15 Open Back Wedding Dresses for Daring Brides

Dresses | April 8, 2023

Wedding trends may come and go, but if there’s one constant proven by, say, 100 years of bridal fashion: a statement back is one of the sexiest and chicest ways to show off your show off your bridal taste. Like seriously, look at any red carpet or couture runway from any decade — there’s just nothing like open back wedding dresses to feel like absolute perfection.

While “open back” can mean several things, one is for certain: It’s all about the sultry angles. From making a gorgeous ceremony entrance to the photo ops and the dance floor vibes, you’re sure to feel like a million bucks in one of these stunning designs.

At Maggie Sottero Designs, we’re committed to helping every bride find their perfect gown — whatever their aesthetic, budget, and ideal fit. For those with “sexy back” vibes, we’ve curated several gorgeous open back wedding dress trends to inspire your shopping. Keep scrolling, and book an appointment at an Authorized Retailer by clicking the button below to try on your perfect styles IRL!

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Types of Open Back Wedding Dresses

Slinky silhouettes and sexy back details have forever been a bridal match, but this year’s trends are all about the options. From keyhole to criss crossed straps, eye-catching cutouts to an entirely exposed, low back — you’re sure to find the perfect open back wedding dress from our latest collections.

Open back wedding dresses are typically categorized according to the shape of the low back, the use of illusion, straps and sleeve details, and any embellishments. Popular shapes include scoop, V-back, low plunge, or keyhole, among others. Illusion can be used on any of these shapes, and can be used to feature additional lace or shimmer. Styles with straps tend to feature low, plunging backs for a beachy-chic vibe, and some may feature corsetry and other lace-up details. Low back wedding dresses also feature a variety of sleeve details: cap sleeves, flutter embellishments, bell cuffs, and more.

Pro tip: Make sure to get a backless bra and low rise underwear if you choose a backless look. If there’s one hitch about an open back wedding dress, it’s that they can be tricky to style if you don’t nail the fit and construction. (And look great in photos.) For reference, here’s everything you need to know about bridal undergarments.

Boho & Cottagecore Open Back Wedding Dresses

“Boho and cottagecore” are having a big moment this season, from woodsy fairytale silhouettes to ethereal layers and embellishments. To pair with the backless wedding dress trend, look to fabric, sleeves, and unique appliques. These are soft and ultra-feminine, while a backless detail turns up the sultry siren vibes. Here are a few of our favorites to get started.

Estella by Maggie Sottero

A lovely, curve-hugging fit-and-flare with shimmery lace and a gorgeous V-back. Personalizations include:

Available with a fully lined front and back bodice with illusion side insets.
Detachable long illusion lace bell sleeves sold separately.
Add a dreamy bridal veil or cape.

Minerva by Rebecca Ingram

Bride In A-Line Wedding Dress Called Minerva With Bridesmaids In Red

PC: Autumn Agrella

A magical lace wedding gown with a textured lace bodice and low V-back, perfect for summer weddings. This is a top-reviewed wedding gown — brides love the layered lace, flattering silhouette, and soft shimmer. Personalize with a simple or deluxe bridal veil.

Nerida by Sottero and Midgley

A dreamy cottagecore wedding dress with pops of color and romantic off-the-shoulder sleeves. (Also available as a classic ivory colorway for more traditional aesthetics.) Options to personalize include:

Remove the train for a more casual look through special request.
Add covered buttons down the back for a vintage vibe.

Explore more beautiful boho wedding dresses in our trend gallery!

Simple & Chic Backless Wedding Gowns

For a timeless and elegant bridal aesthetic, look to low back wedding dresses with simple silhouettes and minimalist embellishments. These styles highlight fabric and construction above all, and make a gorgeous impact when paired with an open back. (Very red-carpet royalty. Very bold and daring.) We’ve curated three styles that are all about graceful lines, sensuous silhouettes, and luxe fabrications.

Dione by Rebecca Ingram

Bride In Beach Crepe Wedding Dress Called Dionne By Rebecca Ingram

Luxe crepe combines with delicate lace and illusion in this soft, sexy, and simple backless wedding dress. Talk to your stylist about these personalization options:

Detachable illusion lace long sleeve jacket sold separately.
Add a long bridal veil or cape.

