10 Silver Mother-of-the-Bride and -Groom Dress Ideas for a Modern Wedding-Day Look

We're sharing styles to consider for every type of venue, dress code, and season.

bride and groom posing for family portraits

Photo by Justin Lee

As the mother of the bride or groom, you may feel a lot of pressure to find the perfect getup for your daughter or son's wedding. Of course, everyone will be staring at the newlyweds all day and night, but as a parent, all eyes will also be on you. And for those who want something unique with a metallic sheen (that won't upstage the bride), you may be interested in a silver mother-of-the-bride or groom dress.

Though silver may seem like a color for women with bolder tastes, this look can work for all style preferences, as silver dresses are pretty, timeless, and feel sparkly and fun without being overwhelming. If you want something glittery, opt for a silver dress with sequins. If you want something sleek, pick a darker shade and choose a fabric that isn't too loud.  Fall somewhere in between? A silver wrap dress with a slight metallic shimmer is a chic choice for all types of nuptials. The options are truly endless!

To help you find the right ensemble, we searched through our collection of real weddings for some ideas on how to effortlessly wear this modern, metallic hue. Keep scrolling for 10 of our favorite silver mother-of-the-bride and -groom dresses, all worn by real moms. 

01 of 10

A Wrap-Style Dress

groom walking down the aisle with his mom who is wearing a silver dress

Photo by Jose Ruiz Photography

Wrap-style dresses are a timeless option for all moms, no matter your personal aesthetic and style preferences. For example, this mother-of-the-groom leaned into her elevated sense of style and wore a floor-length silver getup for her son’s Puerto Rico wedding. The flutter sleeves and ruched bodice give this look a sophisticated touch and are the perfect contrast to a metallic fabric.

02 of 10

A Floral Dress With an Illusion Neckline

bride getting ready with her mother and sister the morning of her wedding

Photo by Katherine Marchand Weddings

Attending nuptials in the spring or summer? You can never go wrong with a floral design. This mom’s JS Collections dress came in a silver matte hue with a floral lace overlay and an illusion neckline. This is a stunning option for women with minimalist tastes who still want a fun element to their look. If you prefer a little more sparkle, you can opt for a dress with sequin embellishments or accessorize with a silver glitter clutch. 

03 of 10

A Semi-Sheer Design With Sequins

bride getting ready with her mother and an aunt

Photo by Hugo Coelho

Scattered sequin embellishments offer a more subtle shine if metallic fabrics feel too overwhelming. Case in point: This mom's floor-length gown which features a sheer overlay adorned with matching sequins in a light silver hue. Cape sleeves also give this look a retro flair that is perfect for a black-tie wedding.

04 of 10

An Embellished V-Neck Gown

mother of the bride wearing a silver A-line dress dancing in a line

Photo by Kyle John Photography

For those with glamorous tastes, we recommend you take a page out of this mom’s book and opt for a fully embellished V-neck gown. Her silver Mac Duggal dress featured floral appliqués, sequins, and a sheer skirt for a bold yet sophisticated look. Since this ensemble has a lot of statement details, you’ll want to keep your accessories simple and pair your gown with silver drop earrings and matching ankle-strap heels. 

05 of 10

A High-Neck Gown With a Shawl

bride getting ready with her mother and maid of honor

Photo by Kristen Curette & Daemaine Hines

Are you looking for a more modest mother-of-the-bride or groom dress? Take note of the chic, high-neck gown this mom wore for her daughter’s wedding in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The high neckline offers more coverage, while the sequin-embellished bodice adds some pizzazz to this otherwise simple gown. The sheer shawl and drop earrings pull this whole look together for a result that is stylish and elegant. 

06 of 10

A Sheath Dress With Cap Sleeves

mother of the bride wearing a silver dress helping daughter, Naturi Naughton, get ready for her wedding

Photo by Stanlo Photography

Like mother, like daughter! The dazzling wedding day looks this mother-daughter duo chose are a great example of how to embrace your style without upstaging the bride. A sheath dress with cap sleeves is an elegant option with ample coverage, but embroidery throughout the design adds a glamorous touch that doesn’t feel over the top. Complete the look with a tousled updo and a silver lariat necklace. 

07 of 10

A Balloon-Sleeve Sparkling Number

bride getting ready with her mother and maid of honor the morning of her wedding

Photo by Jenn Emerling

Balloon sleeves with silver sequin embellishments, in an intricate pattern, make for a stunning mother-of-the-bride or groom ensemble. While this mom donned the look for her daughter’s winter wedding at home in California, this dress option would also work well for more formal nuptials. Style with hoop earrings and a dainty necklace to emphasize a slight V-neckline, or opt for drop earrings if your gown has a high-neck silhouette.  

08 of 10

A Beaded Dress With a Belt

bride kissing her mom who is wearing a silver mother-of-the-bride dress

Photo by Kaylee Chelsea Photography

Silver beading immediately gives a floor-length gown a vintage feel. This mom opted for a cap sleeve dress adorned with silver beads—which become more scattered as you reach the bottom of the skirt—for her daughter’s wedding at a hotel and spa in California. The addition of a belt gives the free-flowing silhouette some dimension and draws attention to the embellishments for an elegant yet modern look. 

09 of 10

A Cowl-Neck Gown

bride and groom posing for a family portrait with their mothers and fathers

Photo by Justin Lee

A cowl neckline is the perfect addition to a classic gown if you want to make it feel more modern. When paired with a ruched bodice and a broach embellishment, your outfit will be figure-flattering and a gorgeous option for any season. This mom accessorized with a silver necklace and a cuff bracelet to accentuate her gown’s shimmering fabric for an extra touch of glamour. 

10 of 10

An Embroidered Cocktail Dress

mother and father walking down the wedding aisle together

Photo by Lulan Studio

Ideal for casual nuptials, an embroidered cocktail dress offers a sleek yet playful look. The boat neckline of the dress this mother-of-the-groom wore to her son’s Malibu wedding gives the ensemble a classic feel, while the midi-length and all-over embroidery offers a more contemporary appearance. Plus, it can be dressed up or down based on your style preference. 

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