The 21 Best Tea Length Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses of (2024)

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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 the time of publish: $645

Size Range: 0-16 | Material: Polyester | Colors: Delphinium Blue

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 sandals.

Price at the time of publish: $2,295

Size Range: 0-16 | Material: Polyester, acetate, polyamide, silk, metallized polyester, silk | Colors: Gold

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 heels for a chic finish.

Price at the time of publish: $229

Size Range: 4-20 | Material: Polyester | Colors: 14

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 the time of publish: $2,600

Size Range: 4-16 | Material: Triacetate, polyester | Colors: Mint

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more perfect mother-of-the-groom dress. We adore the eye-catching violet hue and details like sheer lace sleeves and an alluring scalloped neckline and hemline. What’s more, its A-line silhouette is crafted from stretchy fabric making this frock equal parts stylish and figure-flattering. It’s a perfect dress for a wedding that calls for co*cktail attire.

Price at the time of publish: $178

Size Range: 0X-5X | Material: Nylon, spandex | Colors: Violet, Rose Gold

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 the time of publish: $680

Size Range: 2-16 | Material: Rayon, polyester, metallic | Colors: Gold

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 provide coverage. This style comes in a soft powder blue and deep pink hue, both of which feel appropriate for any season.

Price at the time of publish: $598

Size Range: 2-20 | Material: Polyester | Colors: Blue, Rose

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 the time of publish: $185

Size Range: 0-26 | Material: Chiffon, lace | Colors: 35

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 the time of publish: $398

Size Range: 2-12 | Material: Polyester | Colors: Black

You basically can’t go wrong with a floral print as the mother-of-the-groom, and this elevated polyester faille number from Sachin & Babi is truly elevating the genre. With its streamlined, tea-length silhouette, this dress lets the sky blue embroidered flowers on a navy background do all the talking. But with that in mind, we’re big fans of the semi-open back for adding a little extra “wow” factor to your outfit on the big day.

Price at the time of publish: $795

Size Range: 0-14 | Material: Polyester faille | Colors: Navy

David’s Bridal carries a stunning selection of wedding-day outfits for everyone from the bride herself, to the bridesmaids, and to you, of course—all at fairly approachable prices you’ll surely appreciate amid all your other wedding-related expenses. We’ve fallen head over heels for this one, thanks to its stunning abstract print, which is different without standing out so much you’d be in danger of overshadowing the couple. The wrap style and asymmetrical ruffle lend this dress a little extra je ne sais quoi that’s ideal for a party look.

Price at the time of publish: $150

Size Range: 2-16 | Material: Polyester | Colors: Blue and Gold

A formal wedding can make such a fun occasion to break out a statement-making dress that you wouldn’t be able to wear to many other events. This one from Dessy Group is a particularly great choice, since it features a classic, super-flattering shape with cap sleeves, a round neckline, a cinched waist, and an A-line skirt. The cherry on top, though, is the incredible color selection here—which will allow you to choose a color you love, and one that will beautifully contrast with, and complement, the colors worn by the bridal party.

Price at the time of publish: $206

Size Range: 00-30 | Material: Polyester | Colors: 33

For mothers of the groom who prefer a more low-key look that will allow them to own the dancefloor with ease, a simple, comfortable number like this one from Gap is lovely. Despite its functionality, this dress is very pretty and can be worn two different ways: either buttoned up at the collar or open, creating a beautiful V neck. We recommend sticking with the black option to look a little more dressed up, though the printed colorway would certainly work well for a more casual daytime wedding.

Price at the time of publish: $75

Size Range: XXS-XXL, tall and petite | Material: Polyester | Colors: Black, Floral

Outdoor, summertime events call for a beautiful cotton sundress, and we’re loving J.Crew’s elevated take on a warm weather staple. Whether you opt for the stunning blue and white floral print dress or the striking poppy red option, you’ll look so elegant for your son’s wedding. The relaxed bodice, puff sleeves, V neck and open back detail on this dress all combine to create a pretty perfect piece that you’ll wear again and again after the happy couple heads off on the honeymoon.

