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A tea-length wedding dress is one that we think of for a civil ceremony at City Hall or a retro-inspired wedding day look and for a good reason. The classic short wedding-dress silhouette has a storied history and is synonymous with one very famous bride: Audrey Hepburn! This is all thanks to her designer relationships with Hubert de Givenchy and Pierre Balmain. When thinking of a tea-length wedding dress, it’s almost impossible not to picture the actress in her iconic bridal costume from the film Funny Face, where she wore Givenchy’s bateau-necked tea-length creation. Or, her real-life tea-length wedding dress by Balmain, which featured a high-neck and voluminous sleeves. Both looks were instant classics from their inception, and now, the tea-length wedding dress is one that’s ideal for modern brides craving a slightly more casual, but still-classic wedding day look.
Tea-length wedding dresses most often feature a full skirt, nipped waist, and feminine detailing like lace, embroidery, or bows. There are also impeccably-cut versions with an ultra-minimal look to them. We love this if you’re the type of bride who wants to embrace the traditional look of a tea-length dress, but with modern flair à la Zoë Kravitz’s sleek Alexander Wang creation. Or, you can interpret the look with a slightly more modern edge and choose a style that still hits below the knee (ideally at mid-calf or just above the ankle) but features a different cut or silhouette (slimmer skirts and more minimal designs fall into this category). To make this type of modern tea-length wedding dress look a little more traditional, consider adding in a tea-length veil as Audrey Hepburn did with her Givenchy wedding dress (it was completed with an adorable wee bow!), or classic accessories like gloves, timeless pumps, or an elegant pair of flats.
Ahead, keep scrolling for 26 tea-length wedding dresses for every bridal aesthetic from budget-friendly versions to designer styles.
With a lace-up pair of heels or flats, you can channel the vibe even more.
This tea-length dress is proof that sheer can be oh-so-elegant. We love the pattern of the glistening sequins and layers of frothy tulle.
Featuring a plunging neckline, pleated bodice, and heart-shaped appliques, this tea-length wedding dress is modern and feminine. Style it with a pair of pumps for a super-romantic
We can picture this modern lace dress on a springtime bride with a taste for modern classics.
An ultra-modern interpretation of the tea-length wedding dress, this plissé style is minimal and sleek. The high neckline lends itself to swept-back hair and a gorgeous statement earring for your special day.
For more of a unique take on feminine style, we love the lace patchwork detailing on this tea-length wedding dress. Meticulous bead detailing along the bodice and the skirt makes this above-the-ankle style feel extra special.
We love this sleek slip for the modern minimalist craving a cropped silhouette. It’s not technically a tea-length wedding dress
Sweet as ever, this cap sleeve, tea-length wedding dress features beautiful lace appliques, pearl beading, and an illusion neckline. An elegant choice for the retro-loving bride
We adore this tea-length wedding dress as a modern take on an all-over lace. With a sweetheart neckline and A-line skirt, it’s an ultra-flattering silhouette for any bride.
For the bride on a budget, this short lace wedding dress is another modern interpretation of a timeless tea-length silhouette. Voluminous off-the-shoulder sleeves and fishtail hem create a modern and feminine look that’s still reminiscent of the 1950’s shape.
For a super-sleek tea-length wedding dress look. Featuring a supportive boned bodice, it perfectly highlights the waist while flowing out beautifully into a full skirt.
This strapless tea-length wedding dress is whimsical and fresh for a spring or summer wedding. It’s made for ultra-feminine brides craving embroidery and appliques.
With a sleek, this peplum midi dress is incredibly sophisticated. It’s our pick for the vintage-loving bride who’s after a chic, sleek, and retro look.
For the summer bride who is looking for romance and whimsy, this tea-length wedding dress is perfection. It’s perfect for a garden wedding with delicate sandals and a light-as-air veil.
For the casual, vintage-loving bride, this simple slip dress is a delicate interpretation of a classic tea-length silhouette. Though it’s relaxed, details like the sweetheart neckline, tie straps, and lace trim detailing make it feel unique for a wedding.
With flouncy sleeves and beautiful lace embroidery, this A-line dress is a fresh take on a tea-length silhouette. Pair it with strappy sandals and delicate jewelry for a summer wedding.
We can picture this tea-length wedding dress in the Italian countryside. Cut from a delicate sheer fabric, you can easily have it lined for more coverage.
For the ultra-modern bride, this structural dress is utterly striking. With clean, architectural lines and unique seams, we love it with minimal accessories, so the dress remains the focal point.
With a high-low hem, this lace 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.
Another ballet-inspired style, this short lace wedding dress is delicate and sweet. It’s the perfect blend of vintage and modern, with a slimmer skirt that’s a touch more casual.
For the bride looking to make a statement with her tea-length wedding dress, look no further than this voluminous design. Three-dimensional floral appliques line this strapless silhouettes with a boned bodice and an ultra-voluminous skirt that references the ‘80s.
We love this embroidered and cut-out silhouette for the unconventional beach bride seeking out a tea-length wedding dress. With so much design factor, it’s effortlessly chic with a pair of earrings and bare feet.
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