We couldn’t help but notice that mini dresses are having a major moment! Short wedding dresses used to be reserved for courthouse weddings or as an outfit change for the reception, but women today are breaking the bridal mold when it comes to their ceremony attire. From feminine ballerina styles to chic short sheaths, a short or tea-length wedding dress can be a fashionable, and more affordable, option for brides looking to make a statement. Here are some trending short wedding dress designs of 2024.

Short A-line Wedding Dress

A-line wedding dresses are one of the most popular silhouettes when it comes to long wedding dresses, and the same can be said when it comes to their short counterparts. Short A-line wedding dresses follow the traditional shape of the silhouette, with a fitted bodice and a skirt that flares out at the natural waist. This style comes in all fabrics and can be paired with any neckline or sleeve style for a totally versatile wedding day look. One of our favorite short A-line wedding dresses is Lesley, style 12602. This mini dress feels like a classic with its strapless, sweetheart neckline and pleated A-line skirt. The draped cowl detail on the neckline and subtle corsetry of the bodice make this short wedding dress feel fashion-forward and we love the delicate radiance of the satin fabric. For our lace lovers, there’s our Lana Wedding Dress, style 12601. Romantic, with a touch of tradition, this short A-line wedding gown has gorgeous allover embroidery, from the illusion, high neck bodice to the flared circle skirt. The long sleeves give the dress an elegant feel, but the best part is the open keyhole back. 

Short Ballerina Wedding Dress

Ballerinas are viewed as individuals with grace and poise. They have an elegance that many women want to embody on their wedding day with a ballerina wedding dress. Ballet dresses are known for their skirts, or tutus, which are composed of layers of delicate fabric that float off the body and are paired with a form-fitting bodice. The style of ballerina dresses we know and love today comes from the Romantic movement in the 18th century, which put an emphasis on imagination and emotions, so it’s no surprise to us the short ballerina wedding dresses are so swoon-worthy! Our Libby Wedding Dress, style 12604 perfectly embodies the romantic and graceful nature of a short ballerina wedding dress. The strapless bodice is sheer, revealing the structured boning underneath, with a delicately draped tulle overlay. Iridescent pearl beading pops for a subtle sparkle, cascading down to the flounced tulle skirt, which gives us total tutu vibes. If you’re looking for a short ballerina dress that has a bit more drama, then meet Lourdes, style 12609. This mini wedding dress feels right out of Swan Lake with its frilled feather skirt that offers dimension and movement. The sleek, satin fitted bodice features contoured seaming with a romantic sweetheart neckline and a lace-up corset back. 

Short Sheath Wedding Dress

Sheath gowns are considered sleek and stylish, with a fitted quality that beautifully skims your body. This silhouette can be both timeless and trendy, so we can totally see why brides love short sheath wedding dresses. If you love a classic look, then Leah, style 12603 is the dress for you. This vintage-inspired sheath mini dress has a strapless, cuffed neckline on a boned bodice for extra definition and a dainty bow to define your waist. Buttons down the back are a timeless touch for a short wedding dress we can picture at a chic courthouse wedding or even a traditional ceremony. Lola, style 12608 is a short sheath wedding dress that’s perfect for our maximalist brides! The glam mini glitters in allover sequined net fabric with a modest neckline and long sleeves to balance out the short length. As if sparkles weren’t enough, textured feather trim lines the hem of the dress and cuffs the sleeves for an over-the-top short sheath dress.

Short & Tea-Length Wedding Dress FAQs

What is a tea-length wedding dress?

A tea-length wedding dress is a gown with a skirt that falls below the knee but does not hit the floor. Tea-length came into popularity in the late 1800s when women were looking for more comfortable, yet formal, gowns to wear to social events. The name itself is said to come from the type of events that women of the time wore this to—high tea. The style grew in popularity, and by the 1920s, women were wearing tea-length dresses for practically all activities and occasions, including wedding dresses!

How long is a tea-length wedding dress?

