When it comes to finding your perfect wedding dress, there are lots of details to choose from. Necklines, sleeves, and silhouettes are all important factors, but sometimes it’s the back of a dress that steals the show. Whether you’re looking for a backless wedding gown, cool cut-outs, or romantic keyholes we have plenty of open wedding dresses for you to choose from. Here are some of our favorite open back and backless wedding dress styles of 2024 and the answers to your frequently asked questions on open back wedding dresses.
Classic Open Back Wedding Dress
Classics are that for a reason. Timeless silhouettes and romantic elements stand the test of time when it comes to style. If you’re looking for a classic open back wedding dress that’s in fashion now and will be for years to come, we’ve got you covered! Our Francesca wedding dress, style 2478 embodies Old Hollywood glamour. The sparkle organza fit and flare features an illusion neckline for an effortless, off-the-shoulder look and elegant frosted embroidered lace appliqués. What really makes this dress special is the breathtaking open back, with sheer detailing for a sultry, yet sophisticated gown. If you’re looking for a gown with a bit more romance, meet Brenda, style 2309. The delicate A-line ball gown has swirling medallion lace appliqués on airy English net, for a lightweight wedding dress. The best part is the open back with subtle, sheer detailing and crystal beaded trim, giving you a timeless touch of bridal sparkle on this classic open back wedding dress.
A-line Open Back Wedding Dress
A-lines are one of the most popular wedding dress silhouettes for their elegant shape and ultra-flattering fit. This universal silhouette comes in many styles like an off-the-shoulder A-line gown, modified A-lines, and even open back A-line wedding dresses. These dresses will give you the stunning fit of an A-line silhouette with the sultry touch of an open back that’s hard to resist. Sansa, style 2130 is a dreamy A-line with romantic details. Sequined Chantilly lace creates a dimensional sparkle, accented with lovely frosted, embroidered appliqués. The illusion neckline has an elegant effect, but it’s the open scoop back that we can’t get enough of! Our Fantine wedding dress, style 2482 has a fresh and feminine feel with a slimmer A-line silhouette. Glistening pearl and crystal beaded embroidered lace gives you a sophisticated sparkle and the sheer boned bodice adds a couture element. Artfully appliqués straps lead to a beautiful open back that is sure to wow your guests as you walk down the aisle.
Open Back Wedding Dress with Long Sleeves
An open back wedding dress with long sleeves is the perfect combination of modest meets sexy. Some brides love the traditional look of long sleeves and some just want to feel a bit more covered, but add in the sultry effect of an exposed back and you’ve got a sophisticated, yet seductive look for your wedding. If you’re looking for an open back wedding dress with sleeves, we’ve got options for you! Our Chelsea wedding dress, style 2372 is for our brides who love lace and want a bit more of a traditional wedding dress. The elegant A-line has gorgeous beaded, frosted embroidered appliqués that cascade down from the plunging v-neck bodice to the billowing ball gown skirt, and even decorate the illusion long sleeves. The breathtaking open v-back is a stunning twist on tradition that is sure to wow your guests. Long sleeves can be sexy, and our Charlene gown, style 12125 proves that! The sleek fit and flare hugs the body in structured crepe with a plunging neckline and skirt slit. But it’s the open, keyhole back with a dainty tie detail that we love, creating beautiful balance with the seductive elements on the front of this open back wedding dress with long sleeves.
Low Open Back Wedding Dress
If you’re a bride who’s looking to wear something a little sexy for her wedding, consider getting a low open back wedding dress. A low-back wedding gown is an excellent way to show off some skin without being too revealing and is a flattering look for women with all kinds of body shapes. Some of our favorite low open back wedding dresses are Gwendolyn, style 1086 and Rasia, style 5773. Gwendolyn is full of exquisite details in a soft mermaid silhouette with delicate embroidered lace appliqués and patterned sequin and crystal beading. The illusion netting on the bodice allows for a deep v-neckline and detachable bishop sleeves with a side slit are a glamorous touch, but it’s the seductive low open back that we love most. Our Rasia wedding dress is one of our most popular styles and it’s easy to see why. The sleek and chic crepe gown hugs the body in a sheath silhouette with intricate frosted embroidered appliqués. The back is really the star of the dress with a low, open design featuring sheer detailing and the romantic petal-shaped train.
