Are tea-length wedding dresses too informal for a wedding?

Absolutely not! Tea-length wedding dresses are appropriate for any type of wedding because, as the bride, what you say goes. However, these styles are most commonly worn for casual, backyard, semi-formal, and civil ceremonies.

How can I find a tea-length wedding dress?

Many bridal designers offer this style in some of their collections, but they are most commonly found in the ready-to-wear space. Online retailers such as Net-a-Porter, Revolve, and David's Bridal are also great places to search when looking for this type of ensemble.

The 17 Best Tea-Length Wedding Dresses of 2023

bride and groom posing near a lake — Photo by Laura Gordon Photography

A classic tea-length silhouette has a storied history that is synonymous with one very famous bride: Audrey Hepburn! So, when thinking of this bridal style, it's almost impossible to not picture a civil ceremony at City Hall or a retro-inspired wedding day.

Tea-length wedding dresses most often feature a full skirt, nipped waist, and feminine detailing like lace, embroidery, or bows. They're perfect for brides who want to embrace traditional aesthetics, with a modern flair, or for those searching for a minimal and casual ensemble. Regardless of your style preferences, though, there's a tea-length look that is suitable for any type of celebration, and one that is sure to make your big day memorable.

Read on for the best tea-length wedding dresses available to shop now, from budget-friendly versions to designer styles.

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Size Range: UK6-16 | Material: Satin | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Full refund within 28 days

For the ultra-modern bride, this body-hugging dress is utterly striking. With clean, architectural lines, we see it being paired with minimal accessories so the dress remains the focal point.

Price at time of publish: $2,815

Courtesy of David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

Size Range: 0-14 | Material: Satin | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Full refund within 7 days

We can picture this tea-length wedding dress from DB Studio in the Italian countryside or along the Amalfi Coast. Cut from a luxurious fabric, it's the perfect piece for a special bride.

Price at time of publish: $269.96

Courtesy of Revolve

View On Revolve

Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Poly, elastane | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

We love the ballerina feel of the tea-length wedding dress. With a lace-up pair of heels or flats, you can channel the vibe even more. Done in an eye-catching sequin, pearl and bead embellished mesh fabric, Bronx and Banco "Mademoiselle" dress makes for the perfect New Year's Eve wedding ensemble.

Price at time of publish: $805

Lace & Beads Bridal asymmetric bust maxi gown in ivory

Courtesy of ASOS

View On Asos

Size Range: 2-12 | Material: Tulle, netting | Shipping: Free on orders $49.99+; $7 flat rate on orders less than $49.99 | Return policy: Full refund within 28 days

With a high-low hem, this tulle dress brings a sweet and modern feel to the timeless tea-length shape. We love it for an outdoor summer wedding venue like a vineyard, farm, or garden.

Price at time of publish: $133.65

Oleg Cassini Cap Sleeve Illusion Wedding Dress $639.20, was $799

View On David's Bridal

Size Range: 0-14 | Material: Corded lace, beading | Shipping: Shipping rates vary| Return policy: Full refund within 7 days

Sweet as ever, this cap sleeve, tea-length wedding dress features beautiful lace appliqués, pearl beading, and an illusion neckline. An elegant choice for the retro-loving bride.

Price at time of publish: $449.99

white asymmetric one-shoulder cutout plissÃ©-satin midi dress

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Size Range: 0-14 | Material: Plissé-satin | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return Policy: Free returns accepted within 28 days

For a super elegant tea-length wedding dress look, this design by A.L.C. is beyond stunning. Featuring an asymmetrical hemline and side bodice cutouts, it perfectly highlights the waist while flowing out beautifully into a full skirt. We love this dress for the bride who appreciates architectural silhouettes and unexpected details.

Price a time of publish: $695

Self-Portrait' Grosgrain-Trimmed Guipure Lace Midi Dress $530

View On Net-a-Porter View On Self-portrait.com

Size Range: 0-10 | Material: Floral guipure | Shipping: Free shipping for all U.S. orders | Return policy: Full refund within 14 days

Crafted from gorgeous floral lace, we can't help but picture this Self Portrait dress on a springtime bride with a taste for modern classics. With a pair of matching white pumps, it’s refined yet feminine for civil ‘I dos.’

Price a time of publish: $540

View On Net-a-Porter

Size Range: 0-8 | Material: Plissé-satin | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return Policy: Free returns accepted within 28 days

An ultra-modern interpretation of the tea-length wedding dress, this plissé style is minimal and sleek. The high neckline and eye-catching open-back calls for swept-back hair and gorgeous statement earrings for your special day.

