Suzanne NevilleShort dresses are really trendy now for the less formal wedding as well as the 'Two Dress Wedding' where brides are opting for a totally different look come reception time. Short encompasses a lot of fashion terrain too, going from micro- mini all the way down to to ballet length.
Elisa Motterle 
Below: Two short dresses from Max Chaoul's Cocktail collection
The feathered mini dress above is by Max Chaoul and all over beaded mini sheath a la 1920s by Jenny Packham
Going for a city hall type wedding? Chances are you’ll be in a street-length suit or dress—possibly white but it doesn’t have to be. Any color or length is fine as long as you look good in it and feel special. And though you’re not going all out as a traditional bride, realize you’ll be dressing for a lifetime of shared memories, so it’s worth the effort to opt for a few ‘bride’ touches here and there. Say you’re getting married at city hall followed by a luncheon in a nearby restaurant; you’ve chosen an ivory sheath dress and matching coat. Add a bird-cage veil and, voila! There’s your touch that says, ‘bride’.
Left: Tea-length dress by Johanna Hehir and below floral party frock by Ronit Zilkha.
Left ensemble by Andrew Gn and cocktail length sheath by Caroline Parkes
Right: David Fielden
For non-traditional brides bypassing the ‘all out’ bash and traditional brides changing later into a shorter dress, below are some length guidelines for putting together the type look you want.
The feathered mini dress above is by Max Chaoul and all over beaded mini sheath a la 1920s by Jenny Packham 
Going for a city hall type wedding? Chances are you’ll be in a street-length suit or dress—possibly white but it doesn’t have to be. Any color or length is fine as long as you look good in it and feel special. And though you’re not going all out as a traditional bride, realize you’ll be dressing for a lifetime of shared memories, so it’s worth the effort to opt for a few ‘bride’ touches here and there. Say you’re getting married at city hall followed by a luncheon in a nearby restaurant; you’ve chosen an ivory sheath dress and matching coat. Add a bird-cage veil and, voila! There’s your touch that says, ‘bride’.Left: Tea-length dress by Johanna Hehir and below floral party frock by Ronit Zilkha.
Left ensemble by Andrew Gn and cocktail length sheath by Caroline Parkes
Right: David Fielden
For non-traditional brides bypassing the ‘all out’ bash and traditional brides changing later into a shorter dress, below are some length guidelines for putting together the type look you want.
Mini: Well above the knee; a light-hearted and playful length.
Just Above the Knee: Popular length for the casual bride. Ideal for suits and cocktail dresses.
Just Below the Knee: Another great length for a suit or cocktail dress. Proportion flatters many figure types and a range of ages.
Tea-Length-mid-calf
Ballet Length: full skirt falling just above the ankles. Sometimes worn with tulle petticoats.
Asymmetrical: Irregular hemline falling diagonally. Handkerchief: Another irregular hemline that falls to a point, more a treatment than length as the longest point usually falls anywhere from the knee down. Typically in sheer fabrics like chiffon. . Very chic and in now.
Just Above the Knee: Popular length for the casual bride. Ideal for suits and cocktail dresses.
Just Below the Knee: Another great length for a suit or cocktail dress. Proportion flatters many figure types and a range of ages.
Tea-Length-mid-calf
Ballet Length: full skirt falling just above the ankles. Sometimes worn with tulle petticoats.
Asymmetrical: Irregular hemline falling diagonally. Handkerchief: Another irregular hemline that falls to a point, more a treatment than length as the longest point usually falls anywhere from the knee down. Typically in sheer fabrics like chiffon. . Very chic and in now.
