GREAT LENGTHS

About ten years back the length of your gown was a deciding factor in how formal your wedding would be. These days the new code on lengths has more to do with how you feel about wearing a certain gown than what's proper before or after five. So lets get right into what those lengths actually mean. Did you know there's a difference between tea-length and ballerina length? Short and mini? Here are some images to inspire you along to finding your perfect hemline. . . .

FLOOR-LENGTH

Zuhair Murad via Wedding Inspirasi

Most common length for bridal gowns, this hemline is graceful and elegant; with the exception of the gorg Murad gown above, the hem typically doesn't touch the floor in front but 1-3" above for ease with walking.

BALLERINA

Dress by Amy-Jo Tatum/Photo by Sweet Light Studios

Ballerina-length skirts fall just above the ankle and are wide and full just like the skirts seen in the corps de ballet. Not to confuse you here, but yes, some ballerinas do wear tea-length skirts . . . don't ask!

TEA-LENGTH

Dress by Suzie Zeller of Be Unique Boutique and Bridal via Love My Dress

Falls mid-calf and can be either full and voluminous or fitted. Mostly worn for the informal or semi -formal wedding but showing up more and more at larger celebrations.

KNEE-LENGTH

Dress by Amy-Jo Tatum/Photo by Strotz Photography

This shorter style of skirt finishes just below or above the knee. A very flattering length, it's perfect for cocktail and the less formal civil-style wedding.

MINI