Can I wear a tea-length mother of the groom dress to a formal wedding?

A mother of the groom (and mother of the bride) dress should follow the formality of the wedding . While there are many tea-length styles out there that would be suited to a formal wedding, it's best to run your outfit choice by the couple first.

What color tea-length mother of the groom dress should I avoid wearing?

A mother of the groom (and mother of the bride) dress should follow the formality of the wedding. While there are many colors out there that would be suited to a formal wedding, it's best to run your color choice by the couple first.

The 14 Best Tea-length Mother of the Groom Dresses of 2022

We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

When you're shopping for the perfect mother of the groom outfit, it's easy to be overwhelmed by all of the options out there. So if you're looking to narrow down your choices or you're not sure where to start, a good rule of thumb is to stick to tried and true silhouettes. Our favorite? The tea-length dress. This ankle-baring silhouette is not only timeless and flattering but also comes in a whole host of styles to suit every type of wedding and mother of the groom.

What is a tea-length dress?

The hem of a tea-length dress typically stops right above the ankle. However, some silhouettes may stop 2 to 3 inches above the ankle.

For the traditional mother of the groom, we've found striking tea-length styles crafted from classic fabrics like crepe and silk. Mothers with a bohemian sensibility will love the ease of this short silhouette designed to be worn with casual sandals and accessories. And for the minimalist mother of the groom, a pared-back tea-length dress is always an utterly sophisticated choice.

Read on for the best tea-length mother of the groom dresses for every style, body type, and budget.

of 14

For a Formal Wedding: Talbot Runhof Off-the-Shoulder Gathered Velvet Dress

There is no denying that an off-the-shoulder neckline is supremely elegant. This style from Talbot Runhof is perfect for a formal soirée and features a gathered bodice that creates a flattering wrap effect.

of 14

For a Daytime Wedding: Markarian Floral Brocade Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress

Leave it to Markarian to deliver the perfect floral dress for a formal daytime wedding. Follow the styling lead and pair this frock with a bright clutch and classic strappy sandals.

of 14

For a Spring Wedding: ML Monique Lhuillier Lace Midi Dress

Spring weddings call for pastel dresses crafted from light and airy fabrics. This powder blue number is not only perfect for a warm-weather wedding, but it's also something you'll wear again and again long after the couple says "I do."

of 14

Best Little Black Dress: Tadashi Shoji Black Lace Dress

You can never go wrong with a little black dress, and this lace style from Tadashi Shoji feels especially striking. Wear yours with delicate personal jewelry and metallic sandals for an utterly classic look.

of 14

Best Neckline: BHLDN Sibyl Midi Dress

There is perhaps nothing more flattering than a dress with a beautifully draped neckline. Crafted from lustrous satin and designed with a bias-cut skirt, this tea-length frock is at once timeless and flattering.

of 14

Best Budget: ASOS Design Fallen Shoulder Ruched Dress

For a fall or winter wedding, jewel tones are a must. This sexy dress in a sophisticated burgundy hue hugs you in all the right places and features a ruched skirt for an extra flattering fit.

of 14

Best Sheer Sleeves: Alex Evenings Fit and Flare Dress

alex evenings lace dress — Courtesy of Lord & Taylor

For the mother of the groom looking for a little extra coverage for a spring wedding, opt for a tea-length dress with sheer sleeves. Delicate illusion sleeves provide coverage without making you feel too covered up.

of 14

For the Classic MOG: Roksanda Draped Midi Dress

For the mother of the groom who is drawn to classic silhouettes with unexpected details, this draped midi dress is the perfect blend of traditional and modern. In a soft blush hue, this dress is flattering on every skin tone and pairs beautifully with barely-there strappy sandals.

of 14

Best for Cocktail Attire: Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman A-Line Midi Dress

terri jon dress — Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

If you're not sure where to start when it comes to shopping for the perfect mother of the groom dress, start with the silhouette. An A-line silhouette is universally flattering and a timeless choice for any type of wedding.

