1. Ted Baker

There's something quite fairytale about this gorgeous dress from Ted Baker, with its soft pleated skirt and lace overlay. If you want the strapless look but don't want to bare your shoulders, a dress like this will give that hint of flesh without being too revealing. And because it's not a traditional wedding dress, you could wear it again and again on special occasions.

2. Marchesa

The eye-watering price tag of this dress puts it out of the reach of most brides. But if you want a dress with sleeves, this style is ideal for you. The sleeves reach to the elbow, providing some coverage without being sweltering. The tulle overskirt provides a new twist on the traditional bridal veil.

3. Erin Fetherston

Bridal gowns don't have to be white (that's a tradition that began in the 19th century). If white just isn't your color, you have a number of other shades to choose from (or could even go for something completely different!). A lovely pale pink like this dress is ideal if you want a dress that isn't white. The flowery motifs on the skirt are very romantic - just what most brides want!

4. Kirstie Kelly

Here's an ideal style for brides with a small bust who want to wear a strapless dress. Small boobs can look lost in a strapless dress - like there just isn't enough to hold it up! - but the ruffle on the bodice adds bulk where you need it. With its beautiful lace overlay, the dress has a decidedly traditional look about it.

5. Adrianna Papell

Wedding dresses don't have to be designed for that purpose though; you can just as easily find your perfect dress in the cocktail or formal department. This is perfect for the bride on a budget. So I've picked out a few non-wedding dresses that could be worn for your wedding. A lace cocktail dress like this one can be worn later on for parties; you could even dye it to get a whole new dress!

6. Alfred Sung

A wedding dress doesn't have to be ornate and dripping with lace; a simple dress like this one can look every bit as stunning. What makes you a beautiful bride is your happiness! So if your tastes tends towards simplicity, look for a classic design like this one. It would look adorable with a faux fur stole or jacket if you're getting married in the cooler months.

7. Jenny Yoo

Here's an absolutely fantastic idea - a dress that can be worn different ways! It features long panels of fabric that you can use to get different looks. This means that you can style your dress in a different way for the evening function, and also wear it differently on other occasions. This dress also comes in lots of sizes, so caters for plus-sized brides as well.

Shorter dresses are not only different from the usual bridal styles, but they're also good for petite brides, who won't feel like they're swamped in fabric! So make a break from tradition and pick a gorgeous shorter dress!