23 Elegant Tea-Length Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses

The midi hemline works across all dress codes and wedding aesthetics.

Three tea-length mother-of-the-bride dresses

Photos, left to right: Adrianna Papell, David's Bridal, Banana Republic

Updated Sep 17, 2024

Being a mother of the bride or groom comes with some uncertainty: ambiguous roles and financial responsibilities, to name a few. And then there's the question of what to wear. Well, here's an easy trick to keep up your sleeve: Tea-length mother-of-the-bride dresses are almost always an appropriate choice. The length—defined by a hemline that hits mid-shin, between the knee and ankle—works well across seasons, styles and dress codes. "You should choose a dress that makes you feel gorgeous," says Allison Kaplan, a journalist who, along with partner Betsey Kershaw, founded Mother Of, an online resource and community for MOBs and MOGs. "The term 'mother-of-the-bride dress' tends to make our heads go to a place of matronly, frumpy looks that are totally out of sync with today's modern mom," Kaplan says. "Choose a dress that accentuates your positives and doesn't overwhelm your frame." Tea-length dresses fit the bill: They're modern and on-trend, formal and sophisticated and leave plenty of room for styling.

23 Tea-Length Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses for 2024–2025

"While we love in-store shopping experiences, the reality is that the selection and size range are often limited, and you're apt to find more variety online," Kaplan says, who added some favorites to our list of 23 shoppable styles. She also offers some tidbits of advice: "If you are ordering online, be sure you know return policies so you don't get dinged. And finally, don't get hung up on size. Very few of us are a perfect off-the-rack fit, so expect you'll need alterations."

1. Mac Duggal Embroidered Floral Tulle Cocktail Dress

Mac Duggal floral tea-length mother-of-the-bride dress

Much like this Kaplan pick, floral and black tea-length mother-of-the-bride dresses fit seamlessly into a variety of wedding settings, from a casual garden to a black-tie ballroom. "We get cool French-girl vibes from this delicate dress," Kaplan says. "That sheer, ruched flutter sleeve, the A-line silhouette and the oh-so-pretty embroidered floral skirt are sure to make you feel as special as the day."

Size Range: 0–16

$498 | Nordstrom

2. Azazie Atelier Olivia Blush Pink Pleated Midi Dress

Azazie blush tea-length mother-of-the-bride dress

Vintage-style tea-length mother-of-the-bride dresses are trending. This Azazie piece nods to the days of old but adds modern twists, like a rounded square neckline and subtle basque waist. The full skirt feels '50s-inspired and the stretch satin material has a pretty sheen.

Size Range: 0–30 or custom sizing

$99 | Azazie

3. Teri Jon 3/4 Sleeve Lace and Tulle Fit and Flare Dress

Teri Jon tea-length navy mother-of-the-bride dress

Available in blush and navy, this fashion-forward MOB dress is flirty and fun. We love the detailed lace over the sheer tulle paired along with the elbow-length sleeves. No need to overstyle this: Pair it with studs, high heels and a simple clutch.

Size Range: 0–22

$585 | Teri Jon

4. BHLDN Francesca High-Neck Stretch Satin Midi Dress

BHLDN brown tea-length mother-of-the-bride dress

The high-neck design and stretch satin make this tea-length mother-of-the-bride dress elegant and comfortable. Available in several colors from chocolate to champagne, this sheath dress also has a high silt and ruching detail. Style it with statement earrings and a wrapper or shawl.

Size Range: XXS–XXL

$198 | Anthropologie

5. Hyacinth House Rosewood Floral Roxanne Midi Dress

Hyacinth House floral tea length mother of the bride dress

Toile is trending for weddings, and who says it has to stop at decor? We love this pretty pink pattern on a peplum tea-length dress. Reviewers note the linen-like feel of the fabric; play it up with raffia accessories and wedges for a summer wedding.

