Short Brides! Help with wedding dress!

I'm about 5'1" and this (drowning or being engulfed by the skirt specifically) was one of my concerns when I was dress shopping too.

When I was shopping around stores, I had tried on sheath and a-line dresses - I think the dress is your first pic is one I was actually interested in - but I preferred the look of sheath dresses when shopping in store. Oddly enough, I think the dress I went with in the end is technically an a-line skirt (I ended up buying a custom top and skirt from a shop on Etsy) and it didn't engulf me at all and even gave me a little waist!

Is it not possible for stores to shorten the dresses slightly in alterations?

Based on pictures alone, I think the dress in your second picture...Which I think is an a-line? I'm also a tom-boy who knows jack about this stuff...Looks great on you, so I would lean more towards something like that.

If I had to guess, I'd say it's the extra fabric.
I felt the same way in some of the dresses I tried on as they were HUGE on me (some had me pinned, pillows stuffed in the back, etc.).

Some of my "stylists" even pulled the fabric back and held it in place, so that's something that may help with getting the illusion of it being fitted while you're searching.

I think there are also petite gowns, though I'm not sure how many of them stores have to try on. :c

Agreed. :c
I kind of expected some issues, I think, which is why I opted to get a dress made to my measurements after I couldn't find / didn't 100% like anything I had tried on in stores. It takes longer (mine took about 6 months) and costs a little more, but it was so worth it in the end.

I am 5'0 tall. I had a really hard time finding the dress I like, I finally found mine. I originally looked for Fit and Flare with off the shoulder straps. However, I ended with A Line, somewhat Deep V. I brought my 4" heels with me at the time, and I did look nice in that dress. I am just now waiting for the dress to arrive. It's hard to find anything when you are short. Good luck!

I'm 5'2, so of course I had to do my research on cuts that are flattering to the petite bride before I went dress shopping. A-line dresses are supposed to be flattering to shorter brides, as are column dresses and empire-waist dresses. Trumpet and mermaid dresses are also said to be flattering on petite women.

If I may make a more detailed recommendation for you, I would suggest an a-line or column dress with a sweetheart or V-cut neckline and a cinched/ruched waist to enhance your figure. You could probably find something like that with sleeves, if that is what you prefer.

These are a few you might like (found at David's Bridal, which I think is located throughout the United States).

WG3831

SWG820

MS251173

51007

SWG799

I hope this helps! Congratulations on your engagement!

Best of luck! I hope you find the dress that's just waiting to be worn by you!! You should keep us all posted when you find your dress! I'd love to see what you end up going with!!

You may already know this, but if not, be advised that the cost of alterations can get REALLY expensive. I got "blessed" with the physique of a twelve-year-old and even the smallest size that could be ordered was too big. I knew it would have to be altered, but I about had a stroke when the seamstress told me that the total cost of alterations (roughly $500-800 to shorten the hem, take in the bodice, and add a bustle) would be nearly equal to the cost of my dress. Of course, it all depends on what you'll need to have done to the dress; that will dramatically increase or decrease the cost. Just be mindful of that. I had no idea alterations would cost so much, and I ended up being frustrated with myself for having spent so much of my wedding budget solely on the dress I would be wearing.