15 Best Tea-Length Mother of the Groom Dresses of 2020

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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 silhouette? 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 two to three 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.

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Most Romantic: BHLDN Puff Sleeves Dress

Leyden Satin Midi Dress — Courtesy of BHLDN

There is perhaps nothing more romantic than a dress with delicate puff sleeves. Crafted from lustrous blush satin and featuring an empire waist, this tea-length frock is at once timeless and flattering.

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Best Budget: True Violet Ruffle Dress

For a fall or winter wedding, jewel tones are a must. This sexy and reasonably priced dress will hug you in all the right places and comes in sophisticated emerald green.

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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 blue hue, this dress is flattering on every skin tone and pairs beautifully with barely-there strappy sandals.

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

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

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For a Daytime Wedding: Lela Rose Floral Dress

Leave it to Lela Rose to deliver the perfect floral dress for a formal daytime wedding. Follow the styling lead and pair this frock with a light blue clutch and classic black pumps.

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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.

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For a Winter Wedding: Galvan Satin-Trimmed Velvet Wrap Dress

For a fall or winter wedding, sumptuous (and warm!) velvet is always a smart pick. This waist-cinching number from Galvan would be right at home at a formal garden wedding.

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For a Black-Tie Wedding: Brandon Maxwell Off-the-Shoulder Dress

There is no denying that an off-the-shoulder neckline is supremely elegant. And when coupled with a boned bodice, flouncy skirt, and pockets–you have one sophisticated dress worthy of a black-tie wedding.

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For a Spring Wedding: Alberta Ferretti Flounce-Tiered Silk Dress

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

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Best Allover Lace: Oscar de la Renta Lace Midi Day Dress

Oscar de la Renta Lace Dress — Courtesy of Moda Operandi

It doesn't get sweeter than this pink and allover lace dress from Oscar de la Renta. Figure-flattering and finished with a feminine ribbon, this graceful style is a fitting choice for a spring or summer wedding.

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Best Sheer Sleeves: Alex Evenings Fit and Flare Dress

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.

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Best for Cocktail Attire: Carolina Herrera Belted Satin Cocktail Jacket Dress

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.

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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.

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For a New Year's Eve Wedding: St. John Sequin Mesh Dress

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.

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For an Outdoor Wedding: Needle & Thread Floral 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.

Shopping FAQs

Searching the for perfect mother of the groom dress? We've answered three common questions about shopping for a tea-length mother of the groom dress.

What is a tea-length dress?

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

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?

Unless specifically approved by the couple, the mother of the groom should avoid wearing any color similar to the bride's outfit.

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

15 of the Best Tea-Length Mother of the Groom Dresses for Every Style

Timeless and sophisticated

Most Romantic: BHLDN Puff Sleeves Dress

Best Budget: True Violet Ruffle Dress

For the Classic MOG: Roksanda Draped Midi Dress

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

For a Daytime Wedding: Lela Rose Floral Dress

Best Little Black Dress: Tadashi Shoji Black Lace Dress

For a Winter Wedding: Galvan Satin-Trimmed Velvet Wrap Dress

For a Black-Tie Wedding: Brandon Maxwell Off-the-Shoulder Dress

For a Spring Wedding: Alberta Ferretti Flounce-Tiered Silk Dress

Best Allover Lace: Oscar de la Renta Lace Midi Day Dress

Best Sheer Sleeves: Alex Evenings Fit and Flare Dress

Best for Cocktail Attire: Carolina Herrera Belted Satin Cocktail Jacket Dress

Most Unique: Tadashi Shoji Floral Embroidered Dress

For a New Year's Eve Wedding: St. John Sequin Mesh Dress

For an Outdoor Wedding: Needle & Thread Floral Dress

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