of 14

For the Glamorous MOG: Needle & Thread Sequin and Ribbon Dress

sequin dress — Courtesy of Needle & Thread

Attending a black-tie wedding? This shimmering style from Needle & Thread is a no-brainer for a formal affair. Flocked with all-over tonal sequins and designed with cape-like flutter sleeves, you'll be sure to shine from the ceremony to the dance floor.

of 14

Best Allover Lace: Monique Lhuillier Puff-Sleeve Lace Tea-Length Dress

It doesn't get sweeter than this all-over lace dress from Monique Lhuillier. We love this elegant look for an autumn affair. Wear yours with a velvet clutch and a pair of classic mules or pumps.

of 14

Most Unique: Tadashi Shoji Floral Embroidered Dress

We love this slightly off-the-shoulder style for the mother of the groom who seeks out designs with interesting details. The best part? This Tadashi Shoji tea-length dress is super versatile and could easily be worn to a winter or spring wedding.

of 14

For a New Year's Eve Wedding: Show Me Your Mumu X Revolve

A wedding around the holidays or New Year's nuptials calls for a festive mother of the groom dress. Give them glitz and glam in this statement-making number in allover shimmering sequins. Keep accessories simple—this dress does all the talking.

of 14

For an Outdoor Wedding: Mac Duggal Angelica Midi Dress

Perfect for an outdoor wedding, this floral dress feels light, airy, and feminine. Whether you're attending a casual backyard party or a destination event, this dreamy style is sure to photograph beautifully.

What to Look for in a Tea-Length Dress

Striking the perfect balance between retro charm and timeless elegance, tea-length dresses are a stylish option for many wedding dress codes. Often referred to as a “midi dress,” this tried-and-true silhouette typically hits below the knee, making it a smart choice for petite body types. Plus, this leg-baring hemline gives you the perfect excuse to show off a pair of wedding-worthy shoes.

When it comes to shopping for tea-length mother of the groom dresses, it's important to pick a style that reflects the theme of the wedding (think dress code and color palette) and fits you perfectly. Many tea-length weddings dresses are crafted with an A-line silhouette for a tailored and flattering look, while other midi styles come in comfortable sheath silhouettes or more form-fitting designs. And when it comes to expressing your unique personal style, there are scores of tea-length dresses to discover with eye-catching details like embellished necklines, embroidered skirts, and dazzling allover beadwork for an unforgettable mother of the groom look.

FAQ

Can I wear a tea-length mother of the groom dress to a formal wedding?

A mother of the groom (and mother of the bride) dress should follow the formality of the wedding. While there are many tea-length styles out there that would be suited to a formal wedding, it's best to run your outfit choice by the couple first.
What color tea-length mother of the groom dress should I avoid wearing?

A mother of the groom (and mother of the bride) dress should follow the formality of the wedding. While there are many colors out there that would be suited to a formal wedding, it's best to run your color choice by the couple first.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, wedding parties, and more.

16 Chic Mother of the Groom Dresses for Any Style and Budget

14 Best Tea-length Mother of the Groom Dresses for Every Style

Timeless and sophisticated

What is a tea-length dress?

For a Formal Wedding: Talbot Runhof Off-the-Shoulder Gathered Velvet Dress

For a Daytime Wedding: Markarian Floral Brocade Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress

For a Spring Wedding: ML Monique Lhuillier Lace Midi Dress

Best Little Black Dress: Tadashi Shoji Black Lace Dress

Best Neckline: BHLDN Sibyl Midi Dress

Best Budget: ASOS Design Fallen Shoulder Ruched Dress

Best Sheer Sleeves: Alex Evenings Fit and Flare Dress

For the Classic MOG: Roksanda Draped Midi Dress

Best for Cocktail Attire: Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman A-Line Midi Dress

For the Glamorous MOG: Needle & Thread Sequin and Ribbon Dress

Best Allover Lace: Monique Lhuillier Puff-Sleeve Lace Tea-Length Dress

Most Unique: Tadashi Shoji Floral Embroidered Dress

For a New Year's Eve Wedding: Show Me Your Mumu X Revolve

For an Outdoor Wedding: Mac Duggal Angelica Midi Dress

What to Look for in a Tea-Length Dress

Why Trust Brides

Related Stories