Wedding Gown Hemlines

Yesterday's post described some of the most popular wedding gown necklines, so today we're switching it up a bit and defining some of the most popular wedding gown hemlines. Memorize both before you go shopping for your wedding dress, and you'll end up being a beautiful bride from top to bottom!

Full Length
This is by far the most sought-after hemline among those brides who want to wear a traditional white wedding gown. If the hemline isn't actually touching the floor, it should look like it is. Shoes only make an appearance when the bride kicks up her heels on the wedding reception dance floor! This length works on almost all kinds of wedding gown skirts, whether they are slim (like a pencil skirt) or wide (like the skirt of a ballgown).

Ankle Length
Many brides who fear tripping as they walk down the aisle opt for this length of skirt when choosing their wedding gowns. It is a practical option in more ways than one. Moving around is much easier in gowns sporting this hemline, and brides who plan on keeping their wedding gowns don't have to worry about stains on the hem.

Ballerina
While thoughts of ballet can bring tutus and tulle to mind, this hemline is all about length, not materials. Falling at about 2" above the ankle, this style of hemline is fun and flirty and feminine without being overwhelmingly so. In recent years, more brides have chosen ballerina length wedding dresses, though this option remains only somewhat popular.

Tea Length
If you're a semi-casual bride, this may be the gown length you're looking for. Tea length wedding dresses fall somewhere between the knee and mid-calf and are usually worn by those brides whose weddings are elegant but not pretentious. Good for garden parties and daytime weddings, this hemline is frequently seen at destination weddings.


Click to learn more about choosing a wedding gown or to shop for a wedding gown