V-neckline and blazer design finish the look with a  polished and mature feel.

Style tip: Make your look extra special by pairing it with a pair of glittery silver mule heels.

For a maxi dress that makes you look taller

FEATURED

Photo: boohoo

boohoo Petite Floral Tiered Ruffle Fitted Maxi Dress

You save £4 (10.53%)£38

This pretty, blue and yellow floral statement print piece is a shining example of how petite girls can rock maxi dresses.

With its close-to-the-body cut, mermaid fit and high waistline, the tiered design actually lengthens your frame and gives the appearance of longer legs and a snatched waist. 

And thanks to its subtle high-low hem and open tie back, you won't feel swamped by the dress' length or material. What more could you ask for?

Style tip: Pair it with one of our favourite white cardigans for chillier evenings and tan wedges for an extra bit of height.

For a classic lace dress

Photo: Oasis

Oasis Petite Strappy Lace Midaxi Dress

You save £35.61 (40.01%)£89

When you think of weddings and traditions, there’s nothing quite like lace to fit the dress code. That’s why this Oasis number caught our eye.

Whether you’re heading to a country house wedding, city destination or sun-kissed bash, this beautifully-crafted premium lace outfit is likely to become your go-to ‘fit for weddings, brunches, parties and more.

With a flattering nipped-in waist, flirty bustier, strappy silhouette and a semi-sheer flowing skirt that just hits the ankles, this tea-length dress is the perfect classic fashion staple for petite girls to wear all year long.

Style tip: Wear it with colour-block jewellery for a springtime garden wedding or pair it with a black crepe blazer during colder months.

For a subtle, yet chic look

FEATURED

Photo: Karen Millen

Karen Millen Petite Italian Rose Stretch Jacquard Pencil Midi Dress

You save £76 (40.21%)£189

Put your best foot forward with this fashionable take on the classic pencil dress.

With its sophisticated design and luxurious floral Italian metallic jacquard material, we love the uber-chic aesthetic of this Karen Millen dress. 

If you ask us, it’s a 10/10 wedding guest dress.

The square neckline, sleeveless style, form-fitting cut and sensual thigh-high split mark the perfect balance between elegant style and figure-flattering attire, bringing the right amount of va-va-voom to your wedding ensemble.

Style tip: For a bit more drama, pair it with an elegant fascinator headband.

For a cute floral midi dress

Photo: Coast

Coast Petite Midi Dress With Embellished Flower

You save £43.80 (20%)£219

Designed to razzle-dazzle, this embellished dress commands all the attention it (and you!) deserves. Without being too much for a wedding, that is. 

This beautifully embroidered floral midi dress has a playful yet chic sense of glamour, making it one of our favourite petite midi dresses for wedding guests.

We especially love its finish  — it’s beautifully topped with a semi-sheer mesh allowing for a little more coverage and flows into flutter sleeves creating a soft, feminine look.

Style tip: Keep with the pink aesthetic and pair this dress with a pair of cute diamante heels.

For a figure-flattering dress

Photo: PrettyLittleThing

PrettyLittleThing Petite Olive Slinky Ruched One Shoulder Longline Midi Dress

You save £2 (10%)£20

Want to show off your envious curves? This sultry dress is just what you’ve been looking for. 

Featuring all-over ruching that hugs all the right places, this dress nails the sleek silhouette look, particularly for petite figures. Not to mention, its design and material flatters every body type, making this a party-perfect piece every short girl can wear again and again.

This sexy number is available in eight different colours, so whether you want to opt for a subtle olive shade or a deep emerald colour, you're spoilt for choice.

Style tip: Pair your dress with one of our favourite hoop earrings of the year and your go-to stilettos.

For fancier settings

Photo: Coast

Coast Petite Lace Up Back Sequin Maxi Dress

You save £53.70 (30%)£179

An invitation to a black-tie wedding calls for a sequin dress with enough charisma to match, and this dress is just that.

Radiating glitz and glam, this floor-length dress really does all the talking without requiring many other accessories. 

Balancing out its flashy personality is a paired-back silhouette that works really well for smaller frames. 

Stylish and sexy, the criss-cross low back is sure to turn heads as you hit the dance floor.

Style tip: Add some excitement to your hair with an eye-catching feather flower clip.

