A floor-length princess dress is not the wedding dress of every bride's dreams; in fact, some brides may opt for a tea length ivory wedding dress instead of the traditional white ball gown. Modern brides can choose a dress in any style or shape she wants, be it a red colored dress or a retro '40's style, or even a gown covered in feathers and dyed pink.
Wearing an Ivory Tea Length Gown
A wedding gown should fit in with the style of the entire wedding. A large evening candlelight adults-only wedding would require more formal dress than a backyard family affair. Wearing a tea length gown is the perfect choice for the following weddings:
- Outdoor weddings
- Garden weddings
- Beach weddings
- Destination weddings
- Mountain weddings
A tea length dress is also appropriate second wedding dress for brides who have "been there, done that" with a more traditional floor-length dress. Tea length dresses tend to be less ornate and may also appeal to a more mature bride.
The current trend in wedding dresses is to infuse a little (or even a lot) of color. Beading, sequins, sashes, and embroidery in black, red, blue, and purple are all popular choices for modern brides. Choosing a gown in ivory is different enough from white and off-white gowns, but still simple and classic looking. Ivory is a timeless color that may even look better on some brides than shades of white.
Buying a Tea Length Ivory Wedding Dress
Tea length dresses are often found in the informal section of a bridal boutique. Sometimes called "destination dresses" they also are frequently cheaper wedding dresses than the traditional gowns.
If you are planning a destination wedding to a warmer climate in the middle of the winter season, your local bridal boutique may not have a large selection of tea length dresses. Search out online retailers to get a better idea of what is available. Ask friends for recommendations, and get measured by a seamstress so you purchase the correct size.
Tea length dresses are made by a number of popular wedding gown designers, and can be found at large bridal retail stores as well. Dresses and retailers to consider choosing include:
- The Bridal Online Store Style Skye : Available in sizes 2-28+, this gown is an affordable choice for any bride-to-be. Elegant beading and lace-up back make this strapless dress a stunning choice for a more formal wedding.
- Chrys Cross Bridal : Six different tea length dresses make up the Chrys Cross collection. All six start under $400, making them an excellent choice for the bride on a budget. Each dress is available in ivory. The small collection offers choices from off-the-shoulder to strapless in a variety of fabrics.
- Melissa Sweet Style Chantal : Sophisticated designer dresses come in ivory tea length, as this style proves. With cap sleeves, lace, and organza details, this designer wedding dress is an excellent choice.
- Alfred Angelo Style 1947 : This attractive dress is perfect for a garden or butterfly wedding theme . With a belted waist with bow and floral motif, it lends itself perfectly to an informal affair.
- Eden Bridals Style 1171 : A pleated underskirt on this ivory and silver organza dress with full silhouette makes it a pretty choice for any bride who is looking for a beautiful dress.
Try on a variety of styles before choosing your final dress. You may find that a different neckline looks better when paired with a tea length dress than you originally imagined. While strapless dresses are popular and in wide abundance, add spaghetti straps or hunt for another neckline if you are uncomfortable showing that much skin with a shorter dress.
Bridal Dress Alternatives
Just because you are the "bride" does not mean you are stuck to shopping only in the bridal section of stores or in bridal boutiques. Instead of buying a wedding dress, consider purchasing a tea length bridesmaid dress in ivory. Not only will it save you hundreds of dollars, but the simpler styling of many bridesmaid dresses may lend itself to be worn again.
Another alternative to a tea length ivory wedding dress is to search out a style in the cocktail or formal wear section of a department store. The Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Ruched Jersey Dress at Nordstrom is a cheap and dressy alternative to wedding dresses. The Adrianna Papell Diamond Party Dress with Ribbon Belt is another great informal tea length choice that comes in ivory.
Choosing a tea length ivory wedding dress will set you apart from the more traditional or trendy dress choices of today's brides. Whether you go with a more inexpensive alternative or choose a dress by a popular designer, you will look radiant on your wedding day.
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