Petite wedding dress tips for brides from Influencer Petite Elliee
7 Min Read
Petite wedding dress shopping comes with its own particular set of challenges, not least all the neggy opinions about what you should and should not wear. That's why we tracked down Ellie May, AKA Petite Elliee, a style influencer and vlogger on a mission to help petite women find their confidence and style. ‘I actually started posting on Instagram waaay back in 2013 before it was even known that this could be a job. I remember seeing so many gorgeous girls but thinking to myself, hmmm they don't look anything like me. I really wanted to be that representation I felt was missing, and provide a safe space for petite girls to show them how to style and rock their clothes!’
Ellie’s since spent the past decade chronicling her wardrobe, sharing fashion advice and developing her signature look, which she explains, has evolved beyond wearing the latest must-haves. ‘I'd describe my style as feminine and chic. I no longer follow trends blindly and instead prefer to add timeless, classic items to my wardrobe. I love to dress in ageless fashion pieces — items that I can wear now in my 20s but can still envision myself wearing in my 30s, 40s, 50s, and so on...’
In April 2023, Ellie officially entered her bridal era, getting engaged to her partner Alex. The big day is in 2026, but she began wedding planning almost immediately, has started her wedding registry already (obvs we approve!), and has a clear vision for the day. ‘I’m actually going to have a winter wedding, which I am SO excited about. I feel like it’s just so different from any wedding either of us has ever been to. It’s going to be super timeless, classic, and festive with pops of dark greens and navy blues throughout. Think Ralph Lauren at Christmas — that’s the vibe I’m hoping for!’ Does she also hope to inspire other petite brides to choose a gown they love, even if it's a style outside their comfort zone? ‘It never fails to make me smile when I get a DM to say that I've given a petite girl the confidence to wear something they never would have normally; it's definitely the best part of the job!
Ellie, You wear a lot of white, classic knits, and maxi bias cut skirts — any wedding dress clues there?
Oh, you know me well! I think my wedding dress is probably not going to be a huge surprise to anyone, and as you say, it will emulate a lot of my daily style choices. I’m so excited to continue my wedding dress journey and hopefully find The One soon.
What has being a fashion influencer taught you that will sway your wedding dress choices?
I think the most important thing that I have learnt is that comfort is key. I always say that if you’re comfortable, you’re confident — and if you’re confident, you just look so much better in your clothes! Being comfortable will show in your face and your body language and will affect the overall vibe of the day. So making sure your dress is something you feel amazing in is the most important thing! Especially for when all eyes are fixed on you, like when the bride entrance song starts, or during the bride's speech!
Who are you taking wedding dress shopping with you?
I’ll be taking my mum and my sister — I trust both of their opinions the most. I think bringing too many people along can sometimes confuse things… too many cooks as they say! Just having my two favourite people with me to help me decide on my dress excites me so much!
How are you going to find the perfect wedding dress for you?
I think when you find the dress, it's a case of 'when you know, you know.' I am so open to trying on anything and everything and won't rule out any options to get my perfect dress for my perfect day.
Are there styles of petite wedding dresses that suit short women best?
I think every petite girl is so different, and what might look amazing on someone else might not suit me. However, I do find that as a petite girl, a feminine silhouette is always the most flattering. I love styles that cinch in your waist and give a beautiful framework — this really helps with the elongation of your body. I tend to usually avoid looser, less structured dresses. As a petite girl I can often get lost in the fabric.
Do you have any tips for brides shopping for petite wedding dresses?
My best piece of advice for petite brides when dress shopping is to close your eyes. This might sound like an odd one, but trust me, it helps!
The first few dresses I tried on, I felt so deflated when I first saw how they looked — they were overwhelming on my petite frame. It wasn't until I stepped onto the platform (thank goodness all dress stores have these!) that I could truly see the dress for what it would be. The platform raises you up, allowing excess material to fall away, giving you a much better idea of how you'll actually look in the dress once it's been altered for your shorter frame.
After a couple of initial disappointments, I decided to close my eyes and ask the store assistant to lead me to the platform. Then, I opened my eyes and saw the dress in its best form! It sounds like such an odd thing to do, but it really helped me!
