34 Modest Mother-of-the-Bride and -Groom Dress Ideas

Bride Hugging Mother of the Bride in Modest Long-Sleeve Floral Dress — Photo by Daniel Kim

Every bride and groom wants to look his or her best on their big day—and every mother of a bride or groom does, too. However, finding a gown that strikes the perfect balance for a woman of a certain age isn’t always easy: You want elegant, not dowdy; embellished, not overdone; stylish, not juvenile. Luckily, there are many options available for moms to select, and that's especially true if you're looking for a modest mother-of-the-bride or -groom dress that is classic, elegant, and timeless. What's more, it's possible to find a modern mother-of-the-bride or -groom dress that is in keeping with any of the popular wedding dress codes, whether that's black-tie, semi formal, cocktail, or something else entirely.

When choosing ensembles, look for those with modest details—like illusion necklines, floor-length silhouettes, and pretty sleeves—which is a great way to find a look that'll allow you to show off your assets in a tasteful way. Though you could certainly browse the racks at your favorite department store or plan a visit to a salon that specializes in mother-of-the-bride and -groom attire, our editors think the best (and easiest) way to find a look you'll love is to look at past weddings for inspiration. From there, you can shop with a specific style in mind.

To help, we put together a roundup of our favorite modest mother-of-the-bride and -groom dresses worn by real moms. These demure, elegant options are all perfect for your child's wedding, and they prove that it's possible to be chic and fashionable without baring more skin that you're comfortable with.

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A Floral Midi With Long Sleeves

Bride Walking Down the Aisle with Dad and Mom in Long-Sleeve Floral Gown — Photo by Daniel Kim

If you're struggling to find a modest gown that's still interesting and unique, consider patterns. This mom's ultra-chic floral gown, which featured a high neckline and long sleeves, was the perfect fit for her daughter's floral-themed wedding in California.

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A Blue Gown With a V-Neckline and Billowing Sleeves

Mother of the Bride in Long-Sleeve Blue Gown Holding Hands with Bride and Father of the Bride — Photo by Heather Waraksa

V-necklines can absolutely be modest—it's all about the length of said neckline. For her daughter's Florida wedding, this stylish mother stunned in cool blue gown with billowing long sleeves. The V-neckline hit in the perfect place to show just enough skin to balance out the sleeves without being revealing.

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An Off-the-Shoulder Gown With a Crystal Belt Detail

Mother of the Bride in Black Gown with Off-the-Shoulder Sleeves Smiling During Wedding Ceremony — Photo by Jeremy Chou

Yes, it's possible to find an off-the-shoulder gown that still feels modest—just look to this gorgeous mother of the bride for proof! At her daughter's destination wedding in Mexico, she looked chic and elegant in an off-the-shoulder gown, which also featured a crystal embellishment at the waistline. The secret to ensuring your off-the-shoulder neckline reads as demure? Choose a portrait style neckline, which sits at the tips of the shoulders instead of something that reveals more arm.

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A Sleeveless Blue Gown With an Embellished High Neckline

Mother of the Bride in Sleeveless Blue Gown with High Neckline Helping Bride With Veil — Photo by Meredith Campbell Photography

To keep an otherwise understated silhouette interesting, consider thoughtful embellishment. For her daughter's nuptials in Savannah, this mother of the bride chose a classic sleeveless sheath (which kept her cool on a hot day!) complete with just the subtlest bit of beading along the neckline. As an added bonus, this type of detail means you don't need to find a necklace for the big day.

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A Gold Beaded Gown With Short Sleeves

Mother of the Bride in Short Sleeve Beaded Gold Dress Hugging Bride — Photo by Samantha Leto Photography

Glamorous and modest are not mutually exclusive terms. For her daughter's modern barn wedding in Virginia, this mother of the bride opted for a gold beaded gown with short sleeves and a crew neckline, which looked chic and fabulous without being revealing.

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A High Neck Midi

Mother of the Bride in Short Sleeve Gown Posing With Bride and Groom — Photo by Sasithon Photography

If you're looking for a modest mother-of-the-bride or -groom dress but know you don't want something floor-length, consider a midi. At this couple's outdoor nuptials in California, the bride's mom opted for a black sheath in a midi length, which felt unfussy and in keeping with the landscape but still ensured she was appropriately covered for the event.

