20 Tea Length Wedding Dresses You'll Love
Whether you're having a vintage theme, are a shorter bride or really want to show off your shoes, tea length wedding dresses are the way forward!
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If you’re looking for a sweet and slightly retro wedding dress, tea length wedding dresses are a good choice.
Easier to wear than a full-length gown, tea length wedding dresses are effortlessly cool. They are also a great option for shoe-addicted brides who can show off their footwear to full effect.
A tea length wedding dress, UK and around the world, will fall below the knee and above the ankle. Originally the hem used to sit just above the ankle, but in modern designs it’s usually mid-calf. You’ll find authentic vintage tea length wedding dresses are a bit longer than more contemporary designs, which you might think of as a midi wedding dress.
Keep reading to discover our pick of 20 of the best tea length wedding dresses, along with expert advice from a wedding dress expert.
Tea Length Wedding Dresses You'll Love: 20 Midi Styles
From simple tea length wedding dresses for elegant and minimalist nearlyweds, to more glamorous designs with patterns, sparkle and intricate detailing - we've got you covered. Whether you're styling for a formal celebration or something more laidback, a shorter wedding dress can be adapted to suit any occasion.
1. Ivory Cameron Midi Dress - Olivia Bottega
This romantic wrap around Cameron wedding dress is effortlessly chic, and even has pockets for the most practical of nearlyweds. We love how this design cuts just above the ankle, making for a gorgeous tea length wedding dress that doesn't compromise on style.
- Sizing: Made to Order
2. Lauriane Ivory Tea Length Dress - RIXO
For a bridal spin in on Rixo's classic Sandrine style, this Lauriane 1930s-esque slip dress features a bias-cut skirt and ties to draw in the waist, making it the perfect tea length wedding dress. UK dress designers at Rixo, good job!
An empire waist is always a timeless style choice, and the delicate shade of champagne satin makes it the perfect off-white gown.
- Sizing: UK 6-20
3. White Taffeta Diamante Midi Dress - Self-Portrait
This timeless midi dress from Self-Portrait is cut from taffeta for a pearlescent sheen, and features a square neckline embellished with a diamante-lined bodice and a full skirt.
Perfect twirling and dancing, this fitted design is perfect for a nearlywed after a bold and modern tea length dress. Don't fancy a white wedding dress? This design also comes in a brilliant shade of pink for more alternatives weddings.
- Sizing: UK 4-16
4. Pearl and Sequin Embellished Midi Dress - ASOS DESIGN
For nearlyweds after a 1950s style wedding dress, this embellished halterneck midi wedding dress from ASOS is a beautiful choice. 1950s bridal dresses are a nod to the flapper girl era, and we can't get enough of it.
This dress is hand embellished, and looks wonderful when paired with a fur jacket in the winter for a retro celebration.
- Sizing: UK 4-18
5. Jacquard Mini Skirt Winnie - Kladek
For a simple yet striking tea length wedding outfit, the Winnie skirt from Kladek is a gorgeous option. Crafted from textured stripey silk jacquard, it cuts an a-line shape and can be styled with their FYNN jacket, or with a matching top of your choice.
- Sizing: UK 6-18
6. Garnita Midi Dress - By Watters
While this design doesn't cut the most traditional tea length skirt, the more fitted silhouette is a favourite amongst many newlyweds. The Garnita design from By Watters is a perfect example of midi dresses for weddings that take the concept of a basic slip dress and elevate it with a pleated sweetheart bodice and a bias cut skirt.
As a finishing touch, the spaghetti straps each boast a delicate bow as a nod to this year's must-have trend.
- Sizing: Made to Order
7. Hebe Daisy Mini Tea Dress - RIXO
Another stunning champagne Jacquard fabric from Rixo, but this time the Hebe style takes the classic tea dress a little bit shorter. Perfect for a more casual ceremony or a garden wedding, midi wedding dresses are just a little bit more flirty and fun than traditional knee length wedding dresses.
Pair with gorgeous gold jewellery and some striking heels, and you're good to go!
