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Brides / Amelia Manley
When you're shopping for the best mother-of-the-groom outfit, sifting through the endless number of options online can feel overwhelming. A good rule of thumb is to stick to tried and true silhouettes like the tea-length dress. This ankle-baring silhouette is not only timeless and flattering, but it also comes in a whole host of styles to suit any occasion and aesthetic.
In general, the hem of a tea-length dress typically stops right above the ankle, making it ideal for formal and black-tie optional events. However, some silhouettes may stop 2 to 3 inches above the ankle, which is more appropriate for a casual dress code.
When picking the best tea-length mother of the groom's dress, you should consider the silhouette, color, fabric, and embellishments. Your outfit should reflect your own personal style and make you feel comfortable and confident while still matching the wedding's theme, formality, and season. For example, classic fabrics like crepe and silk are suitable for any weather and used in striking and minimalist silhouettes. For semi-formal spring and summer ceremonies, you might opt for lighter materials and brighter colors for your wedding day frock.
To help you find the best outfit for the big day, we researched various options from trusted brands with these features in mind. Some of our favorites are the Markarian Yvette Floral Brocade Off-The-Shoulder Midi Dress, the ML Monique Lhuillier Chiffon Lace Midi-Dress, and the Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman Short-Sleeve Floral Jacquard Midi-Dress.
Read on for the best tea-length mother-of-the-groom dresses for every style, body type, and budget.
Best for a Spring Wedding
ML Monique Lhuillier Chiffon Lace Midi-Dress
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Saks Fifth Avenue
Size Range: 0-14 | Color(s): Delphinium Blue | Material(s): Polyester
Spring weddings call for pastel dresses crafted from light and airy fabrics, like this dress from ML Monique Lhuillier. Made from polyester, this powder blue number is soft, lightweight, and breathable—ideal for a warm-weather, laid-back wedding. The lace detailing and cap sleeves provide a touch of whimsy, while the fitted waist adds some structure to the overall silhouette. We also love that this is something you'll wear again and again long after the couple says "I do."
Price at time of publish: $645
Best for a Daytime Wedding
Markarian Yvette Floral Brocade Off-The-Shoulder Midi Dress
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Markarian
Size Range: 0-16 | Color(s): Multi | Material(s): Polyester, acetate, polyamide, silk lining
Leave it to Markarian to deliver the perfect floral dress for a warm-weather wedding. With a split-corset bodice, off-the-shoulder neckline, puff sleeves, and a column skirt all finished in a beautiful yellow and pink floral pattern, this dress is ideal for semi-formal and casual spring or summer weddings. Made of polyester, acetate, polyamide, and silk, it has a lightweight and comfortable fit. Follow the styling lead and pair this frock with a bright clutch and classic strappy sandals.
Price at time of publish: $2,295
Best Sheer Sleeves
Alex Evenings Women's Tea Length Embroidered Dress
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Amazon
Size Range: 4-20 | Color(s): Navy | Material(s): Polyester
For the mother of the groom looking for a little extra coverage, opt for a tea-length dress with sheer sleeves like this one from Alex Evenings. The delicate illusion sleeves provide coverage without making you feel too covered up, and the floral detailing matches well with the spring season. The full skirt adds some movement to the overall silhouette, and it's crafted from high-quality and breathable polyester. The navy color of the dress makes it appropriate for formal and casual weddings alike. Pair it with ankle-strapped heels for a chic finish.
Price at time of publish: $229
Best for a Formal Wedding
DB Studio Satin V-Neck Tea Length A-Line Dress
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Size Range: Missy: 0-14, Plus: 16W-30W | Color: Black | Material(s): Polyester
You can never go wrong with a little black dress, and this style from David's Bridal feels especially striking. The V-neckline and open back are elegant and elongating, making this LBD not only timeless but flattering. Made of structured yet breathable polyester, you won't overheat wearing this during the warmer seasons. Wear yours with delicate personal jewelry and metallic sandals for an utterly classic look.
Price at time of publish: $300
Best Jewel Tone
Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman Short-Sleeve Floral Jacquard Midi-Dress
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Saks Fifth Avenue
Size Range: 2-18 | Color: Teal gold | Material(s): Polyester
In a gorgeous green tone, this tea-length frock is such a pretty pick for a late spring or early fall wedding. The Jacquard fabric is detailed with gold floral embroidery and has a lovely luminous sheen to it. The surplice portrait neckline coupled with the slightly flared skirt creates a beautifully balanced and flattering silhouette.
Price at time of publish: $580
Best for an Outdoor Wedding
Dolce & Gabbana Happy Garden Carnation-Print Cotton-Poplin Midi
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Matchesfashion
Size Range: 36 IT-54 | Color: Pink, white | Material(s): Cotton
Ideal for an outdoor wedding, this sleeveless floral dress feels light, airy, and feminine. It's cut from crisp cotton poplin for a breathable, soft, and comfortable fit, and the pink, green, and cream color palette feels especially appropriate for spring or summer. Whether you're attending a formal daytime event or a destination wedding, this dreamy style is sure to land you many compliments.