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A Silver Gown With Leaf Embroideries

Mother of the Bride in Short Sleeve Silver Dress with Leaf Embroidery Helping Bride Get Ready — Photo by Andre Brown Photography

We're going to let you in on a little secret: Elbow-length sleeves are an underrated option for modest mother-of-the-bride and -groom attire. They feel less formal than a long-sleeved option but more dressy than short sleeves, which makes them a great, modest option when your child is throwing a cocktail or semi-formal wedding. This beautiful mother of the bride chose a silver gown with the sleeve length for her daughter's wedding in Atlanta.

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A Plum-Colored Gown With a Square Neckline

Bride in Sleeveless Wedding Dress with Mother in Plum-Colored Gown with Square Neckline and Three-Quarter Sleeves — Photo by Bo Shim

A square neckline is one of our favorite modest options—it's inherently interesting since it's a little different than what you might wear in your day-to-day life, but it's a great way to ensure you're feeling covered up and appropriate. At this wedding in Brooklyn, the bride's mom chose a plum-hued dress with this classic neckline, and it looked delightful in every photo.

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A Black Gown with Three-Quarter Sleeves

Mother of the Bride in Long-Sleeve Black Gown Helping Dress Bride in Strapless Wedding Dress — Photo by Chris J. Evans

Who doesn't love a classic black dress every now and then? At this wedding in Mexico, the mother of the bride went with the perennially stylish hue for her big-day attire, which was made of a jumpsuit and overcoat. Two-piece sets are great options when looking for modest (yet cool!) attire.

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A Beaded Black Gown With Elbow-Length Sleeves

Mother of the Bride in Black Sequin Gown with Subtle V-Neckline Holding Hands with Bride in Lace Wedding Dress — Photo by Aubrey & Brandon Visuals

Though we understand why some moms are afraid of embellishment, try at least one beaded option on before you rule the category out entirely—when you're shopping for a modest silhouette, all-over beading can be surprisingly stunning. Case in point? This gorgeous mother of the bride, who donned a subtly sparkling black gown for her daughter's Old-Hollywood wedding in Indiana.

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A Pink Sleeveless Gown With a High Neckline and Statement Belt

Mother of the Groom in Sleeveless Pink Dress with High Neckline — Photo by Eric Kelley

The mother of the groom deserves to look and feel great, too. At her son's winter wedding in Virginia, this glowing mom donned a sleeveless pink gown with statement belt. If you want a similar look, seek out something with a high neckline and wide straps, which help keep a gown feeling modest.

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An Embellished Navy Blue Gown With Three-Quarter Sleeves

Mother of the Bride in Navy Gown with Three-Quarter Sleeves Helping Bride Get Dressed — Photo by Jennefer Wilson

Because her daughter's winter wedding in Texas was inspired by a glass of Champagne, this mother of the bride needed a shimmering gown that was in keeping with the day's aesthetic. Her choice—a navy gown with three-quarter sleeves and beading on the bodice—is perfect for anyone looking for a modest gown: The high neckline and sleeves keep things covered up, but the sheer fabric and beaded details ensure it looks of-the-moment and interesting.

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A Beaded Dress With Short Sleeves

Mother of the Bride in Short Sleeve Beaded Dress Helping Bride Put on Necklace — Photo by Kristin La Voie

For her daughter's flower-filled wedding at a botanical garden in Chicago, this mother of the bride chose a classic, elegant option: a beaded dress with a soft scoop neckline and short sleeves. This silhouette is perfect for anyone who wants her look to have a little something extra while still looking modest.

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A Patterned Dress With Cap Sleeves

Mother of the Bride in Short Sleeve Gown with High Neckline Looking at Bride — Photo by Perry Vaile

Don't sleep on patterned dresses when looking for modest mother-of-the-bride or -groom attire. They're a great way to add some visual interest to what might otherwise be a simple silhouette. At this carnival-themed wedding in Virginia, the bride's mother chose a graphic gown with cap sleeves for the big day, and it looked lovely in photos.

