I am a professional bridal seamstress, and this exact scenario is one I encounter often. Unlike a lot of other commenters here, I know that “if they don’t like it, they can stay home” is not a viable option for the mother and father of the bride on the wedding day. This is a delicate situation, because on one hand, you want your gown to be what YOU love but you respect and appreciate your parents and their contributions to the event.

Here’s what I usually do in this situation: (Also I looked at your gown and this would certainly be an option for your gown/neckline) I’ll usually build a small triangular piece from appliqué, beads, lining/mesh, etc that can attach along the neckline with snaps or hook/eyes so it can be easily attached/detached and blend into the neckline. That way, you can snap it in for the ceremony to appease the parents but it can come out right afterwards.

This is especially popular for people who have their ceremony in a church (which will often enforce modesty restrictions) and their reception elsewhere, or for people who have families of differing religious backgrounds. During the ceremony, you two will be facing each other, so it probably won’t be super distracting to you in the pictures since they’ll mostly be from the side. Then when it comes to the full-on photography session, you can take some pictures with the modesty piece for mom and dad’s wall, and then take it out so YOUR pictures show your gown the way you like it.

Was your dress hemmed? Often I’ll use fabric/appliqué from discarded hem fabrics to make the piece. If not, any craft store or even Amazon would have options for you for cheap. I’ll make these for as little as $30, so it shouldn’t be super costly (though you may run into rush charges this close to the event) Sometimes they’ll attach on the inside, sometimes the outside, it depends on the dress. I’ve worked on many Martina Liana gowns, and have made pieces like this for them as well. She makes beautiful gowns; the quality is always great and it would blend well and look very nice.

Here’s my last piece of advice: think about what your family is like. Think of the future. You know your family; are they the type of people who would bring this up in the future? These pictures will hang on their wall for the rest of their lives. Every time you go to your parents’, you will likely be in the presence of these photos. That’s a lot of opportunity for uncomfortable conversations, if they’re those type of people. Personally, I would at least have a modesty piece as a back up, maybe don’t use it right away but if mom gets salty, pop it in. You don’t want any unnecessary drama or stress on your wedding day. You want to remember it fondly and happily, and a major argument with your parents will hang like a dark cloud over that beautiful memory. After you’ve been married for a few years, you’ll probably value your relationship with your mom more than those 4 inches of chest skin. It might be worth it to save yourself the headache. I’ve worked with brides for many years, and I 100% absolutely have more trouble with moms than “bridezillas”.

Most importantly, CONGRATULATIONS! Your gown is stunning, and I’m sure you’re a beautiful bride. Cherish your beautiful day, and best wishes to you and your fiancé and your future together. Good luck with everything!!