What Are Tea Length Dresses?

Tea length wedding dresses were popularized in the 1950s and 1960s. Often falling slightly below the knee, tea length dresses were a favorite amongst women of the time. Mimicking the dresses of the 1950s, tea length wedding dresses have skirts that flare out and tighter bodices. Elbow length sleeves were also a popular feature of tea length wedding dresses in the 1950s; however, not all tea length dresses need ¾ length sleeves. 

Can You Wear A Tea Length Wedding Dress Today? 

Absolutely! These dresses may not be as popular as they were in the 1950s, but they are still stylish and even classic. Tea length dresses are often less expensive than traditional wedding dresses due to using less material, and many well-known brands carry tea length wedding dresses like David’s Bridal. Plus, they are great if you have a pair of wedding heels you want to show off, and are easier to dance in over a full-length gown. Just make sure to incorporate some 1950s love songs onto your wedding playlist to match the vibe of your dress!

What Shoes Should You Wear with a Tea Length Dress?

Tea length wedding dresses are different in the fact that they allow you to show off your wedding shoes! Shoes you can pair with a tea length wedding dress: 

• Heels: style a simple pair of white heels, a bold colored heel, or a bright and shiny glittery heel.
• Flats: stay comfortable with a pair of flats. Wear a white pair to match your dress or style a shimmery pair for extra sparkle. 
• Converse: show off your beloved kicks whether they are white or rainbow. 
• Crocs: although not a typical pairing, let your spunkiness shine through with some wedding day Crocs. Style some more with diamond Jibbitz, and spell out words like “Wife” & “Mrs.” with letter Jibbitz. 
• Cowboy Boots: if you’re having a rustic wedding, then a pair of white cowboy boots are the perfect pairing for your tea length wedding dress

What Body Type Should Wear a Tea Length Wedding Dress?

Any body type can wear a tea length wedding dress, but due to the cut of the gown pear shapes may find that the dress is most appealing on their stature. With a cut-in at the waist and a flare out right below, tea length dresses accentuate tiny waists and cover wide hips. 

Where Can You Find Tea Length Wedding Dresses?

As we mentioned above, popular brands make and carry tea length wedding dresses like David’s Bridal, JJ’s House, and more! If you are looking for that true vintage feel you may be able thrift an original tea length dress from the 1950s as well! Thrifting a tea length wedding dress may help you to check off the “something old” and “something borrowed” wedding boxes too!