Whether you adore Audrey Hepburn’s Givenchy outfit in “Funny Face” or you’re having a ceremony with a small number of friends, a tea-length silhouette is a timeless choice for any bride. These gowns hit anywhere below the knee or above the ankle and look marvelous in any season and at any age. Grab your bouquet and a veil—here are the different types of tea-length wedding dresses for your special day.
1. Vintage Dresses
A vintage tea-length dress is a flattering option for any bride. As timeless as they come, this gown looks perfect with long sleeves or none at all, hitting just below the knee or mid-calf. Opt for a boatneck or a 3/4 sleeve for the ultimate retro feel without looking dated or out of fashion. Complete the look with a small veil or fascinator and a cute updo.
Lace Dresses
A mermaid silhouette, A-line, or sheath design all look magnificent walking down the aisle, and delicate lace is the finishing touch to this stunning look. From vintage to modern lace wedding dress styles, they’re a beautiful alternative to the traditional silk or chiffon gown. If you prefer small elements of the dainty fabric, opt for the dress with lace sleeves. These gowns are timeless, and you’ll look back on your photos and smile.
2. Dresses with Sleeves
When the temperature drops or you prefer to cover up, you can’t go wrong with a dress with sleeves. Get an embellished gown with nude inserts across the chest or an off-shoulder style with lace sleeves. No matter what you choose, you will be the most beautiful bride that ever existed.
3. A-Line Dresses
Classic in design and timeless in style, these A-line wedding dresses are perfect for any bride. Simple, flirty and cute, they’re an ideal combination of high fashion and elegance. Emphasize the waist by choosing a strapless corset gown, or create a modern twist with long sleeves and a high collar. There are no rules with this gown; it’s all about how you rock it!
4. Simple Dresses
Float down the aisle in a simple elegant wedding dress. Minimalist styles without lace, embroidery, and trims focus the attention on the craftsmanship, tailoring, and the bride. If you’re afraid it’s too plain, complete the look with sparkling accessories or a veil – this piece gives you the freedom to accessorize as much as you like.
5. Casual Dresses
Tie the knot in a relaxed and chic casual wedding dress. Whether big events aren’t your thing, or you’re having a ceremony with a small group of friends and family, you can still make a statement without going too far. While maintaining a bridal feel, choose a tea length piece with a laid back style, but opt for colours such as white, pastel pink or champagne. This way you’ll still look ready for a wedding, without the hassle.
6. Off the Shoulder Dresses
Show off your swan-like neck and ample décolletage in an off-the-shoulder gown. The tea length silhouette perfectly complements the flirty top and creates an hourglass shape. This feminine and flirty style is timeless and perfect for any bride and doesn’t show too much skin. Opt for an A-line skirt for an optimum retro feel, or stick to a tight-fitting bottom half for an elegant and modern twist.
7. Strapless Dresses
Feel like a princess for a day in a stunning strapless gown. This elegant and feminine neckline looks magical on everyone and is the perfect option for a bride. Combined with a tea-length silhouette you’ve got yourself an immaculate wedding dress. Opt for a plain fabric for a modern style, or cinch your waist in by wearing a garment with the A-like skirt.
8. Tulle Dresses
Unleash your inner Prima Ballerina with a tulle wedding dress. This silhouette is perfect for a vintage-inspired gown and makes any bride feel instantly glamorous. Whether you want to look ethereal or like you’ve come out of the ’60s movie, it’s a stylish choice that will last the test of time. Cover the flouncy fabric with lace or silk, or let the beauty of the skirt shine by keeping it out. This is perfect for showcasing your spinning skills on the dance floor, so have some fun with it!
9. 1950s Tea Dresses
The tea-length dress is a ‘50s classic. After the Dior New Look in 1947, this silhouette catapulted itself into mainstream fashion. The shorter style puts a modern twist on the traditional gown but still looks funky enough to be seen during the Golden Age of Hollywood. With full A-like skirts, boatneck, and Peter Pan collars, this era allows the bride to go all out while still looking flirty and stylish. Wear the gown with classic stilettos, a sleek updo, and a pair of gloves for the ultimate retro fantasy.
10. ¾ Sleeve Tea Dress
Add a subtle modern twist to the tea-length wedding dress with 3/4 sleeves. A mix between short and long, it’s an easy way to keep the top half of your arm hidden without looking matronly. When combined with a nipped-in waist and a mid-length silhouette, you’ve got a recipe for a beautiful gown that will keep the compliments coming your way.
11. Dresses for Older Brides
Embrace your beauty at any age in one of these magnificent gowns. Unlike the traditional wedding dress, this silhouette offers a casual feel to a classic design and works in any season. Cover your arms with 3/4 or full-length sleeves, or show off your shapely shoulders in a boat neck. Flatter your mid-section by creating an hourglass shape with the A-line skirt – let the bottom hit just above your ankles for a demure and elegant style. If you don’t wish to wear white, choose a cream or champagne tone for a nuptial aura.
12. Beaded Dresses
Let the light hit you in all the right places with a beaded gown. Whether you’re getting married in broad daylight or under candlelight, you’ll shine like a million stars in this ethereal tea-length dress. Inspire future brides by choosing a gown with bare shoulders and an A-line skirt – this modern take on the traditional frock is sure to get people talking. This is a stunning option for the lady who wants more than one outfit for the day. The dance floor will beg for your attention in a piece this stunning.
13. Floral Dresses
Leave your bouquet at home and wear the flowers on your gown on your wedding day. From a small collection of flora across the skirt or a bunch located on your shoulder, there is a perfect dress for you. Ideal for the warmer seasons, opt for an A-line skirt or a sheath style dress and combine lace and the blossoms to put a casual twist on the feminine piece.
14. Plus Size Dresses
It’s your big day; why not look like a superstar in a plus size wedding dress,? Create an instant hourglass shape by choosing an A-line dress. Long sleeves flatter your arms and elongate your legs in a skirt that hits mid-calf. Channel your inner retro goddess in a ’50s-inspired gown and vintage hairstyle and feel like a queen for a day!
Tea Length Dresses FAQs
Why is it called a tea-length dress?
A tea-length dress stops somewhere below the knee and above the ankle and is given this name because it is something that a woman may have worn to tea in the 1920s. It is a fantastic alternative to full-length dresses and can be incredibly flattering for women of all ages and body shapes. It is also a nice choice for warmer months.
Are tea-length wedding dresses in style?
Tea-length wedding dresses are a delightful alternative to ball gowns and full-skirt dresses and have a particularly feminine feel to them. They are the perfect choice for summer months and can be worn to formal occasions, including weddings, when dressed up. In general, they are not as smart as some other wedding dress styles, so that it would be great for an outdoor ceremony or a more rustic or vintage-themed day.
Are tea-length wedding dresses flattering?
Tea-length wedding dresses are definitely flattering, as the point where they stop allows you to show off a little skin without showing too much. This can be a very feminine choice. You can choose a dress with sleeves or without and embrace a wide range of different styles, from vintage-inspired pieces to something a little more modern.
How to style a tea-length dress?
Classic pumps or open-toed shoes tend to complement tea-length dresses, and, depending on the theme of your wedding, you may want to opt for a cute updo and pretty, natural makeup.

Alexandra Feiam is an experienced fashion writer who holds a degree in journalism. She has an impressive portfolio and expertise working as the Editor at Power Retail and Commercial Content Editor at Newscorp. Ally has been writing for The TrendSpotter since 2018, and her work has been featured in notable publications such as The Herald Sun, Arirang TV South Korea, Kidspot, The House of Wellness, and The Daily Telegraph.
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