It’s easy to get caught up in the madness of wedding planning—especially as a mother of the bride, whose personal preparations for the big day often become an afterthought. However, it’s better to be prepared and start the search for a mother of the bride dress shortly after the wedding party’s colors have been established. Mom definitely doesn’t have to match the bridesmaids, but she shouldn’t clash with them, either (or wear any color resembling that of the bride’s dress!).
A dress’ style is just as important as its color, and the tea length mother of the bride dress makes for a timeless yet trendy option. The bottom hem typically hangs just above the ankle, but always below the knee—which feels like the perfect compromise between a shorter, less-formal dress and a floor-length gown. Even better, tea length mother of the bride dresses can easily be worn at day or evening weddings. And of course, the Mother of the Groom would look amazing in any of these dresses as well!
Check out a few of our favorite tea length mother of the bride dresses below.
Amur Floral-Silk Balloon-Sleeve Maxi Dress ($698)
This fun Amur dress features allover floral-printed silk, balloon sleeves, a shirred waistband, and of course, an illusion A-line tea length skirt.
SEE MORE: A Guide to Your Wedding Processional Order
S.L. Fashions Women’s Cape Dress ($45 – $109)
Available in petite and plus-sizes—and other colors, such as black and light pink—this tea length mother of the bride dress puts a fun twist on a classic look.
BHLDN Virdia Wedding Guest Dress ($280)
The highlight of this dress is without a doubt its applique petals, which are made even prettier because of their soft pink color.
Alex Evenings Women’s Tea Length Printed Chiffon Dress with Shawl ($88)
Perfect for the mother of the bride that prefers neutral shades—as long as their daughter isn’t wearing anything that even resembles champagne—this printed dress from Alex Evenings also offers a matching shawl.
Show Me Your Mumu Camilla Ruffle Neck Tea Length Dress ($110)
The drape on this Show Me Your Mumu gown is carried over onto the back, and allows mom to show off some skin without opting for a plunging neckline.
BHLDN Valdis Dress ($230)
This dress has pockets—enough said.
Marchesa Strapless Floral Embroidered High-Low Fil-Coupe Dress ($440)
Another gown with pockets, this Marchesa Notte floral embroidered dress is effortlessly beautiful.
Alex Evenings Sequined A-Line Midi Dress and Jacket ($189)
This Alex Evenings’ ensemble makes it possible for the mother of the bride to wear sequins without being extra.
Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Tulle Tea-Length Dress w/ Floral Appliques ($336)
This dress, designed by Rickie Freeman—who’s known for creating detailed embellishments—combines two gorgeous shades of blue.
Kay Unger Lena Jacquard Cocktail Dress ($288)
If you look closely, you’ll see one of the most appealing parts of this dress: its subtle metallic texture.
Marchesa Notte Glitter Tulle Tea Length Gown ($477)
Glitter dot detailing and tulle make up this Marchesa Notte dress, which also features padded cups.
Reiss Seren Lace Detail Midi Dress ($200)
Satin all-around, this Seren dress is topped off with a unique lace back feature.
Tadashi Shoji Durand Dress ($250)
It’s hard to go wrong with a black mother of the bride dress—especially this one, designed by Tadashi Shoji.
BHLDN Linden Dress ($280)
Opt for a vintage-inspired look with this BHLDN tea length mother of the bride dress, which has floral embellishments topped off with a satin ribbon.
Carmen Marc Valvo Infusion Brocade Party Dress ($130)
Red and black have never looked so good together.
JS Collections Embroidered Ribbon Dress ($368)
This allover lace dress comes in a beautiful shade of purple, but most importantly, its touted as “bra-friendly.”
Teri Jon Boyden Dress ($400)
A statement bow and metallic embroidery take this conservative yet glamorous dress to another level.
BHLDN Presley Dress ($380)
This BHLDN dress’ illusion neckline and back creates a fun graphic effect, and can be worn in either navy or black.
