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20 Short and Tea-Length Wedding Dresses, So You Can Show Off Those Stems

Don’t let the tradition of wearing a floor-length wedding gown keep you from showing off your legs in the dress of your dreams. There are a number of logical reasons to eschew long hemlines, whether you’re worried a full ball gown will overwhelm your petite frame or you feel a four-foot train isn’t fitting for a courthouse. Here, 20 gorgeous short and tea-length wedding dresses to wear on your big (and possibly ankle-baring) day.

RELATED: 35 Unique Wedding Bands That Still Feel Timeless

1. Needle & Thread Honesty Flower Dress

The pink hue of this sequined stunner looks good on every skin tone, but especially those who worry that stark white might wash them out.

Buy it ($519)

Available in sizes 0 to 14

2. By Watters Lynette Gown

The boning and cups in the bustier are sexy, but the full ballerina skirt made from Swiss-dot tulle creates a sweet balance that even Aunt Doris will approve of.

Buy it ($995)

Available in sizes 00 to 18

3. Karen Walker Believer Beaded Gown

The beloved New Zealand designer may have launched her bridal collection just last August, but it has already become a cult favorite for offbeat brides who want something quirky but still tasteful. Like, for example, this high-neck lace stunner complete with a Sia-esque veil.

Buy it ($1,658)

4. Bec & Bridge Piper Asymmetrical Midi Dress

We’re kind of obsessed with the architectural sleeve detail and flowy satin fabric on this Bec & Bridge number. And that thigh-high slit? Yeah, we’ll say “I do” to that.

Buy it ($360)

Available in sizes 2 to 8

5. White by Vera Wang Sequin Plus-Size Mini Dress

Take the eco-friendly approach and rock this sexy sequined mini at your bachelorette, for the last dance on your wedding night and again on New Year’s Eve in 2021.

Buy it ($398)

Available in sizes 16 to 30

6. By Watters Marzia Dress

This strapless number has a beachy silhouette, while the art deco pattern offers a more city-appropriate feel, meaning you’ll look gorgeous no matter where you host your reception.

Buy it ($650)

Available in sizes 0 to 18

7. One33 Eline Dress

The tuxedo scarf–inspired sash will go perfectly with your new hubby’s actual tuxedo (and it will look incredible in photos of you on the dance floor).

Buy it ($265)

Available in sizes 0 to 12

8. Oleg Cassini Cap-Sleeve Tea-Length Wedding Dress

This cap-sleeve lace number is every bit as classic as a longer dress, just with a vintage, ankle-baring twist.

Buy it ($799)

Available in sizes 16 to 30

9. Bronx and Banco Lana Bridal Mini Dress

As the hem gets shorter, the sleeves get bigger and our desire to wear this dress grows infinitely larger.

Buy it ($575)

Available in sizes XS to L

10. RETROFÊTE Grace velvet-trimmed sequined chiffon mini dress

The combination of a white velvet belt and iridescent sequins makes this dress so much more lush and luxurious than any mini you’ve worn before.

Buy it ($615)

Available in sizes XS to XL

11. Roksanda Tulle-Trimmed Crepe Midi Dress

Those sleeves have our heart aflutter. Couple them with the fact that you can wear a regular bra and undies under this instead of complicated bridal lingerie, and we’re officially in love.

Buy it ($1,730)

Available in sizes 2 to 12

12. Zimmermann Zinnia Bow Cutout Short Dress

Go all in on the ’60s vibes of this mini with a bouffant updo, long lashes and a pair of retro sunglasses (OK, the latter could just be for pictures). Or go totally modern with a low pony and a bold red lip.

Buy it ($640)

Available in sizes 0 to 10

13. ASOS Edition Embellished Cami Midi Wedding Dress

We love the ease and movement of this simple midi dress. Just imagine all those delicate sequins catching the light as you sway with your love during the first dance.

Buy it ($261)

Available in sizes 0 to 14

14. 16Arlington Minelli Strapless Feather-Trimmed Crepe Midi Dress

Keep your jewelry and shoes simple to really let the impeccable tailoring and fabulously fun feather trim really shine.

Buy it ($940)

Available in sizes 0 to 10

15. ONE by Bronx & Banco Willow Dress

Yes, the tight fit and nude lining are pretty va-va-voom. But the oversize black velvet bows, rose lace pattern and flirty ruffled hem help to strike a balance with some super-femme vibes.

Buy it ($400)

Available in sizes XS to XL

16. Adrianna Papell Short Cape Dress with Beaded Detail

Your fiancé already knows you’re Superwoman. Now all your guests will too.

Buy it ($199)

Available in sizes 14 to 26

17. Significant Other Agnes Dress

The draping on this Grecian goddess column creates the illusion of an hourglass shape that even Aphrodite would be jealous of.

Buy it ($180)

Available in sizes 2 to 10

18. Bronx and Banco Saba Blanc Midi Dress

Lots of wedding gowns incorporate both tulle and lace, but we’ve never seen one quite so remarkable as this A-line midi, replete with leafy vines and pleated inserts.

Buy it ($437)

Available in sizes XS to XL

19. Sachin & Babi Odelle Dress

Combine all the ease and elegance of a classic slip dress with lines of tiny sequins and you’ve got yourself a figure-flattering dress fancy enough for any wedding venue.

Buy it ($470)

Available in sizes 0 to 14

20. DB Studio Illusion Lace Shift Dress with Contrast Ribbon

If you think that low-cut V in the front is sexy, just wait until you see the open back. (Psst: The grosgrain belt is removable if you’d rather sport an all-white look.)

Buy it ($150)

Available in sizes 0 to 14 

RELATED: 26 Non-White Wedding Dresses Because You’re a Modern Bride Who Breaks Rules