Price at time of publish: $1,495

Galvan London Pandora Satin Halterneck Midi Dress

Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Size Range: FR34-44 | Material: Satin (00% polyester) | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return Policy: Free returns accepted within 28 days

We love this sleek slip for the modern minimalist craving a cropped silhouette. The halter neck also channels Meghan Markle vibes, for those throwing a royal-inspired bash. Wear yours with delicate personal jewelry and matching satin mules.

Price a time of publish: $1,295

embellished metallic Chantilly lace midi dress

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Size Range: UK6-16 | Material: Metallic Chantilly lace | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return Policy: Free returns accepted within 28 days

Featuring a plunging neckline, pleated bodice, and metallic lace, this tea-length wedding dress is at once modern and feminine. The faux pearl and crystal-embellished straps will highlight your shoulders beautifully while the shimmering fabric will catch the light from every angle. Style it with a pair of pumps for a super-romantic City Hall look.

Price at time of publish: $2,945

Courtesy of Markarian

View On Markarian-nyc.com

Size Range: 0-16 | Material: Lace | Shipping: Made to order; ships in 12-16 weeks | Return policy: Nonreturnable

This tea-length dress is proof that lace is always a stylish choice when it comes to wedding day attire. We love the floral pattern of the fabric and how the fitted corseted bodice and the charming full skirt create a perfectly balanced and undeniably romantic silhouette.

Price a time of publish: $4,795

Courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman

View On Bergdorfgoodman.com

Size Range: 2-12| Material: Tulle | Shipping: Free standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

This exquisite design from Monique Lhuillier feels utterly whimsical and fresh for a spring or summer wedding. It’s crafted from frothy tulle giving it a light and airy look while allover floral embroidery feels particularly fitting for nature-inspired nuptials. The barely-there spaghetti straps ensure that the bodice stays in place without distracting from the elegant neckline.

Price at time of publish: $5,995

Lace-up wool and linen-blend piquÃ© midi dress

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Size Range: FR34-42 | Material: Wool, linen | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Full refund within 28 days

Clean and minimal, but with a vintage twist, this tea-length wedding dress is perfect for a city bride. The silhouette gives it a nostalgic feel while the black lace-up design maintains a contemporary vibe. Wear yours with matching black accressories.

Price at time of publish: $3,690

Lela Rose Bridal The Beaufort Dress, price upon request

View On Lelarose.com

Size Range: Made to order | Material: Guipure lace | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Contact retailer

We adore this tea-length wedding dress as a modern take on all-over lace. With a sweetheart neckline and A-line skirt, it’s an ultra-flattering silhouette for any bride.

Price a time of publish: Price upon request

View On Azazie.com

Size Range: 0-30, custom | Material: Tulle, lace | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days (excluding custom orders)

For the summer bride who is looking for romance and whimsy, this tea-length wedding dress is perfection. It’s ideal for a garden wedding with delicate sandals and a light-as-air veil.

Price at time of publish: $350.10

tea-length white dress with feather trimmed bodice

Courtesy of Revolve

View On Revolve

Size Range: XS-L | Material: Poly | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

With a sleek, City Hall feel, this feather-trimmed midi dress is incredibly sophisticated. It’s our pick for the trendy bride who’s after a chic and modern look.

Price at time of publish: $200

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

View On Saks Fifth Avenue

Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester | Shipping: Free standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

With a playful feel to it, this strapless wedding dress draws upon classic tea-length styles, but through a modern lens. It’s ultra-tailored through the bodice with a full column skirt and twisted bodice detail.

Price at time of publish: $255

What to Look for in a Tea-Length Wedding Dress

It's all about the silhouette when it comes to tea-length wedding dresses. Since these frocks feature a shorter hemline, most of the emphasis will be placed on the actual fit of the piece. For brides who'd like to accentuate their curves, opt for styles that are body-hugging or those that feature a cinched waist. If you'd like something a bit more casual, find a wedding dresses that effortlessly flows from the bodice to the skirt, or a sleek column silhouette.

FAQ

Are tea-length wedding dresses too informal for a wedding?

Absolutely not! Tea-length wedding dresses are appropriate for any type of wedding because, as the bride, what you say goes. However, these styles are most commonly worn for casual, backyard, semi-formal, and civil ceremonies.
How can I find a tea-length wedding dress?

Many bridal designers offer this style in some of their collections, but they are most commonly found in the ready-to-wear space. Online retailers such as Net-a-Porter, Revolve, and David's Bridal are also great places to search when looking for this type of ensemble.

Why Trust Us

Laura Lajiness Kaupke is a writer and editor who covers fashion, accessories, beauty, and fine jewelry for Brides. Her work also appears in ELLE, InStyle, Glamour, Refinery29, POPSUGAR, Well+Good, and Barneys New York.

The 21 Best Short Wedding Dresses for Every Bridal Style and Budget