For a daring moment in red

Photo: PrettyLittleThing

PrettyLittleThing Petite Burgundy Satin Wrap Detail Maxi Dress

You save £5 (16.67%)£30

It's time to say yes to this stunning party dress. It’s got all the WOW factor!

A deep and glossy burgundy satin with a dramatic high thigh split are complemented by a low V-neck, wrap neckline to enhance your bust coming together for one hell of a sexy look. 

This dress will give you a boost of confidence wherever you go, we can all but guarantee it. And shouldn’t every woman have a red-hot — excuse the pun — go-to in their closet?

So if you're looking for a show-stopper to wear from season to season, this one definitely fits the fashion bill.

Style tip: Carry all your essentials in a gold evening clutch bag for an extra touch of glam.

For more formal events

Photo: Quiz

Quiz Royal Blue Peplum Bodycon Midi Dress

You save £11.10 (30.01%)£36.99

Perfect for city weddings, this peplum piece is a great partywear option for formal occasions.

Its elegant royal blue colourway is balanced oh-so well with its flirty waist detailing that accentuates an hourglass figure while adding a little more thrill to the outfit. 

For even more fun, its bandeau neckline and high black slit let you show off some skin to spice things up just the right amount.

Style tip: Accessorise with a silver clutch bag and pair of strappy, diamante silver heels.

For a casual yet cute look

Photo: Warehouse

Daisy Floral Print Chiffon Maxi Dress

You save £28.50 (30%)£95

For beach weddings or more low-key celebrations, a floral ruffle dress always does well.

Soft and ultra-feminine, this patterned dress has a sweet silhouette that lends itself well to petite ladies while the ruffle detailing helps elongate the look of the body. 

To round out its deep V-neckline, its bouncy shoulder ruffles make for an extra romantic look to match that of the wedding.

We especially appreciate its casual design for its versatility; it can be worn almost anywhere, from a beachside summer wedding to a casual girls' day out. It’s a staple piece you can rely on for years to come.

Style tip: Casual, floral pieces can be dressed up with a pair of white strappy heels or kept low-key with a pair of comfy white trainers.

Where to buy the best petite dresses for wedding guests?

If you're attending a wedding, there are plenty of places to shop. 

But to help you make the right choice, we’ve curated a list of UK retailers we highly recommend depending on your style and the type of wedding you're attending:

• ASOS: Whether you're up for bridesmaid duties and in need of petite dresses for the wedding party or fancy a formal evening look, ASOS has a great selection of casual and formal pieces that make the perfect petite wedding outfit.

• boohoo: Known for its affordable and party-ready dresses, boohoo has long been a favourite place to shop for sexy maxi dresses, off-shoulder pieces and mini dresses you can wear from the wedding season to night outs.

• Quiz: With a great selection of partywear and occasionwear, Quiz is the best place to shop for a new cocktail dresses, petite formal dresses and sequin pieces.

• NastyGal: Featuring a wide selection of petite summer wedding guest dresses that are designed to flatter and hug all the right places, NastyGal has a stunning collection of wedding guest dresses for short ladies.

• Coast: Whether you're attending a black-tie affair, autumn wedding or springtime bash, Coast petite wedding guest dresses have the wow factor to make you stand out.

• Debenhams: You're sure to find a statement dress in Debenhams' petite dresses for wedding guests, which include elegant lace dresses, chiffon maxi designs and dainty midi dresses.

Photo: NastyGal/Quiz/boohoo/Oasis

What are the best petite dresses for wedding guests?

Whether you're looking for the perfect petite wedding outfit for your bridesmaid duties or want to look fabulous as a guest, the petite guest wedding dresses are those that make you feel your best.

And among those that made our list above, there are a few that stand out and are a great way to feel confident at that upcoming wedding.

For a maxi dress that gives you legs for days, or the illusion thereof, we seriously love the boohoo Petite Floral Tiered Ruffle Fitted Maxi Dress.

But for formal occasions, the ASOS Petite Peekaboo Midi Pencil Dress and Quiz Royal Blue Peplum Bodycon Midi Dress are standout picks.

If you’re looking for an outfit you can rock season to season, the Oasis Petite Lace Maxi dress is a great choice we think you’ll love wearing time and time again.

The information presented above is accurate as of 31/03/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices. The 'Best Buys featured' badge indicates sponsored content, and we may earn commission when you make a purchase.