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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.
Best Off-the-Shoulder
Halfpenny London Kelly Off-the-Shoulder Satin Midi Dress
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Courtesy of 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
Best A-Line
DB Studio Satin V-Neck Tea-Length A-Line Dress
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Courtesy of 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
Balletcore-Inspired
Bronx and Banco Mademoiselle Bridal Dress
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Courtesy of 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
Best High-Low
Lace & Beads Bridal Asymmetric Gown
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Courtesy of 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
Best Pearl Detailing
Oleg Cassini Cap Sleeve Illusion Wedding Dress
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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
Best Cutouts
A.L.C. Delfina Asymmetric One-Shoulder Dress
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Courtesy of 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
Best Lace
Self-Portrait White Abstract Guipure Dress
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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
Most Modern
Danielle Frankel Adrienne Dress
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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
Best Slip Style
Galvan London Pandora Satin Halterneck Midi Dress
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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
Best Metallic Option
Erdem Dorinda Embellished Dress
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Courtesy of 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
Best Lace
Markarian Bridal Apple White Lace Dress with Bow
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Courtesy of Markarian
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
Best for a Garden Wedding
Monique Lhuillier Floral-Embroidered Tulle Cocktail Dress
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Courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman
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
For a City Bride
Chloé Lace-Up Piqué Midi Dress
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Courtesy of 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
Best Strapless
Lela Rose Bridal The Beaufort
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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
For a Summer Wedding
Azazie Azul BG
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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
Best Feather Details
ELLIATT Harley Dress
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Courtesy of 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
Best Bodice
Katie May Come On Home Twisted Strapless Midi-Dress
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Courtesy of 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.
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.