Simple Backless Wedding Gown
A simple wedding dress can be supremely stylish, and adding the sultry detail of an open back helps to elevate the look. These gowns are all about clean lines and elegant structure to enhance your natural beauty and show off all your best features. Gia, style 121246 is a simple backless wedding gown that’s sure to steal the show. Stretch Larissa satin glides over your curves with a plunging neckline that features expertly placed seams to enhance your curves and add subtle dimensions. The open back is simple, yet impactful showing the perfect amount of skin for a backless wedding dress. If you love the look of a clean and modern wedding dress but want a little something extra, then meet Carrie, style 5919. The slim crepe gown has sheer lace sides to contour the bodice and show off all your curves. The romantic appliqués balance out the contemporary look and enhance the open back. For the ultimate “cool girl” dress, we have to pick Ciara, style 12123. This simple backless wedding gown is a chic fit and flare with a soft square neckline and thick straps. What it lacks in embellishments it makes up for with its excellent construction, beautifully gliding over the body to show off your shape. The best part is the open, geometric keyhole back, giving you a backless look on a sophisticated wedding dress.
Backless Beach Wedding Dresses
The beach is where you show some skin and beach weddings are no exception! A beach or summer wedding is the perfect excuse to rock a backless wedding dress and we’ve got the best beachy open back wedding dresses for you! Our Fannie wedding dress, style 6972 is a beautiful beachy and boho wedding dress. The effortless A-line shimmers in sparkle tulle, a lightweight fabric that’s great for the beach, accented by frosted Alençon lace detailing. The empire waistline gives the gown a unique look, but it’s the exposed back that makes this backless beach wedding dress easy to love. Bonita, style 2303 is for our brides who want a glam beach wedding dress. The mesmerizing fit and flare features embroidered appliqués over romantic Chantilly lace, with a chic halter neckline and peek-a-boo bodice detailing. It’s the back that really takes our breath away! The open keyhole back is framed by gorgeous floral appliqués making for a show-stopping backless beach wedding dress.
V-Back Wedding Dresses
Open back wedding dresses come in all shapes and sizes, from scoop to square, but we love the geometric look of a v-back wedding dress. As the name suggests, a v-back wedding dress is an open back gown that comes down to a point in the shape of a “V”. If you want the chic and structured look of a v-back wedding gown we’ve got you covered. Emmy, style 12138 is simply stunning with a crepe bodice featuring a modest bateau neckline and lined long sleeves. The defined waist seams help to give you a cinched look and lead to the fit and flare Larissa satin skirt. The best part is the v-back of the gown that beautifully balances the conservative neckline and sleeves for a classically modern v-back wedding dress. Our Crystal wedding dress, style 2380 is the opposite of Emmy’s simplicity. The elegant A-line sparkles like no other with glimmering pearl and crystal beading with a dainty chiffon bow to define the waist, a plunging v-neckline, and matching open v-back. Another stunning option is Daphne, style 2412, a sophisticated and sexy wedding dress in delicate draped satin. The deep-v bodice is decorated with crystal beaded Venice lace that artfully cascades down the gown, highlighting the daring skirt slit, and gorgeous v-shaped back.
Cowl Back Wedding Dress
Cowls are making a comeback! When Ariana Grande got married back in 2021 and she wore a stunning cowl back wedding dress, and bride-to-bes have been in love with the style since. From necklines to back details the delicate drape of a cowl beautifully highlights the features you want to show off. Cambria, style 12127 is an ultra-chic and simple wedding dress in silky satin that glides over your curves. The real magic happens in the back, where a gorgeous draped cowl back makes a statement, accented by illusion detailing.
Boho Open Back Wedding Dresses
Boho wedding dresses are one of the most popular styles in the bridal industry today. With their effortless silhouettes, botanical details, and free-spirited feel, it’s easy to see why brides are loving this style. The only thing we can think of to make a boho wedding dress even better is to add an open back! Our Jillian wedding dress, style 15007 is a bohemian dream with a sculptured v-neck bodice adorned in Alençon lace appliqués that cascade down the gown. The tiered tulle A-line skirt is breezy and beautiful, adding to the boho feel, and the open, scoop back shows off the perfect amount of skin. If you want a boho open back wedding dress that feels a little more fresh and feminine, meet Devon, style 6966. This effortless A-line has a high neckline with an illusion bodice, accented by delicately beaded, floral embroidered lace. The double-banded waist defines your figure on the airy, soft net gown, but our favorite part is the open, v-shaped back!
Open Back Wedding Dress FAQs
What is an Open Back Wedding Dress?
An open back wedding dress is as the name suggests, a dress with an exposed, or open, back panel revealing your skin. An open back is a wedding dress design element that allows a bride to show off some skin that feels less traditional than a revealing neckline or strapless gown and can be styled anywhere from super sexy to cute and conservative.
What Styles of Open Back Wedding Dresses Are Available?
There are many styles of open back wedding dresses to choose from. There are open keyhole backs, exposed strappy backs, seductive low backs, v-backs, scoop backs, and even square backs. And you’re not just limited to shapes, open backs come in all kinds of fabrics, from tulle to satin, and can be paired with every bridal silhouette.