Price at the time of publish: $148

Size Range: 00-24 | Material: Cotton | Colors: Blue Floral, Red

A destination wedding makes a great excuse to buy a new, tropical-inspired sundress—especially if it’s your child who’s getting married. We’re crushing on this bright floral number from Aidan by Aidan Mattox, which is on the more affordable side, but no less stunning than some of the other dresses on our list. With its fitted bodice and flowing skirt, this dress will seamlessly take you from the ceremony to the dancefloor, looking extra graceful all the while.

Price at the time of publish: $195

Size Range: 0-14 | Material: Polyester | Colors: Floral

For mothers of the groom who prefer not to bare their full arms but don’t want to feel overly covered up either, a dress with a sheer short sleeve is the perfect compromise. This tea length dress is constructed from a strapless navy lining overlayed with sheer, sequined floral lace for that dressed-up feel, and its full skirt ensures you’ll be totally dancefloor-ready. Best of all, this number has pockets, too!

Price at the time of publish: $288

Size Range: 0-12 | Material: Nylon | Colors: Navy

This pink pleated beauty may come in at under $100, but it’s guaranteed to make you look and feel like a million bucks. We’re absolutely in love with its V-neck twisted front, puffy long sleeves, and flouncy pleated skirt, and don’t get us started on its bright yet tasteful shade of pink! This dress will be so easy to slip on for the big day, and will complement just about any pair of shoes that strikes your fancy—from summery wedges to glamorous stilettos.

Price at the time of publish: $89

Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester, elastane | Colors: Pink

Your son and his soon-to-be spouse are a match made in heaven, and so are spring weddings and this Emilia Wickstead design. We’re feeling some type of way about this dress in the grass green colorway, with its delicate rose pattern and discreet dots. The long sleeves make it a wonderful choice for sunny days with a lingering chill. The high neckline, cinched waist, and A-line skirt are the height of elegance.

Price at the time of publish: $1,640

Size Range: 6-18 | Material: Cotton, elastane | Colors: Green, Blue

Champagne is a go-to shade for mother-of-the-groom and bride dresses, since it’s elegant and compliments all kinds of venues and skin tones. This one has a classic tea-length silhouette, complimented by cap sleeves and an A-line skirt. 3D flowers add a romantic touch while the satin sash lets you highlight your waist. Yes, please!

Price at the time of publish: $230

Size Range: 2-24 | Material: Polyester | Colors: Champagne

Kate Middleton is often spotted in Alessandra Rich dresses, and there’s really no wedding guest dressing inspiration quite like Kate Middleton’s wardrobe. Case in point: This olive green satin number is somehow both elegant and irreverent for the mother-of-the-groom. The long sleeves and tea length ensure you’ll feel adequately covered, while the puff shoulders, big front bow, and figure-hugging cut infuse the look with a whole lot of fun.

Price at the time of publish: $2,055

Size Range: IT36-46 | Material: Silk, cupro | Colors: Green

We love a dress with a matching jacket. It’s perfect for those in-between seasons, where you might be warm during the ceremony and then cold at the reception. This set comes with a sparky lace jacket. The dress itself has a beaded bodice met with a flowy chiffon skirt. Both the light blue and stone shades are timeless.

Price at the time of publish: $140

Size Range: 8-18 | Material: Polyester | Colors: Blue, Stone

FAQ

• What is a tea length dress?

  You might be more familiar with the term “midi dress,” but length is originally not all there is to a tea length dress. “A tea length dress has a hem that extends past the knee and hits the wearer at about mid-calf,” says Cohen. “Traditional tea length dresses have a fuller, A-line skirt with a fitted waist and bodice; however, this can vary with more modern looks.”

• Do tea length dresses work for all dress codes?

  Tea length dresses come in so many styles these days, so “they can so easily be dressed down with flat shoes, or up with high-heeled shoes,” says Rosales. If you’re opting for a more traditional tea length dress—like our picks from Mac Duggal or Dessy Group, then they are well suited for semi-formal and black-tie weddings. Tea length dresses are also appropriate for co*cktail attire.

• What shoes go best with a tea length dress?

  You have a lot of options when it comes to choosing shoes to go with your tea length dress. “I really love a d'orsay heel, as both the d'orsay and tea dress silhouettes are classic and timeless,” says Rosales. “I also think that they pair well with almost any open-toed shoes—but avoid pairing them with any kind of heel that has an ankle (or any other type of) strap, because it will have a shortening effect on the overall proportions and look of the outfit.”

The 18 Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses for Every Style and Budget