Talk us through plans for the rest of your wedding outfit...
Your wedding day is the one day of your life that you get to go all out, so I think it’s such a great opportunity to go for it. Wear those fun heels, don that cute headband — and embrace all the fun accessories to complete your wedding look! For me, one of the biggest considerations will be the heel height. My fiancé is 6 feet 3 inches, so it’s safe to say I’m going to need some serious heels on my wedding day, haha!
What about your hair and beauty plans?
I think wedding beauty starts weeks, if not months, before the big day! I want to make sure my skin is looking its best possible so that I can wear minimal makeup on the day. I want to look flawless yet understated. So, the beauty routines will be starting early! I'll be using my LED light mask a few times a week, ensuring I have regular facials booked in, and keeping my skincare as minimal as possible.
Any fave petite wedding dress brands?
Alison Webb
This bridalwear brand is perfect for petite girls who are looking for something super demure and understated but still a stunning dress to wear on the day. I feel like Alison Webb wedding dresses just do not date and always look so beautiful. I'm particularly drawn to two styles: Philippa and Parker.
The Mikado Philippa wedding gown looks so luxurious, and I love the classic trumpet silhouette — wedding dresses with a cinched waist are super flattering on petite frames like mine. I adore the lace appliqués, and I am really curious to see how the soft neckline and scoop back look in person.
The Parker dress is pure architectural magic! The origami-pleated bodice is so unique and timeless, and I love the clean lines and dramatic effect. I also love the detachable skirt with bow detail — it would be amazing to have the option to switch up the look for the reception.
Pronovias
Pronovias is a brand that has been on my radar for such a long time! It’s one I’m so excited to try, as their wedding dresses are always such statement pieces and look so fun to wear. I would love to try Ameri wedding Gown — it just screams 'romantic winter fairytale' to me. I'm also intrigued by the A-line silhouette as it's flattering for petite frames like mine, and I love how it balances the drama of the long sleeves and the dress train.
Ann Barge
Ann Barge wedding dresses are just so much fun! They're classic and timeless, yet have a modern twist that makes them feel fresh and exciting. For a petite bride like me, I'm particularly drawn to Olympia and Rothschild, especially with my winter wedding in mind.
The Olympia gown is breathtaking with its extended train and 3D beaded florals — the perfect blend of classic elegance and modern drama!
I love A-line silhouettes, but columnar wedding gowns are so timeless and look incredibly flattering on petite frames. The Rothschild dress, with its off-the-shoulder straps and shimmering beaded sequins, is absolutely mesmerising. I can't wait to see how the candlelight catches them — a true winter wonderland vision!
Where are you in your wedding planning process?
We’re still in the early stages of wedding planning, which I think is the most fun! You’ve got the whole wedding laid out in front of you, and so many options to explore! Although I have to say, I think the wedding registry is going to be the most fun thing to sit down and do together — to envision what we will want and need as a married couple… oh, I can’t wait!
And what are you putting on your wedding registry?
I love the fact that Prezola allows not only gifts but also honeymoon funds and contributions! I know a lot of our guests will love being able to contribute to the biggest holiday of our lives. But also, a lot of guests will want to get us something tangible to help towards married life. I have my eye on a few things, I won't lie...
I'd love to add The White Company dinner set — we love hosting and having our friends and family over, so a new crockery set would be amazing! To also help us host, we're also planning to add the cast iron casserole dish, wine cooler, Smeg kettle, pizza oven, salt and pepper shakers, and prosecco glasses… All amazing wedding gifts I know our guests would love to give us!
Or it'd be also so lovely for them to treat us to an experience — something we can do as a married couple, like afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason, a glamping experience, or a spa break for the two of us. Goodness me, there's just so much to choose from!
That's it! We hope Ellie inspired you with her petite wedding dress advice. While you’re in wedding planning mode, why not make a start on your wedding registry with Prezola? (Unsure what we're talking about? Read our explainer about what a wedding registry is). Guests asbolutely love them through – it makes their lives so much easier. And couples dig them because you can add everything from traditional gifts to experiences, cash funds, honeymoon contributions and more. So, what are you waiting for?