- Sizing: UK 6-20
8. Cream Chiffon Pleated Midi Dress - Self-Portrait
Chiffon and tea length skirts are a match made in heaven, and this cream chiffon design from Self-Portrait is a beautiful example of that. The floaty cap sleeves are incredibly elegant, and the silver embellished bow detail across the chest is an exquisite nod to this year's must-have design trend.
Style it with a matching embellished clutch and some metallic heels for a showstopping bridal look. Thanks to the elegant cut, it's also a great example of how - for a mature bride - tea length wedding dresses can be a perfect choice.
- Sizing: UK 4-16
9. Mikol Knit Dress - Reformation
For a classic tea length fit and length, the Mikol knit dress is an ideal choice. Designed to be fitted at the bodice with an A-line skirt, it features a scoop neckline in a thick fabric that contains a touch of Spandex for added stretch.
Cutting clean lines and a structured shape, it's perfect for a modern nearlywed tying the knot during the cooler months.
- Sizing: UK XS-XL
10. Jolie Cotton Eyelet Dress - Veronica Beard
Nothing says "summer wedding" like broderie anglaise, and this Jolie dress from Veronica Beard certainly does it justice. Ideal for a warm day or a garden celebration, this beautifully detailed design flows elegantly just below the knee, creating a flawless silhouette.
Made from 100% cotton, you'll feel cool and calm throughout your big day in this gorgeous design.
- Sizing: UK 2-18
11. Clementine Wedding Dress - Whistles
This Clementine dress from Whistles captures the tea-length trend perfectly. This elegant, off-the-shoulder, knee length wedding dress features a pleated skirt with an elliptical hem, it has a light and feminine feel ideal for spring and summer weddings.
- Sizing: UK 4-16
12. Alouette Dress - Reformation
Make a statement with this bold and beautiful Alouette Dress by Reformation. Designed to be fitted at the bodice with full, A-line skirt falling just below the traditional tea length style, but not quite at full length, it's a modern twist on ballerina length wedding dresses.
Made from a heavyweight, double satin fabric and featuring a sweetheart neckline, it's effortlessly feminine and luxurious to touch.
- Sizing: UK 4-16
13. Mia Mini Dress - Catherine Deane
Balloon sleeves and tea length skirts are a match made in heaven, and this Mia Mini Dress design from Catherine Deane demonstrates that perfectly. Ideal for modern nearlyweds after a shorter tea length style, it's perfect for those who want a non-traditional twist.
- Sizing: UK 4-18
14. Octavia Midi Dress in Ivory - REVOLVE
If you're planning on incorporating gold details into your big day or wedding look, then you'll love this ivory and gold midi tea length Octavia dress from Revolve.
Made from a gorgeous Jacquard fabric, it features a boned bodice for added structure and detachable shoulder straps for a two-way look.
- Sizing: UK XS - XXL
15. Constellation Gloss Ankle Gown - Needle & Thread
Available in two gorgeous shades of champagne and beige, the Constellation Gown from Needle & Thread just touches the ankle, falling in a shimmering haze of celestial sequins and tulle.
The trapeze-shaped silhouette is adorned with crescent moons and shooting stars, and finished with high-shine sequins, tiered tulle frills and voluminous sleeves for a look that is out of this world... literally!
- Sizing: UK 6-22
16. Cowl Fit and Flare Wedding Dress - Coast
An elegant cowl neckline looks great on every nearlywed, and this Cowl Fit Dress from Coast features a flattering shape that hugs the waist. Made of ponte fabric, it achieves a structured fit and falls just below the knee for an elegant finish.
Pair with delicate jewellery and your wedding day shoes for a timeless ensemble.
- Sizing: UK 8-18
17. Taffeta Full Skirt Tailored Midi Dress - Karen Millen
For a truly traditional tea length midi skirt, this tailored Taffeta design from Lydia Millen's collection with Karen Millen is the one for you. Sleek and structured, it achieves an effortlessly modern look without any bells and whistles - ideal for nearlyweds after a sophisticated look.
And if you want to put a spin on the traditional white wedding, it's also available in black!