Size Range: XXS–XXL

$178 | Tuckernuck

6. Adrianna Papell Floral Jacquard One Shoulder High Low Gown

Adrianna Papell blue floral tea-length mother of the bride dress

Consider high-low silhouettes in your search for tea-length gowns: The style can bring tea-length firmly into black-tie territory. Fabric, too, can add formality. This dress is rendered in a weighty jacquard that feels fresh and sophisticated at the same time.

Size Range: 0–20

$279 | Adrianna Papell

7. Petal & Pup Vikki Dress in Gold

Petal + Pup gold tea-length mother-of-the-bride dress

Unique details like pleated fabric and a sweetheart neckline are flattering elements of this beautiful gold dress, and the asymmetrical tea-length hem adds interest. Its relaxed fit also means you'll be comfortable all day. Other color options include silver, royal blue and black.

Size Range: 0–16

$79 | Petal & Pup

8. Shoshanna Strapless Floral Jacquard Midi Dress

Shoshanna tea-length strapless mother of the bride dress

Mother-of-the-bride dresses in tea length can be both modern and elegant; Kaplan considers this piece a great combination of the two. "The classic strapless A-line is the perfect canvas for this beautiful rose gold fabric," she says. "Swoon!"

Size Range: 0–14

$635 | Neiman Marcus

9. Ignite Evenings Petite Sequined Shoulder 2-Piece Jacket Dress

Ignite Evenings tea-length mother-of-the-bride jacket dress

This tea-length mother-of-the-bride dress with a jacket has gorgeous sequin details on the shoulders and the scoop neckline. Wear it with the jacket during the ceremony, then remove it to reveal a fun party dress for the reception. Pair this beautiful petite mother-of-the-bride dress option with sequin heels to complement the design.

Size Range: 6P–16P

$149 | Dillard's

10. Amsale Metallic Jacquard Strapless Gown

Amsale metallic tea-length mother of the bride dress

Though full-length gowns are the norm for black-tie weddings, there is a way to rock tea-length. Case in point: This Amsale stunner features a column skirt and Watteau streamer attachment that can be worn long as a train, then bustled onto the back.

Size Range: 00–28 (made to order)

$1,795 | Amsale

11. Banana Republic Stretch-Cotton Poplin Maxi Dress in Pink Iris

Banana Republic pink tea-length mother-of-the-bride dress

Banana Republic may not usually be on your radar for MOB and MOG dressing, but in this summery piece, the brand's casual comfort meets wedding-ready style. The high neck and cummerbund-inspired waist are sophisticated details—plus, the stretchy material leaves room for dancing and dining.

Size Range: 0–20

$220 | Banana Republic

12. ML Monique Lhuillier Violet Jacquard Midi-Dress

ML Monique Lhuillier watercolor floral tea-length mother-of-the-bride dress

A truly stunning something blue to accompany the bride, this blue watercolor tea-length MOB dress is by the queen of eveningwear (and bridal!), Monique Lhuillier. The pleated ballgown skirt and luxe material feel especially formal; pair the look with pearl accessories.

Size Range: 0–16

$575 | Saks Fifth Avenue

13. Milly Floral Embroidery Mesh Sequin Midi Dress

Milly tea-length strapless mother-of-the-bride dress

A chic and statuesque tea-length silhouette gets a touch of whimsy with allover floral sequins in this Milly dress that we love for a mother of the bride or groom. It's practical, too: A slit at the back makes movement easy, so you won't be shuffling on that all-important walk down the aisle.

Size Range: 0–12

$695 | Milly

14. Eloquii Ruched One-Shoulder Dress

Eloquii black one-shoulder tea-length mother-of-the-bride dress

For evening weddings—whether at a formal venue or held alfresco under the stars—you can't go wrong with this classic, one-shoulder design. With a column fit and ruched design, it's also made with a comfortable stretch-knit jersey material. This plus-size MOB dress comes in chic black and chocolate hues, along with bright shades including lime.