Are Open Back Wedding Dresses Appropriate for All Wedding Themes?
Depending on the style you chose, open back wedding dresses are appropriate for all weddings. A backless gown is perfect for beach or summer weddings and a delicate keyhole works for fall or winter. A sleek satin gown with an open back feels so classy and is perfect for black tie weddings and a soft scoop on an airy A-line silhouette is a great option for more casual or outdoor weddings. You can make an open back wedding dress work for any theme, it all depends on the fabrics and silhouettes you pair it with!
What Types of Undergarments can be Worn with Open Back Wedding Dresses?
Depending on the style of open back wedding dress you have, different undergarments will be appropriate to wear. With most open styles, you won’t be able to wear a bra. Our bustier brides may be concerned by this, but there’s no need to worry! Morilee puts an emphasis on the internal constructions of our gowns, making sure all our brides—no matter what cup size—can feel comfortable and supported in their backless wedding dress. Technically no undergarments are required when wearing a wedding dress, but some brides might prefer to wear underwear, lingerie, or shapewear. All three are possibilities depending on how low your open back gown is. Panties may be visible for very low back gowns, so we recommend not wearing them if you feel comfortable with that.
Can Alterations be Made to the Back of an Open Back Wedding Dress?
The simple answer to this question is yes. Alterations can be made to almost any gown to ensure you have a perfect fit on your wedding dress and feel incredible on your big day. An experienced seamstress will know how to work with your open back wedding dress to do things like change the shape, make it lower, or even add illusion netting if you feel more comfortable than having your skin exposed.
How Do I Choose the Right Open Back Wedding Dress for my Body Type?
Understanding your body type can help you find your perfect open back wedding dress. Depending on the features you want to maximize and minimize, different shapes of an open back gown will work for you. For our brides who have broad shoulders, a v-back is a great option as it draws the eyes down to a narrow point giving you an overall slimming effect. Scoop backs are a universally flattering style and would look good on most body types, while square backs are great for brides with fewer curves or who have more of a boxy shape. Understanding your proportions and the shapes that accentuate them is the key to finding the best open back for your body.
Is it Possible to Wear a Bra with an Open Back Wedding Dress?
As we mentioned previously, you can’t wear a traditional bra that fastens in the back with an open back wedding dress. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible to wear a bra with your backless wedding dress. We at Morilee take great care in constructing our gowns for an incredible fit and internal support that makes bras unnecessary. We sew in cups that can be ordered in various sizes to properly fit your busts for a perfect fit. If you find that this isn’t enough support for you in your open back wedding dress, there are some other options. For our smaller busted brides, an adhesive bra is a great option. The sticky cups will adhere to your chest, removing the need for any straps. Our bigger busted brides may want that extra structure and support, for this we recommend specially designed shapewear or lingerie, oftentimes referred to as a low back bra. This style of bra or bodysuit has straps that extend past the midpoint of your back and fasten lower. This style of bra wouldn’t work for very low back wedding dresses but is a good option for some open back styles.
How do I Accessorize an Open Back Wedding Dress?
Looking to accessorize your open back wedding dress? Well, there are many ways to do that! For brides who have more of a fitted open back wedding dress, a detachable train is a great way to add some drama while accentuating a low back dress. Our Scalloped Beaded Tulle Train, style 11407 is a gorgeous option that matches our Fern wedding dress, a soft crepe fit to flare with a breathtaking low v-back and illusion detailing. The scalloped train starts at the base of the open back, emphasizing its beauty. Our Sparkle Net Train, style 11408 is another option that matches our Old Hollywood-inspired Francesca wedding dress. The shimmering sparkle net beautifully catches the light, contrasting the exposed skin of the open back. If you love the look of a veil, but are worried about it covering your open back wedding dress, we have a solution. Our Soft Net Cathedral Length Veil, style 12221C is a sheer net veil that will give you the traditional bridal look you’re trying to achieve without hiding your open back.
What Hairstyles Work Best with Open Back Wedding Dresses?
When it comes to the best hairstyles for your open back wedding dress, our favorite is an updo! This style will keep long hair off your back and create a beautiful anchor point for the open back. Styling your hair in an updo doesn’t limit you to only a classic chignon or messy bun, there are lots of different styles to add some personality to your updo. Consider adding braids for some boho flair or invert your bun for chic layers to the updo. Work with a hairstylist who understands your hair texture to give you the perfect style for your dress!
Beautiful Open Back Wedding Dresses Near You
If you’re looking for your dream open back wedding dress, visit one of our incredible worldwide retailers to find your dress come true!
