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, there's a tea-length look that is suitable for any type of celebration — and it's sure to make your big day memorable.

When shopping for a tea-length gown, consider the silhouette, materials, cost, and overall quality. To help you find your dream dress, we've researched and selected the best options available with these features in mind. From simple yet elegant frocks to stand-out designer styles, we've got every season, style, and budget covered.

Read on for the best tea-length wedding dresses.

Our Top Picks

Best A-Line:

DB Studio Satin V-neck Tea-Length A-line Dress at David's Bridal

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Best Off-the-Shoulder:

Halfpenny London Kelly Off-the-Shoulder Satin Midi Dress at Net-a-Porter

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Best High-Low:

Lace & Beads Bridal Asymmetric Gown at Asos

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Best Lace:

Markarian Bridal Apple White Lace Dress with Bow at Markarian-nyc.com

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Best Lace:

Self-Portrait White Abstract Guipure Dress at Net-a-Porter

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Balletcore-Inspired :

Bronx and Banco Mademoiselle Bridal Dress at Revolve

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Best Cutouts:

A.L.C. Delfina Asymmetric One-Shoulder Dress at Net-a-Porter

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Best Slip Style:

Galvan London Pandora Satin Halterneck Midi Dress at Net-a-Porter

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Best Metallic Option:

Erdem Dorinda Embellished Dress at Net-a-Porter

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Best for a Garden Wedding:

Monique Lhuillier Floral-Embroidered Tulle Cocktail Dress at Bergdorfgoodman.com

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DB Studio Satin V-Neck Tea-Length A-Line Dress

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: $300

Halfpenny London Kelly Off-the-Shoulder Satin Midi Dress

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

Lace & Beads Bridal asymmetric bust maxi gown

ASOS

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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: $134

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

Self-Portrait

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

Bronx and Banco Mademoiselle Bridal Dress

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

A.L.C. Delfina Asymmetric One-Shoulder Dress

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

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

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

Monique Lhuillier Floral-Embroidered Tulle Cocktail Dress

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

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

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

Azazie

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: $389

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

Katie May Come On Home Twisted Strapless Midi-Dress

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

Norma Kamali Halter Turtle Side Slit Gown

Revolve

View On Revolve View On Revolve

Size Range: XXS-XL | Material: Polyester, Spandex | Shipping: Free shipping | Return Policy: Free returns

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

Price at time of publish: $158

Zimmermann Devi Lace Long-Sleeve Midi Dress

Saks Fifth Avenue

View On Bergdorfgoodman.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue

Size Range: 0-12 | Material: Cotton, Nylon | Shipping: Free standard shipping | Return Policy: Full refund within 30 days

Traditional brides will love this classic lace number, featuring a high, round neckline, long sleeves, and allover lace. Its feminine design would look gorgeous at a courthouse ceremony or an intimate garden wedding.

Price at time of publish: $950

What to Look for in a Tea-Length Wedding Dress

Silhouette

It's all about 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, such as the Halfpenny London Kelly Off-the-Shoulder Satin Midi Dress. 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.

Material

Once you decide on a silhouette that will work best for you, consider the various materials to choose from. Allover lace designs make for an ultra-romantic look, such as the Zimmermann Devi Lace Midi Dress. Going for a bridal ensemble that's simple yet sleek? Opt for a silk slip dress that's timeless and versatile.

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.

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