Helen Bradley isn't one of those women who fantasized about her wedding as a girl, so when the time came to tie the knot on the 10th tee of a golf course, she wanted to be relaxed, comfortable and economical.

A short gown was just right for her nuptials, said the 27-year-old bank worker in Madison, Wis.

"I had tried on a few long dresses and none of them felt like me. I'm a very practical person. My mom picked out the short dress from a sale rack, and it's rare that I would like anything that my mom picks out," she said with a laugh.

Once the domain of older or remarrying brides, short gowns are enjoying a little more of the love, from luxury brands such as Monique Lhuillier, Oscar de la Renta and Marchesa to more affordable offerings at David's Bridal, which has a bustling retail website and about 300 stores, including one in Colorado Springs.

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The short looks aren't simply stand-in dresses originally intended for bridesmaids or cocktail parties. Designers are offering a greater range of shorter styles as more brides break from tradition and personalize their weddings.

"A lot of people are doing more intimate settings, so a shorter dress just feels more appropriate. If they do the big wedding, some change into a shorter dress so they can dance and have a good time," Lhuillier said.

Exactly how short is up to the bride. There are minis, high-low hemlines (high in the front and lower in the back), knee lengths, tea lengths below the knee and so-called "transformers," where a long train or sheer skirt detaches to show off a short dress underneath.

Long gowns remain the clear majority of the $2.6 billion-a-year bridal gown market, noted Darcy Miller, editorial director for Martha Stewart's bridal site, marthastewartweddings. But "more and more brides seem to be seeking no-fuss, lightweight and easier silhouettes," she said. Some "want a dress they can run on the beach in or travel with to their destination wedding."

At David's Bridal, 26 of the 75 gowns launched for this spring are short, said Anne Acierno, executive vice president for design, merchandising and product development.

Designer Zac Posen creates luxury short looks but also includes a few in his Truly Zac Posen collection at David's Bridal. He said red-carpet trends influence some brides, and these days they're seeing more short, fancy dresses.

Among high-profile brides to go short recently were fashion "it" girl Olivia Palermo and actress Cheryl Hines, who married Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in August in a strapless, white, tea-length creation by Romona Keveza.

Vera Wang makes short gowns too, in a range of price points that include her White collection for David's Bridal.

"I think you should wear what you feel most beautiful and most comfortable in, and also what is most you, most individual," Wang said.

Shorter dresses can be less expensive - a huge factor for Bradley at her country club wedding before 125 guests. The reception was in a cozy room with a big fireplace, wood floors and sconces all around.

Her dress cost $400. She spent another $100 on a chunky glass statement necklace with matching earrings and $99 for a pair of 4-inch Calvin Klein heels in dusty gold with a T-strap and side buckle.

"I'm an accessory person, so I knew when I saw the dress it was a blank canvas," Bradley said. "I could go out and pick the perfect necklace and the perfect shoes and you could see them."

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