- Sizing: UK 6-16
18. Thala White Pleated Flared Midi Dress - Miss Rosier
This is such a beautifully elegant interpretation of the classic tea length midi dress design. The Thala dress from Miss Rosier features a pleated flared skirt that finishes just below the knee, a fitted bodice and cap sleeves that fall just on the shoulder.
Composed of Cotton and Spandex, the fit of this dress hugs the body whilst still allowing the skin to breathe, keep you cool and collected all day long.
- Sizing: UK XS - XL
19. ROMY Balloon Sleeve Dress - Kladek
Balloon sleeves are an excellent way to make a statement, particularly if you're styling a less dramatic tea length skirt. The ROMY dress from Kladek is composed of luxurious taffeta, and features a chic roll neck collar and a low cut back for a touch of drama.
The skirt just grazes the ankle, making it a slightly longer interpretation of a classic tea length dress.
- Sizing: 6-16
20. Zarabeth Dress - Ronald Joyce
The Zarabeth dress boasts the popular sweetheart neckline and a shorter tea length skirt circa 1950s wedding dress. All eyes will be on the pearl-embellished bodice which is elegant, unexpected and pretty sexy!
The corset neck bodice features pearl buttons down the back, and the skirt swings playfully with every movement.
- Sizing: Made to Order
Tea Length Wedding Dresses: Expert Advice
We know that dress shopping isn't easy, so here to answer all of your burning questions about mid length bridal dresses are Frida - designer and founder of Kladek, and Molly, dress expert from TDR Bridal - who stock the gorgeous Ronald Joyce dress above, amongst others.
From finding the right shoes to the best boutiques, here's everything they had to say about wedding dresses - knee length and beyond!
What is a Tea Length Wedding Dress?
Frida shares, "“A tea-length wedding dress typically falls between the knee and ankle, offering a playful yet elegant alternative to full-length gowns.”
Meanwhile, Molly explains, "Tea length wedding dresses typically falls between the knee and mid-calf, offering a vintage-inspired look that is both chic and timeless.
"Unlike full-length gowns, tea length and mini dresses give brides a more playful and practical option and also the opportunity to wear your dress again!
"Shorter dresses are becoming more popular from the influence of social media stars as these dresses are more casual especially for outdoor, or non-traditional weddings, allowing brides to embrace elegance with a modern twist while keeping things comfortable."
What Shoes to Wear with a Tea Length Wedding Dress?
“Since the higher hemline puts your shoes in the spotlight", advises Frida, "it’s the perfect opportunity to make a statement.”
Molly shares, "since shorter wedding dresses showcase your shoes, the shoes you choose play a big role in completing the overall look.
"This is exciting to embrace and add your own personal style and it also mean any money you have spent on your footwear… people can see!"
Are Tea Length Wedding Dresses in Style?
“This season we have reimagined the silhouette by elongating the cut to fall at the narrowest point of the ankle", explains Frida. "It's a fresh take on a classic style, ideal for the understated modern bride who wants something timeless yet updated.”
Molly answers, "Yes, tea length wedding dresses are very much in style and continue to be a popular choice among modern brides! The newest Veni Infantino collection offer a stunning range of minis which will be available in store soon!"
Where to Buy Tea Length Wedding Dresses?
Molly shares, "If you’re looking to buy a tea length wedding dress, TDR Bridal Birmingham offer a stunning selection of short wedding dresses.
"We carry a range of options, including ones with sparkle, feathers, 3D details. Our expert team is here to help you find the perfect dress for your special day, whether you’re looking for something timeless or want a bold twist on tradition."
Can You Wear a Midi Dress to a Formal Wedding?
"Tea lengths and minis are increasingly coming into style", Molly reveals, "as brides are looking for dresses which allow more movement for a party. Tea length dresses are particularly popular for city weddings, outdoor weddings, or even as a second dress for the reception.
"Their playful, elegant silhouette is complementary on a variety of body types, and their versatility makes them an appealing choice for today’s bride."
After you’ve chosen your wedding dress, you’ll want to start planning what you’ll do with it after the big day. Check out our guide to selling your wedding dress.