Size Range: 14–32

$110 | Eloquii

15. Sachin & Babi Anissa Dress in Emerald Wisteria

Sachin & Babi green tea-length mother-of-the-bride dress

This Sachin & Babi mother-of-the-bride dress is a real showstopper. Featuring a beautiful green wisteria print and an elegant A-line skirt, it's sure to impress at a fall or winter event. Best of all, it has pockets!

Size Range: 0–14

$595 | Sachin & Babi

16. Kate Spade New York Summer Lilies Halter Dress

Kate Spade floral tea-length mother-of-the-bride dress

Destination wedding MOB dresses are tricky to nail down, but here's the needle in the haystack. This floral halter can be dressed up or down for beachy weddings and gets a sophisticated flair with the button-up collar. Check the reviews to match other shoppers' heights against your own; on some, this appears more maxi-length, while on others, it's a true midi.

Size Range: XXS–XXL

Rent from $50 | Rent The Runway

17. Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman Floral Jacquard A Line Dress

Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman floral jacquard tea-length mother-of-the-bride dress

Teri Jon is always a good choice for MOB and MOG outfits, hence why it's made this list again. With its elegant round neckline and A-line skirt, this beautiful floral jacquard option would be perfect for a summer garden wedding.

Size Range: 0-16

$720 | Bloomingdale's

18. Pisarro Nights Beaded Mesh Midi Cocktail Dress

Pisarro Nights beaded mother-of-the-bride tea-length cocktail dress

You deserve a little sparkle in your dress too. This stunning mother-of-the-bride dress in tea-length is adorned with beads that shimmer in the light. Pair the figure-flattering dress with minimal accessories to let the details shine.

Size Range: 2–18

$268 | Nordstrom

19. Marchesa Rosa Soma Dress in Pistachio

Marchesa tea-length mother-of-the-bride dress

Silk scarves inspired this Marchesa tea-length dress, ideal for a creative wedding at an art museum or gallery. A subtle ruffle along the high neck is a chic detail; pair it with simple earrings or bracelets that won't take away from the pretty pattern.

Size Range: 0–18

$595 | Marchesa

20. Mac Duggal Floral Embroidery One-Shoulder Cocktail Dress

Mac Duggal floral one-shoulder tea-length mother-of-the-bride dress

Perfect for a garden wedding, this tea-length mother-of-the-bride dress infuses a little whimsy into a sophisticated silhouette. The 3D floral embroidery is colorful and interesting, and the asymmetrical flutter sleeve is flattering and modern. Pair a one-shoulder dress like this with drop earrings.

Size Range: 2–16

$498 | Nordstrom

21. Oleg Cassini One-Shoulder Embroidered Tea-Length Dress

Oleg Cassini tea-length one-shoulder mother-of-the-bride dress

Calling all classic mothers of the bride: This dress has traditional detailing and fabrics but gets a modern twist with the one-shoulder silhouette. It's great for glamorous fall and winter weddings. Pair it with a bold lip.

Size Range: 2–16

$200 | David's Bridal

22. Fanm Mon Alanya Dress

Fanm Mon linen tea-length mother-of-the-bride dress

This cotton tea-length mother-of-the-bride dress is playful and fun and has unique details. Its ruffled straps can be worn on or off the shoulder—whichever you find most flattering—and its artful detailing is a nod to wedding florals. Plus, Fanm Mon is committed to sustainability and the fabric is ethically sourced.

Size Range: XXS–XXL

$368 | Fanm Mon

23. Mac Duggal Striped Floral Embellished Sleeveless Midi Dress

Mac Duggal sequin tea-length mother-of-the-bride dress

Tea-length often evokes images of full, '60s-era A-line skirts, but the length can also be sleek and straight. This dress is exactly that, with vertically striped sequin embellishments that lengthen the wearer's frame. Pair it with floral earrings and a pretty heel.

Size Range: 0–18

$298 | Mac Duggal