Price at time of publish: $2,295
Best Casual Dress
Cinq à Sept Kerstin Floral Midi Dress
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Bloomingdale's
Size Range: 00-14 | Color: Pomelo multi | Material(s): Polyester
For a casual daytime wedding, this floral dress is a stylish and appropriate choice. The wrap silhouette is exceedingly flattering while the puff sleeves and flounce hem feel equal parts playful and feminine. The front slit ensures that the silhouette isn’t constricting and is easy to move around in.
Price at time of publish: $425
Most Dramatic
Alex Perry Beckett Cape-Effect Satin-Crepe Midi Dress
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Net-A-Porter
Size Range: UK 4-16 | Color: Mint | Material(s): Triacetate, polyester
A look fit for a royal wedding, Alex Perry’s Beckett dress is at once dramatic and sophisticated. The fresh mint hue is perfect for a spring wedding while the cape-like sleeves provide chic coverage for a more modest look. The padded shoulders add shape and structure to the silhouette and create an elongating look.
Price at time of publish: $2,600
Most Detailed
Oscar de la Renta Pansy Embroidered Cocktail Dress
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Oscar de la Renta
Size Range: 00-16 | Color: Navy with multi | Material(s): Polymid, nylon, silk
No one does occasion wear quite like Oscar de la Renta. This jaw-dropping tea-length dress will certainly land you on the best-dressed list and will stun in every photo. From the enchanting illusion neckline and sleeves flocked with colorful pansies to the layers of frothy navy tulle, this dress is sure to set you apart from the rest.
Price at time of publish: $6,990
Best for Cocktail Attire
Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman Jacquard Fit-And-Flare Dress
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Saks Fifth Avenue
Size Range: 2-18 | Color: Navy | Material(s): Polyester
If you're unsure where to start when shopping for the best mother-of-the-groom dress, start with this navy pick from Teri Jon. Designed with a fit-and-flare silhouette, this dress is universally flattering and a timeless choice for any wedding. Since it's crafted from lustrous polyester fabric, this dress is ideal for a wedding that calls for cocktail attire. Style the dress with matching heels for a polished, monochromatic look.
Price at time of publish: $590
Best Sheer Coverage
Alex Evenings Embroidered Lace A-Line Dress
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Macy's
Size Range: 4-18 | Color: Smoky Orchid | Material(s): Polyester
While navy, green, and blush are popular color choices for a mother-of-the-groom dress, this lilac shade feels instantly classic. It's a beautiful color for the spring and summer months and it looks flattering on every skin tone. This style from Alex Evenings is fashioned with illusion sleeves detailed with floral embroidery for a romantic and polished look.
Price at time of publish: $199
Best Lace
Kiyonna Plus Size Mon Cherie Lace Dress
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Macy's
Size Range: 0X-3X | Color: Violet | Material(s): Polyester, nylon, spandex
In an eye-catching violet hue and featuring details like sheer lace sleeves and an alluring scalloped neckline and hemline, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more perfect mother-of-the-groom dress. What’s more, its A-line silhouette is crafted from stretchy fabric making this frock equal parts stylish and figure-flattering. We love this dress for a wedding that calls for cocktail attire.
Price at time of publish: $178
Best Off-the-Shoulder
Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Off-Shoulder Pleated Jacquard Midi Dress
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Bergdorf Goodman
Size Range: 0-16 | Color: Blush gold | Material(s): Rayon, polyester, metallic
There is no denying that an off-the-shoulder neckline is supremely elegant and always looks particularly enchanting when paired with a tea-length silhouette. This pretty pink style in metallic floral jacquard is so flattering on a wide range of body types and skin tones and it even has side seam pockets to stash your wedding day essentials like lipstick and tissues.
Price at time of publish: $680
Best Embellished
Mac Duggal Embellished Illusion Crew Neck Short Butterfly Sleeve Midi Dress
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Dillard's
Size Range: 2-20 | Color: Powder blue | Material(s): Polyester
Formal weddings call for glamorous dresses like this one from Mac Duggal. Its tea-length silhouette is covered in shimmering sequins and twinkling crystals. The swishy skirt is slightly pleated for added movement and dimension while the short sheer butterfly sleeves are designed to catch the light and to provide coverage. This style comes in a soft powder blue and deep pink hue, both of which feel appropriate for any season.
Price at time of publish: $598
Best Color Options
JJ's House A-line Boat Neck Illusion Tea-Length Chiffon Lace Cocktail Dress with Sequins
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JJ's House
Size Range: 0-26W | Color: Navy | Material(s): Chiffon, lace
Elegant and refined, this tea-length mother-of-the-groom dress is truly perfect for any type of wedding. It comes in over 30 different colors ranging from classic navy to bright pink and it has just a hint of sparkle to it thanks to subtle sequin embellishments.
Price at time of publish: $185
Most Sophisticated
Mac Duggal Off-the-Shoulder Beaded Fit and Flare Dress
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Bloomingdale's
Size Range: 2-14 | Color: Black | Material(s): Polyester
When it comes to formal weddings, an elegant black dress is always a winning choice. An exquisite off-the-shoulder neckline and beaded embellishments make this little black dress a timeless option for a formal affair. We love it for everything from chic city nuptials to grand ballroom weddings. Pair with classic black pumps and chandelier earrings to highlight your shoulders.
Price at time of publish: $398
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 wedding guest 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.
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.
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