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A Blue Gown With Sheer Beaded Sleeves

Mother of the Bride in Long Sleeve Blue Floral Gown Helping Bride Button Wedding Dress — Photo by Still Miracle

At this fairy tale-inspired French wedding, the bride and her mother worked with Olia Zavozina to create a custom gown in a hue that complement the mom's blonde hair and the big-day décor. In the end, they decided on a pale blue frock with sheer sleeves and floral beading, which looked elegant and statement-making.

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A Blue Gown With Sheer Long Sleeves

Mother of the Bride in Blue Long Sleeve Gown Helping Bride Get Into Wedding Dress — Photo by Hannah Miller Photography

At this wedding in Alabama, the mother of the bride turned heads in her beaded blue gown—the lovely silhouette was figure-skimming without being too tight and the long sleeves and high neckline ensured it felt classy and modest, not revealing.

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A Blush-Hued Gown With Bishop Sleeves

mother and daughter having a sweet moment before the wedding day in the bridal suite — Photo by Hugo Coelho

At a vineyard wedding in Portugal, the mother of the bride chose a sweeping, floor-length gown with a flowing skirt, draped sleeves, and a cinched waist. The plunging neckline, open arms, and muted blush color complemented the bride’s flower–embellished, long-sleeved gown. Our advice? Replicate this ensemble exactly as seen.

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A Barbiecore-Inspired Mermaid Gown

mother of the bride and bride walking down the aisle together. the mother of the bride is wearing a pink off-the-shoulder dress and the bride is wearing a floral embellished gown — Photo by Jose Villa

Given that bride Melanie hosted a wedding modeled after a Monet painting, her mother walked her down the aisle in a pink Monique Lhuillier gown that, aptly, looked like a work of art. With a flared skirt and off-the-shoulder balloon sleeves, this stunning getup is an elegant option for moms searching for contemporary attire.

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A Sleeveless Textured Gown

mother of the bride and bride holding hands ahead of the wedding. mother of the bride is wearing a blue 3D embroidered gown and the bride is wearing a strapless ball gown — Photo by Phillip Van Nostrand

This sleek, sleeveless navy blue A-line is a festive choice for an autumn wedding in New York. Best of all, the three-dimensional embellishments add movement and interest to the dress, making it a stunning choice for moms who love to dance.

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A Classic Black Suit

mother of the bride and bride embracing before a desert Joshua Tree wedding — Photo by Sydney Noelle Photography

At a modern wedding in Joshua Tree, California, this bride’s mother walked her down the aisle in a chic black suit with a slim-fit cut and deep V-neckline. The look is elegant and unexpected, and will certainly turn heads for all the right reasons.

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A Sleeveless Silk Gown

mother of the bride zipping up her daughter's feather-embellished wedding dress — Photo by Kurt Boomer

At a French chateau wedding with boho embellishments, the mother of the bride donned a sleeveless gown with a slightly flared skirt in a shade of pale olive. Follow her styling lead and pair your look with pearl jewelry to complete the classic and modest aesthetic.

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An Illusion Long-Sleeve Gown

mother of the bride walking her daughter down the aisle while wearing a long-sleeve, sheer illusion gold dress — Photo by Lilly Red

This mother of the bride showed off her lively spirit in a full-length, illusion gown for her daughter's outdoor wedding by Lake Como. Between the sequined flowers and sheer silhouette, this getup is a perfect source of inspiration for moms with bold tastes.

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A Muted Blue and Gray Gown

mother and father walking their daughter down the aisle — Photo by Molly Carr Photography

The natural landscape surrounding this bride's Tuscan venue inspired her mother's neutral-colored gown. For example, the muted shades of blue and gray, with understated yellow accents, perfectly complement the outdoor setting, while the pleated full skirt and V-neck bodice subtly coordinate with her daughter’s attire.

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A Tulle, Floral-Embroidered Gown

At a colorful garden wedding in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, this mother of the bride walked with her daughter in a full-length Teri Jon gown with a floral overlay and elbow-length illusion sleeves. Embroidered with vines, flowers, and butterflies on delicate blush tulle, this getup is an ethereal choice for formal celebrations.

