There’s something I’ve noticed more and more over the past few seasons of wedding photography: brides are having fun with their fashion again.
They’re changing outfits, breaking rules, dancing harder, and choosing pieces that feel like an extension of who they actually are.
And when it comes to bridal mini dresses, one name keeps coming up again and again: Aston Bridal.
I recently sat down (virtually) with Miranda-Lee Aston, founder and designer behind the Sydney-based brand, to talk all things bridal minis and why they’ve become such a staple for modern weddings, how Aston Bridal began, and what today’s brides really want from their second look.
If you’re planning your wedding and considering a mini dress (or already deep in a Pinterest spiral), this one’s for you.
Who Is Aston Bridal? A Modern Australian Bridal Brand
Aston Bridal didn’t start as a grand business plan, instead it started the way so many great things do, organically.
Miranda designed her own wedding dress and second look, and the response was immediate.
“What started as ‘Can you make me one too?’ quickly turned into a little brand,” she tells me.
With over a decade of experience working behind the scenes in the fashion industry — and modelling for countless designers worldwide — Aston Bridal felt like a natural evolution rather than a leap.
Today, Aston Bridal is an Australian bridal label with two studios across the country (Sydney & Burleigh Heads) designing for what Miranda describes as the modern bride.
“The ASTON bride is someone who loves fashion, values craftsmanship, prioritises customisation and isn’t afraid to do things a little differently.”
Whether it’s a custom gown or a statement mini dress (which the brand has become widely known for), Aston designs are about confidence, individuality, and feeling completely yourself.
Why Aston Bridal Became Known for Bridal Mini Dresses
The bridal mini wasn’t a trend Aston Bridal followed, it was something they helped create.
“The mini dress felt organic for us,” Miranda explains. “I designed my own mini for my second look, which went on to become the first dress for the brand, and our best seller for a long time.”
At the time, very few bridal brands were offering short wedding dresses that actually felt bridal. Brides could find white dresses, sure, but they often lacked intention, craftsmanship, or that special something.
“Brides wanted pieces that felt expressive and fun, but still undeniably bridal.” Miranda told me.
As modern brides became more confident and less bound by tradition, Aston Bridal’s design language evolved with them featuring bolder silhouettes, intentional detailing, and designs rooted in personality rather than rules.
Why Brides Are Choosing a Mini Dress for Their Second Look
If there’s one word that kept coming up in our conversation, it was freedom.
“Second looks are about freedom,” Miranda says. “After the ceremony, brides want to let go, dance, hug people, move easily without sacrificing style or that bridal feeling.”
An Aston mini isn’t just an outfit change, it’s a shift in energy.
“It’s almost like a punctuation mark to the day.”
Many brides choose a mini dress to show a side of themselves they didn’t want to bring down the aisle: playful, daring, expressive.
That contrast between ceremony and celebration is part of what makes the second look feel so powerful.
Custom vs Ready-to-Wear Bridal Minis: What to Consider
One of the most common questions brides ask is whether to go custom or ready-to-wear, and Miranda’s answer is refreshingly practical.
“It really comes down to timeline and process.”
Choose custom if:
• You want deeply personal details
• You’re petite or tall and want perfect proportions
• You want a design that reflects your venue or personality
Choose ready-to-wear if:
• You love an existing silhouette
• You want a streamlined planning experience
• You want fewer decisions during wedding planning
“Our ready to wear pieces are designed with the same level of detail and intention,” Miranda explains. “Sometimes one less decision to make is gold.”
How to Style a Bridal Mini Dress So It Feels Elevated (Not Just Short)
Styling is everything when it comes to a bridal mini and Miranda is all about intentional balance.
“Elevation comes from the details,” she says. “A strong shoe moment, a veil or bow, gloves, or a sentimental accessory.”
Some of her favourite pairings include:
• Statement heels
• Soft veils
• Pearl or lace gloves (Aston actually have matching gloves for several of their bridal minis!)
Keeping the look cohesive ensures it feels fashion-forward and bridal, rather than casual. It’s also where personal style really shines.
“Thinking about how you want the rest of your day to feel will help elevate the entire look.”
When to Start the Process for a Custom Aston Bridal Piece
If you’re considering custom, timing matters, but it doesn’t need to be stressful.
Miranda recommends:
• 6 months for a custom mini
• 8–12 months for a custom gown
The process begins with a consultation where Aston Bridal takes into account your venue, your vision, and how you want to feel on the day.
“It’s collaborative, deeply personal, and designed to be enjoyable, not overwhelming.”
They’ve also refined their process to work seamlessly with brides all over the world, which is something I know destination brides will appreciate.
Where Bridal Fashion Is Heading Next
From a designer’s perspective, Miranda is excited by one thing above all else: individuality.
“Bridal is becoming less about tradition or rules and more about self-expression.”
Looking ahead, she predicts:
• Shorter hemlines
• Modular pieces
• Sustainable, re-wearable designs
• Looks that transition across the wedding weekend and beyond
And honestly? I’m here for all of it.
The Feeling Aston Bridal Wants Every Bride to Have
When I asked Miranda what she hopes a bride feels the moment she puts on an Aston mini, her answer was immediate.
“I want her to feel so good that she never wants to take it off.”
Confidence, yes, but also ease, joy, and fun.
Brides often tell her they’ve never danced more, never felt more beautiful, and never received more compliments than when they’re wearing their Aston mini. I can attest to this personally, choosing the Penny Mini to wear for my first dance and dancefloor.
“Often their partner tells them it was their favourite look of the entire day.”
That says everything.
Miranda’s Favourite Bridal Mini (If She Had to Choose)
Choosing a favourite design isn’t easy. For Miranda, it’s often the brides themselves that stay with her most.
But there are certain designs that mark milestones for the brand:
The Miranda Mini, Jac, Darbi, Elise, and IVY.
“They represent proud moments for Aston Bridal, creatively and emotionally.”
What’s Next for Aston Bridal in 2026?
2026 marks four years of Aston Bridal, and Miranda hints that it’s going to be a big one.
They’re pushing construction boundaries, drawing inspiration from high-end historical elements, and expanding what they call a total Aston wardrobe: brides returning for multiple looks across their wedding celebrations.
“Knowing they loved the experience enough to do it again means everything to us.”
Final Thoughts
As a wedding photographer, I see first-hand how powerful it is when a bride feels truly herself. Aston Bridal isn’t about trends, it’s about confidence, intention, and unforgettable energy.
And if you’re dreaming of a second look that lets you move, dance, and celebrate fully?
An Aston Bridal mini might just be your moment.
Planning Your Wedding? I’d Love to Photograph It.
I’m Emma, a wedding and elopement photographer based in Melbourne and travelling worldwide. My approach is calm and intentional. I work with couples who want their day to feel as beautiful as it looks, without pressure or performative moments.
Photography, for me, is about more than capturing a day. It’s about giving you space to be present in it.
I only take on a limited number of weddings each year so I can give each couple the attention and care they deserve.
If that sounds like the kind of experience you’re after, I’d love to hear from you.
Let’s capture the wedding photos you’ve always dreamed of!
Click here to get in touch or let’s book a time to chat.
With love,
Emma x
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