Tea-length wedding dresses can fall anywhere between the knee and the ankle. The traditional tea-length dresses fell closer to the ankle, for modesty, but as the decades continued the hemline grew shorter. Now, the hem of a modern tea-length wedding dress is anywhere from 3-5 inches below the knee.

Is it OK to wear a short wedding dress?

We at Morilee feel a bride should always wear what they are most comfortable in, but some may be wondering if it’s really okay to wear a short wedding dress. Our answer is absolutely yes! While short wedding dresses may be a more unconventional choice, they are still appropriate for a wedding. If you love a short dress, but think it’d be better for the reception, consider pairing it with an overskirt for the ceremony. A style like Maxine, 2556 is the perfect choice for our brides who are indecisive or worried about picking between short and long wedding dresses. Maxine is a unique mini dress with romantic three-dimensional floral lace over shimmering sparkle tulle. The detachable overskirt features matching lace appliqués and totally changes the silhouette, giving you two looks in one. 

What are the pros of wearing a short wedding dress?

If you’re considering wearing a short wedding dress you might be going through the pros and cons of the style. We can tell you that we think the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Firstly, cost. Less fabric tends to equal less money, so a short wedding dress will leave some extra money in your pocket to spend on other aspects of your wedding. Our budget-conscious brides may want to opt for a short wedding dress. Another pro is mobility. Depending on the silhouette, floor-length wedding dresses can often be cumbersome with lots of fabric and embellishments weighing you down. Many brides even bustle their wedding dresses after the ceremony to make it easier to move in. With a short wedding dress, you won’t experience any of these problems. These effortless styles will let you dance the night away with ease, without any of the discomforts that many come with a long dress. Lastly, wearability. Your traditional wedding dress is usually a one-and-done kind of outfit. You wear it once at your wedding and then it sits in a closet for years to come. With a short wedding dress, you’ll probably have other occasions where you can don your dress again. Whether it’s a work event, a formal affair, or even an upscale birthday party, depending on the style of your dress you’ll be able to wear your short wedding dress again.

What are the cons of wearing a short wedding dress?

There are some cons to consider when deciding to wear a short dress to your wedding. The strongest one is that it goes against tradition. Even though you might think yourself an untraditional bride, there’s always the chance that down the line you may regret going against the grain with a short wedding dress. And even if you’re confident in your choice, there may be strong opinions from family and friends on what you should wear. This can definitely cause extra tension and stress that no bride wants when planning a wedding. Also, with short wedding dresses being less common, your style selections may be more limited. Finding your dream wedding dress might be more difficult, and you’re less likely to be able to try on short wedding dresses in-store, meaning you can’t have that “say yes” moment with your entourage seeing the dress in person.

Are short and tea-length wedding dresses in style?

While the style may have vintage origins, short wedding dresses are most definitely in style. With the rise of micro-weddings during COVID-19, short wedding dresses became a popular option for these more intimate, laid-back affairs. And even though traditional weddings are back in full swing, short and tea-length wedding dresses have remained a top choice for brides of today. Short wedding dresses have become a chic option for modern brides to celebrate their day in style!

What accessories can I wear with a tea-length wedding dress?

The accessory options are endless with short wedding dresses. Unlike with long gowns, your shoes will be on display, so this is the perfect opportunity to do something that really shows off your personality. Whether it’s a pop of color, all about the sparkle, or even something funky like a platform sneaker, a fun shoe is a great way to accessorize your short wedding dress. If you opt for a more simple style, consider a bold accessory like an oversized bow. Something like our Larissa Satin Bow is an elegant and feminine way to make a statement in your short dress. Of course, you can never go wrong with a classic veil. Wearing a veil to your short or tea-length wedding dress can add that touch of tradition you might otherwise be missing. Whether you choose a fingertip-length to keep the whole look short and sweet or you opt for the grand look of a cathedral-length veil to balance out the mini dress, this accessory can help complete your wedding day vision.

Short and Tea-Length Wedding Dresses Near You

Ready to find your perfect short wedding dress? Book an appointment at one of our incredible retailers for an unforgettable in-person shopping experience.