ICYMI, Charli xcx married The 1975’s George Daniel at Hackney Town Hall on July 19 in a satin, draped Vivienne Westwood mini that left the internet gasping, screen-shotting, and scrolling resale sites in quick succession.
The dress in question? Westwood’s now-iconic Nova Cora, a sculptural play on bridal tradition with all the trademark asymmetry and corsetry that’s helped the house define postmodern romanticism for over three decades.
Inspired by the Cocotte silhouette from the Westwood archives, the Nova Cora has evolved into shorthand for the slightly undone, yet entirely refined, bride. Miley Cyrus wore a version of it in ivory silk for her Plastic Hearts era, sans makeup. As for singer-songwriter Demi Lovato? She paired hers with jet-black liner and little else in the way of accessories.
Now Charli, with her dramatic tulle veil, signature sunnies and upper thigh-length hemline, has taken the mini to church – literally. But for all its cultural cachet, the Nova Cora isn’t the only way to get married while looking like a pop star who serves cigarettes on silver platters at the afterparty.
The return of the wedding mini - in lace, lamé or vintage styles - signals a larger shift. Brides are choosing dresses that can dance in, dresses that can do tequila shots, dresses that don’t need bustling, or require military logistics for going to the loo. Should you wish to sport the exact same Nova Cora mini, it’s available to rent from £160 per day on By Rotation.
Still, not everyone wants to wear something with that level of Google recognition. So, what are the alternatives to Charli’s Westwood ‘I Do’ moment? Think pieces that nod to the punk-princess energy without echoing it too directly.
Whether you’re planning a registry office elopement or a second dress reveal halfway through the night, we’ve rounded up the best wedding minis to rival pop royalty.
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Danielle Frankel Bridie Gathered Silk and Wool-Blend Mini
One of the foremost modern bridal designers to take the 21st century by storm, Danielle Frankel’s ethereal dresses carry supreme elegance and oodles of personality.
Despite being a contemporary label, we love how each and every design seems to reference flattering vintage silhouettes, refined to suit the present-day bride. This is a dream courthouse mini or afterparty ensemble, with its Basque waist, off-white hue and flouncy bubble hem.
Buy now £4690.00, Net-A-Porter
Y/Project Satin-Finish Mini Dress
Complete with a breathtaking hint of something blue, this handkerchief-hemmed silk mini by Y/Project is best paired with bare feet and a countryside wedding. Whether worn for the vows or to slip into something more comfortable for the afterparty, it’s a showstopper.
Buy now £1174.00, Farfetch
Vivienne Westwood Sunday Minidress
Like brat, only different. Think of this iconic silhouette from Vivienne Westwood as a series of brilliant remixes: the same dress, elevated and made even more unique for every bride.
Charli xcx wore the Nova Cora mini for her Hackney town hall wedding, which has a subtle hybrid sweetheart/off-the-shoulder neckline, satin construction and a shorter bodice, while the Sunday has more of a medieval feel and is crafted from polyester, meaning it’s slightly more affordable.
Buy now £675.00, MyTheresa
Reformation Ecru Dress
Whether you’re paying homage to your Indian heritage or channelling vintage-inspired charm, this champagne-hued A-line dress from Reformation won’t disappoint. Though the deadstock fabric is polyester, it has a lustrous, mock-satin finish paired with an elegant boat neckline, and a detachable dupatta-style scarf – an accessory sported widely across the Indian subcontinent.
Buy now £498.00, Reformation
Alex Perry Blair Asymmetric Draped Satin Gown
There’s something distinctly Grecian about this swooping, draping gown hybrid by Alex Perry, and there’s no better time to embrace your inner goddess than on your wedding day. Crafted from luxurious silk with a fitted bodice and an asymmetrical silhouette, we love that this mini option still has that romantic line of satin buttons down the spine.
Buy now £5000.00, Net-A-Porter
Tolu Coker Pleated Denim Mini Dress
With a courthouse wedding meets tennis core aesthetic, this Tolu Coker mini is perfect for summertime nuptials. It’s part of the designer’s spring 2025 collection, which was inspired by her mother’s style from the 1960s and 1970s. The unexpected big plus? It’s crafted from sturdy denim, comfortable for day-to-night partying.
Buy now £770.00, Net-A-Porter
Sandy Liang SSENSE Exclusive Bridal Capsule: Bonny Jacket and Juice Miniskirt
Has there ever been a more charming two-piece wedding set than this timeless design by Sandy Liang? Experts at effortless femininity, we love everything about the shape, construction and fit of this two-piece – from the soft round-neck to the satin button closure.
Pair with this vintage Chanel camisole, or something similar. The set is sold separately, with the miniskirt priced at £295, and the jacket at £600. Love the jacket, but more of a dress person? The Olga minidress is crafted from the exact same fabric.
Buy now £600.00, SSENSE
Rotate Birger Christensen Off-Shoulder Gathered Minidress
Oh-so-80s, this off-the-shoulder gathered mini is a new season addition from Rotate Birger Christensen. Pair with kitten heels and natural curls for a full vintage-inspired ensemble. The lining is crafted from 97 per cent polyester and 8 per cent elastane for some subtle stretch, while the outer is 100 per cent silk, a winning union.
Buy now £797.00, Farfetch
