Since the lockdown restrictions of 2020, many couples have traded lavish wedding parties for micro wedding ceremonies with 20 or fewer guests. And along with this shift, we see brides making more practical choices pertaining to their wedding attire, choosing to say “I do” in a little white dress or LWD instead of the traditional sequined long gown and flowing train.
The short wedding dress is a practical choice for any easygoing bride. Not only does it tend to cost significantly less than a bouffant gown, but the manageable length allows for more comfort during one’s special day. Forget about kicking the hem of your dress as you walk down the aisle and having to ask a bridesmaid to help lift your skirt in the bathroom as you do your business.
For those considering going for the LWD during their own wedding, check out these Pinay celebrities who pulled off the look if you’re looking for inspiration. These women prove that less can be more with the right silhouette and details.
Short Wedding Dress Ideas
Jessy Mendiola
Back in February, couple Jessy Mendiola and Luis Manzano announced their marriage through Instagram posts that took everyone by surprise. The bride looked ethereal in a dainty tea-length dress that featured billowy puff sleeves and a low scoop back. The soft pleats in her skirt that swayed as she walked totally made up for the absence of embellishments in this minimalist outfit.
Alex Gonzaga
Alex Gonzaga married long-time partner Mikee Moranda in an LWD that featured a figure-hugging bodice and a full skirt. Designer Rajo Laurel fitted the frock with oversized mutton sleeves that the bride was able to remove to transition to a different look. Alex paired this dress with Manolo Blahnik flats for a classic yet laidback look.
Jess Wilson
Due to lockdown restrictions, couple Jess Wilson and Moritz Gastl chose to exchange vows in a private ceremony in Palawan earlier this year. During the big day, the co-founder of Sunnies Face chose to go the Filipiniana route with an embroidered short wedding dress that featured dainty butterfly sleeves. The mini length and fringe detail kept the look modern despite the dress’ vintage vibe.
Here’s a pro tip: If you’re not comfortable wearing a mini dress to your wedding ceremony, do as the bride did and go for a full-length skirt that you can cinch at the waist and remove for the reception as you please.
Sarah Lahbati
For her civil wedding with Richard Gutierrez back in March 2020, Sarah Lahbati donned an off-shoulder LWD with a sheer pleated skirt. According to designer Mark Bumgarner, Sarah’s dress was a design from his own collection, which he tweaked specifically for the celebrity to fit the occasion. Despite the lack of lace and intricate beadwork, the bride looked effortlessly polished, thanks to the dress’ striking silhouette.
Dionne Monsanto
In an Instagram post published earlier this year, Dionne Monsanto shared that she only spent P300 on her wedding dress, proving that looking fabulous on your wedding day doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. She was able to pull this off by pairing a skirt that her sister had given her with a corset top that she bought from a local online shop. Explaining the choice, Dionne said, “As I’ve gotten older, I realize more and more that things are just things. That I don’t need a lot to be happy.”
Camille Co
Months before their grand wedding in Italy, Camille Co apparently got hitched to Joni Koro in a quiet civil wedding ceremony witnessed only by three guests. The popular blogger wore a simple A-line dress with a pelerine collar to complete a simple but charming look. Like most of the brides in this list, Camille’s minimalist wedding dress choice proves that simple is beautiful and that you don’t need elaborate beadwork or crystal embellishments to look stunning on your special day.
Megan Young
Like Camille and Joni, Megan Young and spouse Mikael Daez got married twice. Before their dreamy ceremony in Zambales, the two exchanged vows in Caleruega, Batangas in front of 10 loved ones. For this private affair, our Miss World 2013 wore an off-the-rack little white dress that costs less than P4000. The piece featured an asymmetrical wrap skirt and puffy sleeves for flair—fashionable for an intimate ceremony, but simple enough for re-wear. Talk about going practical!
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