Tea-length Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses

Full-length, elaborate gowns have traditionally been the dresses of the mother of the bride and groom. However, with all sorts of wedding themes coming up, people are eschewing age-old traditions. Most wedding traditions have toned down their stringent dress codes, thereby paving the way for tea-length mother-of-the-bride dresses, instead of the regular full-length gown, that has been worn for generations together. Tea-length dresses give a sophisticated and elegant look, which is why they have surged in popularity over the years!

A tea-length dress is one which falls to about 3-4 inches above one's ankle. In simple terms, if a dress falls between the knee and the ankle, it is called a tea-length dress. These dresses are regarded as 'in-between' lengths, as they are longer than the cocktail-length dresses, but shorter than full-length dresses. Tea-length dresses are versatile and look attractive on most figures.

These dresses come in an array of styles, materials and colors to suit absolutely any wedding theme and season. They are available in silk, taffeta, tulle, cotton and are also widely spread out in their price range, so as to suit any budget. Tea-length dresses are more comfortable to wear as compared to the full-length gowns that seem to get caught between your legs, every now and then.

Tea-length dresses are perfect outfits for summer or spring weddings, be it on the sandy beach or on a mountain top. They are also great outfits for afternoon, outdoor and informal weddings. If you are apprehensive about your waistline, relax!

There are scores of tea-length dresses designed for bodies that are on the heavier side. Decorative bows and nicely draped waistlines are used to attenuate the bulky waistline, thereby giving you a slender and slimmer look on your daughter's big day. Jackets that top dresses, manage to successfully hide those flabby arms, you are so scared of revealing.

It's your daughter's day to shine in white, so it's best you avoid wearing anything white, ivory, cream or even champagne. However, according to some, the taboo of wearing white is old-fashioned and if your daughter is game for white, you can choose a white outfit. As long as the dress doesn't resemble the bride's in any way, it should be alright. Nevertheless, make sure you talk it through with your daughter first. To avoid stealing the show, you can wear a colored shawl, printed scarf, black sash or even colored jewelry to tone the white down.

No, definitely not! Your dress does not need to match the wedding theme or the bridal party, however, it should complement it. If the bridesmaids are wearing tea-lengths or cocktail lengths, you can go for a tea-length dress, however, if they are going for full-length ones, then tea-length would not be very appropriate. Nevertheless, it's your call. In terms of color, make sure the shade of your tea-length dress complements the bridal party. Clashing colors will look terrible, especially in photographs.

Printed tea-length dresses need not be avoided. Although solid prints have been preferred over printed ones, those with delicate prints can make great mother-of-the-bride dresses. However, keep away from large, bold prints that can look hypnotizing. Printed tea-length dresses can look really elegant when the bridesmaids are wearing solid colors. Choose a print in which the colors complement the solid shades worn by the bridesmaids. Whatever shade or print you choose, make sure it suits you and does not overshadow the bride or her bridesmaids.

Tea-length mother-of-the-bride dresses are wonderful options, that offer the right amount of glamor quotient, blended with modesty and class. They come in a large variety of colors, fabrics, styles and prices. Work within your parameters and zero-in on the best one for your daughter's big day.