Adrianna by Maggie Sottero

A soft and perfectly tailored fit-and-flare with an air of effortless luxury. This luxe crepe makes it light, comfortable, and SO flattering. To make this style your own:

Add covered buttons down the back for a vintage vibe.
Available with scalloped cut out lace train with buttons trailing down the train.
Add a unique bridal accessory of choice.

Paxton by Maggie Sottero

This simple backless wedding dress is the perfect fusion of grace, charm, and sophistication. Personalize by choosing your statement back trend: embellished illusion or a low open variation. You’ll make a beautiful statement either way.

Curating an elegant look with a minimalist silhouette and no-frills accessories? Dive into these simple wedding dress styles for more inspiration.

Beachy Open Back Wedding Dresses

If you’re headed for a seaside celebration, we have the perfect lineup of beachy open back wedding dresses. These sexy, lightweight styles are made for sunny weather and breezy venues. They feature flowy fabrics, nature-inspired silhouettes, soft shimmer — even a mermaid silhouette or two. Getting married outdoors? Love a summery theme? Shopping for wedding gowns with cloud-like details? Find your favorite below!

Jessica by Maggie Sottero

A Grecian-inspired crepe A-line with a gorgeous lace train. (Think “goddess of love,” “goddess of the sea,” “goddess of all things bright, beautiful, and blooming.) Personalize with the cowl back attachment or a bridal accessory. This style would be perfect with a long, simple bridal veil.

Amanda by Rebecca Ingram

This exquisitely embellished lace wedding gown is all about the comfortable lining, lush lace, and low crisscross lace-up back. Personalize with the matching bridal veil or order as sister-style Amanda Lynette (featuring a zip-up back).

Bracken by Sottero and Midgley

PC: Katherine Sparks Photo

A sexy and sophisticated crepe fit-and-flare featuring a unique train and exquisitely embellished bodice (with low back, of course). Here’s how to make this style your own:

Also available without linear lace trims on the illusion train.
Detachable off-the-shoulder lace sleeves sold separately.
Extra lace motif included for minor neckline alterations.
Order as sister-style Bracken Lynette for added coverage.

Princess-Inspired Backless Gowns

Fancy a royal vibe? Opt for princess wedding dresses with open backs for a regal, sumptuous, and glitzy bridal look. These styles are all about the romantic silhouettes, shimmery motifs, and fairytale-inspired accessories. They’re also unique and eye-catching yet classically inspired — perfect for a black-tie or ballroom celebration. (The kind that goes way past midnight, of course.)

Fairbanks by Maggie Sottero

Shopping for a sweet yet sultry princess look? This low back wedding gown makes a glamorous, ultra-romantic statement. Say hello to shimmer and volume from hollow to hem.

Personalize this regal ballgown by removing the train (by special request) and adding the matching bridal veil.

Blaire by Sottero and Midgley

“Over the top” might be a slight understatement — this exceptional ballgown wedding dress is fit for a queen. We picture it in a range of incredible wedding venues, from ballrooms and manors to international resorts and fairytale castles. And that low back with lace-up corset? Divine inspiration.

Melissa by Rebecca Ingram

A dreamy, chic, and softly regal wedding gown featuring delicate floral lace and shimmer. To personalize, add covered buttons down the back, or use the extra lace motifs for subtle alterations.

Love these regal silhouettes with open backs? We’ve curated more magical princess wedding dresses in our inspiration gallery.

Affordable Backless Wedding Dresses

Low back on a budget? Shop our Rebecca Ingram collections for wedding gowns in the $900-$1500 price range. (As well as some styles from our core Maggie Sottero line.) These styles are classic and romantic, yet perfectly priced for an intimate, low-key celebration. (Think minimony, backyard party, elopement, or any range of classic reception vibes.) We’ve curated three of our favorite affordable wedding gowns with open backs below.

Available as sister style Greenley, a soft fit-and-flare with illusion details.
Add the matching bridal veil embellished with lace.
Also available with a lined bodice.

These low back wedding dresses prove you don’t have to sacrifice quality or style on a budget. Fall in love with more affordable wedding gowns in our gallery.

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