Nordstrom wedding dresses for mother of the groom

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 your son's 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, ML Monique Lhuillier Lace Midi Dress, and Tadashi Shoji Orinda V-Neck Dress.

Read on for the best tea-length mother of the groom dresses for every style, body type, and budget.

Our Top Picks

Best for a Daytime Wedding:

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Best for a Spring Wedding:

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Best Little Black Dress:

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Best Neckline:

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Best Sheer Sleeves:

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Best for the Classic MOG:

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Best for Cocktail Attire:

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Most Unique:

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Best for a New Year's Eve Wedding:

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Best for an Outdoor Wedding:

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Best for a Daytime Wedding

Markarian Yvette Floral Brocade Off-The-Shoulder Midi Dress

View On Markarian-nyc.com

Leave it to Markarian to deliver the perfect floral dress for a formal daytime 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 for a Spring Wedding

ML Monique Lhuillier Lace Midi Dress

View On Nordstrom View On Lyst.com

Spring weddings call for pastel dresses crafted from light and airy fabrics, like this dress from ML Monique Lhuillier. Crafted from 100 percent cotton, 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 waist tie 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."

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Best Little Black Dress

Tadashi Shoji Orinda V-Neck Dress

View On Bhldn

You can never go wrong with a little black dress, and this lace style from Tadashi Shoji feels especially striking. The short sleeves and V-neckline on the front and back are elegant and timeless, making this an ideal pick for an array of wedding formalities. Made of 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.

The 18 Best Timeless Little Black Dresses for Wedding Guests in 2022

Best Neckline

Amsale Sibyl Midi Dress

View On Bhldn

There is perhaps nothing more flattering than a dress with a beautifully draped neckline like this one. Crafted from lustrous satin and designed with a bias-cut skirt, this tea-length frock is at once timeless and flattering. While we're partial to this stunning burgundy color, this dress is also available in a neutral champagne shade. It's formal enough for fancier events and can easily be donned at summer and winter weddings alike.

Best Sheer Sleeves

Alex Evenings Women's Tea Length Embroidered Dress

View On Amazon

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 this 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

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Best for the Classic MOG

Roksanda Brigitte Dress

View On Roksanda.com

For the mother of the groom who is drawn to classic silhouettes with unexpected details, this draped midi dress is the ideal blend of traditional and modern. The bow detailing on the top is bold and fun, while the ruched detailing and fitted waist complement the flattering silhouette. It's made of classic crepe fabric, so it's durable and lightweight for any season. In a soft blush hue, this dress is flattering on every skin tone and pairs beautifully with barely-there strappy sandals.

Best for Cocktail Attire

Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman A-Line Midi Dress

View On Saks Fifth Avenue

If you're not sure where to start when it comes to shopping for the best mother-of-the-groom dress, start with this royal blue pick from Teri Jon. Designed with an A-line silhouette, this dress is universally flattering and a timeless choice for any type of wedding. Since it's crafted from lustrous polyester fabric, we think this dress is ideal for a cocktail attire wedding. The lace detailing and bow sleeves are elegant, and you can style the dress with matching heels for a monochromatic look.

Price at time of publish: $520

27 A-Line Wedding Dresses for Every Style

Most Unique

Tadashi Shoji Adriane Floral Embroidered Tea-Length Dress

View On Tadashishoji.com

We love this slightly off-the-shoulder style for the mother of the groom who seeks out designs with unique details. The floral lace embellishments and tulle fabric are whimsical and elegant, while the pleated detailing and bands give some textural contrast. The best part? This Tadashi Shoji tea-length dress is super versatile and could easily be worn to a winter or spring wedding.

Price at time of publish: $518

Best for a New Year's Eve Wedding

Show Me Your Mumu X REVOLVE Kimora Dress

View On Revolve

A wedding around the holidays or New Year's nuptials call for a festive mother-of-the-groom dress like this one from Show Me Your Mumu. Give them glitz and glam in this statement-making number in all-over shimmering sequins. The plunging neckline is universally flattering, and the wrap detailing makes for a great side slit. Made of poly blend fabric, this dress is lightweight and comfortable. Keep accessories simple—this dress does all the talking.

Price at time of publish: $198

The 18 Best New Year's Eve Wedding Guest Dresses of 2022

Best for an Outdoor Wedding

Mac Duggal Angelica Midi Dress

View On Bhldn

Ideal for an outdoor wedding, this floral dress with illusion sleeves feels light, airy, and feminine. There are also sparkling beads and sequins for some extra glamour. It's crafted of breathable polyester for a soft and comfortable fit, and the pink, green, and cream color palette fits right in with spring. Whether you're attending a casual backyard party or a destination event, this dreamy style is sure to photograph beautifully.

Price at time of publish: $598

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.

FAQ

• 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 or dress code 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?

  It's a basic rule of thumb to avoid wearing all white on the wedding day, as that's most likely what the bride will be donning down the aisle. Tea-length dresses come in a wide range of stunning colors and styles to choose from, but it's generally a good idea to stick to the wedding aesthetic. Again, if you're unsure about your decision, it's best to run your color choice by the couple first to ensure it's appropriate for their wedding day.

  What is the groom's mother supposed to wear?

  The mother of the groom dress should also follow the wedding dress code. Formal weddings require an upscale dress or pantsuit, while the outfit can be more relaxed for a casual wedding. In general, the mother of the groom should wear something comfortable and flattering.

  What is the traditional color for the mother of the groom?

  If your wedding is a formal one, some mothers of the groom might prefer to wear shades of gold, dark silver, or even black. Other darker colors that might be worn include shades of : Navy.

  Does the bride tell mother of the groom what color to wear?

  Typically, the mother of the bride selects her outfit first, then calls the mother of the groom to advise her on color choices. You might also have suggestions—tell the mothers about any accent hues in your color scheme, or provide a fabric swatch of the bridesmaids' dresses for comparison.

  Does mother of groom have to wear same length dress as mother of bride?

  Dress Length This is one element of the dresses that do not have to match, as long as the formality is coordinated. For example, if the mother of the bride dress consists of a floor-length gown for an evening affair, the mother of the groom may decide to wear a knee-length cocktail dress.