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A Bold, One-Shoulder Pink Gown

This bride’s mother stuck to her daughter's wedding color palette of fuchsia, marigold, and indigo, and donned a bright pink gown and bow-front shoes. Instead of relying on sequins or embellishments, draw inspiration from her look and lean into bold details—like the one-shoulder silhouette and rich pink hue—that are at once simple and stunning.

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A Pink Midi With a Matching Jacket

mother of the groom and groom posing with a flower girl ahead of the wedding — Photo by Elias Kordelakos

At a fashion-focused wedding in Greece—where even the bridal party changed for the reception—the groom's mother donned a blush pink midi dress with a matching jacket. We absolutely love the two-in-one look, especially given the fact that she styled it with a fascinator of the same hue.

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A Gold Cowl-Neck Gown

mother of the bride and bride posing ahead of the wedding — Photo by Oliver Fly Photography

When her daughter and future son-in-law chose a destination wedding in Paris, the City of Light, this mother opted for a deep gold gown to match the golden, romantic setting. Best of all, the flattering belted waist, cowl neckline, and twisted bodice are all graceful details other moms can consider for their own day-of looks.

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A Black Floral Gown

mother and father walking their daughter down a floral-filled aisle — Photo by Studio This Is

This bride's mom opted for a high-contrast black gown, that showed off a multi-hued floral print, for her daughter's colorful Chicago wedding. The onyx hue, defined waist, and floor-sweeping length kept the gown formal, while the colorful pattern was fresh and fun.

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A Bright Color-Blocked Gown

mother and father posing with their daughter ahead of the wedding — Photo by Gracie Byrd Jones

Do you prefer more fashion-forward aesthetics? Consider wearing a color-blocked gown, á la this bride’s mother, who chose a cheerful dress in shades of coral and tangerine. An array of black circles also formed a belt that divided the colors, while accenting the three-quarter-length sleeves.

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A Navy Gown With a Lace Neckline

mother and daughter having a sweet pre-wedding moment, looking into each other's eyes — Photo by Pablo Laguia

A “romantic, artful” wedding in Mallorca went from a simple ceremony to an electric after-dark dance party—and this mother-of-the-bride’s gown worked for both events. What's more, the sapphire-colored dress, sweetheart neckline, illusion lace sleeves, and ruched bodice were both formal and fashionable—a lovely source of inspiration for winter, black-tie affair.

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A Navy Blue Sequined Ball Gown

mother of the bride wearing a blue sequin dress is zipping up her daughter's tulle, off-the-shoulder wedding gown — Photo by Anya Kernes

This navy, mother-of-the-bride ball gown made a regal statement at bride Ammy's Disney-inspired winter wedding in Malibu. Featuring a flattering silhouette and an illusion neckline and sleeves, this ensemble is fit for a queen on her princess's big day.

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An Embellished, Flutter-Sleeve Gown

mother of the bride and bride pre-wedding portrait in front of a floral-filled alter — Photo by Sydney Noelle Photography

Want a dress that covers only a portion of your arms? Look to TikTok influencer Justina Sharp's mother, who wore a navy gown that included a flattering beaded belt, draped cap sleeves, and a black and blue lace overlay with three-dimensional flowers.

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A Gown With Thoughtful Accessories

mother and her son posing before the wedding ceremony — Photo by Collins Nai

This mother's stone-colored satin gown, with a wrap-style bodice, full skirt, and cap sleeves, was a sophisticated complement to the groom’s white-tie tuxedo at a backyard wedding in New York. But it’s her black belt, black gloves, gold necklaces, and sunglasses that turned this classic look into a memorable style moment.

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A Long-Sleeve, Two-Toned Gown

a mother-daughter pre-wedding portrait taken in their dining room — Photo by Ashley Sawtelle

This bride's mother leaned into her daughter's color scheme when selecting her two-tone getup. The fabric and silhouette of her mother-of-the-bride dress also complemented her daughter's wedding gown in an elegant and respectful way.

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