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 Paolina Wedding Dress is a new take on a classic. The fit and flare silhouette looks luxe in allover frosted Chantilly lace. The collar-style halter neckline features an illusion panel to show off the sweetheart detail with scalloped edging for added texture. The delicate scalloped lace creates a beautiful frame for the star of the dress, the open keyhole back. Our Marlowe Wedding Dress embraces classic design with a soft A-line silhouette in lightweight tulle. The bodice is adorned with delicate crystal beaded, three-dimensional floral lace that begins on the sheer cap sleeves and floats down the deep-v neckline to the dreamy pleated skirt. The open back and front skirt slit give the feminine dress a bit of edge and the tie-back neckline is a unique touch. 

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. Fit for a fairytale, our Peony Wedding Dress features feminine florals. The full ball gown has an illusion bodice with a plunging detail and frosted, three-dimensional floral embroidery that delicately floats down the dress. The sequined tulle gives you a dimensional sparkle and we love the open, scoop back with sheer detailing. Our Faith Wedding Dress makes us believe in love at first sight. This romantic A-line features a sheer boned bodice with intricate crystal beaded lace appliqués. Thin appliquéd straps add a delicate and dainty touch leading to a stunning open back that shows off the perfect amount of skin.

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 Nellie Wedding Dress is a modest A-line full of movement. The sleek crepe bodice is paired with dreamy long bishop sleeves featuring lace-trimmed cuffs that have a vintage flair. The open v-shape back is a stunning contrast to the demure bateau neckline and the scalloped lace trim gives it a rustic charm. Our Luciana Wedding Dress is more of a sexy take on an open back long sleeve wedding dress. The stunning fit and flare features exquisite crystal beaded Alencon lace appliqués over romantic Chantilly lace. The boned, sweetheart bodice has a sculptural effect with a sheer plunge, and we love the open with illusion detailing. For a whimsical effect, wear the dress with matching detachable long pouf 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 our Gwendolyn Wedding Dress and our Gia Wedding Dress. Gwendolyn is a soft mermaid that dazzles with delicate embroidered lace appliqués accented by patterned sequin and crystal beading. The deep-v neckline has an illusion inset to support the thin appliquéd straps and breathtaking low back. A plunging neckline and a low back make our Gia Wedding Dress a sultry stunner. The stretch Larissa satin fit and flare hugs the body with unique seams on the bodice for subtle dimension. 

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. Our Maddie Wedding Dress is structured and simplistic. The curve-hugging crepe fit and flare features a square neckline and contoured seams to define your figure. The best part is the open back with sheer detailing, for a cool, cutout look. Simply sophisticated, our Malia Wedding Dress is an elegant fit and flare in radiant stretch Larissa satin. Contoured seaming creates unique shapes, enhancing your curves for an ideal silhouette. The detachable back bow is a feminine touch that brings some added drama. Sexy, yet sweet, our Nysa Wedding Dress is a curve-hugging soft satin fit and flare with romantic lace details. The slinky gown features a draped cowl neckline and open back with delicate lace edging that adds a feminine touch. 

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 Bonita Wedding Dress 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. For something that is elegant, yet effortless, there’s our Paladia Wedding Dress. The beautiful A-line has delicatel beaded embroidered lace appliqués, with a botanical-inspired design, that softly floats down from the sheer bodice. Sultry details like the open back and front skirt slit make this an ideal 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 your looking for the geometric look of a v-back wedding gown, here are our picks! Our Lorelai Wedding Dress is feminine and romantic in abstract floral patterned, embroidered net. The A-line silhouette floats off the body with a delicately draped bodice and sheer plunging neckline that draws the eye downward for a lengthening effect. The front skirt slit adds movement to the gown and billowing detachable bishop sleeves are a whimsical touch. For a v-back wedding dress with a softer look, we think you’ll love our Marguerite Wedding Dress. The elegant A-line features a boned bodice, adorned with pearl and crystal beaded, frosted embroidered lace, and cap sleeves that lead a beautiful open, V-shaped back. Delicate three-dimensional petals float down the tulle skirt with a crystal beaded waistband to define your figure and add some extra sparkle. 

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. Another stunning cowl back wedding dress is our Nesta Wedding Dress. Simple and sophisticated the gown features fluid silky satin fabric gliding over the body in a soft fit and flare silhouette. The bateau neckline has an effortless look, but the best part is the open back with a soft cowl detail and dramatic floral strap.

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 Phillippa Wedding Dress has an effortless elegance featuring botanical frosted, embroidered appliqués accented by delicate beading. The illusion bodice has a seductive plunge that guides the eye down the relaxed A-line silhouette, while the open back reveals the perfect amount of skin. Our Martha Wedding Dress is a beautiful boho gown featuring botanical embroidered lace on a sheer, boned bodice. The simple v-neckline leads to dainty crystal beaded straps and a stunning open back. The relaxed A-line skirt billows in breezy chiffon with a sheer tulle inset, featuring matching appliqués, that add to the carefree feel of the dress.

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 Overskirt with Crystal Beaded Waistband floats around you in effortless tulle, giving you a fuller silhouette, with a sparkling waistband that will highlight the open back. To add some sparkle to a simple open back wedding dress, there’s our Crystal Beaded Net Sleeves. The pointed gauntlet sleeves with a finger loop and so chic, especially with the cascade of crystals paired with the traditional touch of covered buttons.

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!