24 Best Backless Wedding Dresses of 2021

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bride and groom smiling — Photo by Plum & Oak Photo

There are few dress designs quite as alluring as an open back. It's a detail that's impossible to ignore and even more impossible to resist. If you're looking to create a memorable style moment for your wedding day that feels slightly nuanced, a backless bridal gown ought to check off that box.

What Is a Backless Wedding Dress?

A backless wedding dress is any bridal gown that features an opening in the back—whether it’s a keyhole, interesting cutout, or an entirely exposed, low back.

The beauty of a backless wedding dress is that it works with a diverse array of silhouettes. Regardless if it's a minimalist long-sleeve mini for courthouse nuptials or a full-skirted organza gown for a black-tie ceremony, an open back translates to each and every style seamlessly. If you've pondered over the idea of a plunging neckline but can't find the perfect match, consider switching over to a piece that shows off your back for an exquisitely enticing alternative.

Ahead, discover 24 breathtaking backless wedding dress options from designers like Danielle Frankel, Galia Lahav, and more.

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For the Romantic Bride: Les Reveries Open-Back Gown

backless wedding dress — Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

With two front thigh slits, flutter sleeves, and a romantic open-back detail, this bohemian wedding dress is idyllic. Wear for an outdoor garden ceremony with simple strappy sandals.

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For a Hint of Old Hollywood: Reformation Geranium Dress

This backless delight with a fitted bodice and relaxed skirt oozes Old Hollywood vibes with its off-white hue and silky texture. You'll be looking for excuses to wear it over and over again.

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For the Sleek Minimalist: Stella McCartney Open-Back Stretch-Crepe Gown

wedding dress — Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

This stretch-crepe number from Stella McCartney exudes a sleek, minimalist aesthetic with long sleeves and an open back. This particular gown was inspired by Rihanna's Met Gala appearance in 2014—sold.

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Best Sleeves: Emilia Wickstead Sharonella Open-Back Dress

The wool-crepe fabric of this gorgeous white dress lends a flattering, figure-defining silhouette that drapes perfectly. The high neckline and ruched sleeves contrast the open-back for a stylishly balanced silhouette.

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For the Low-Key Outdoor Ceremony: Loannes Camilla Open-Back Maxi Dress

The dramatic open-back and statement-making ruching in the front lend this dress a decidedly cool aesthetic. The cotton poplin fabric feels right for a ceremony in the sun.

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Most Sparkly: Jean-Ralph Thurin Shimmer Dress

The embroidered illusion sleeves and backless detail on this sparkling gown is a perfect match for the bride who wants something festive. Add in your favorite diamond earrings.

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Best Embellishments: Elizabeth Fillmore Bridal Empress Embroidered Backless Gown

Stunning tulle and 'vine and butterfly' embroidery make the dramatic open back on this gown all the more beautiful. Wear with a soft pink lip and natural hair.

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For the Relaxed Bride: Christopher Esber Open-Back Crystal-Tie Dress

The relaxed, slouchy fit on this open-back dress from design darling Christopher Esber would be perfect for a beach ceremony or even a rehearsal dinner. For a hint of glam, don't miss the crystals on the ties in the back.

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Best ‘90s Nod: Carolina Herrera Harrison Open-Back Gown

The slim t-shaped straps in the back of this white slip dress feel like a chic nod to the '90s. The whole look is perfect for a minimalist bride.

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Best Strap Detailing: Danielle Frankel Ava Open-Back Wool-Silk Gown

Danielle Frankel is a favorite for modern backless wedding dresses and this wool-silk satin dress speaks to a high-fashion aesthetic while still feeling wearable and comfortable. The 'self-tying' straps and dramatic open back are sure to leave an impression.

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Most Fashion-Forward: Loewe Embroidered Pleated-Sleeve Open-Back Crepe Dress

A Loewe creation is for a very specific bride: The kind who eschews tradition and embraces a unique, stylish direction. This embroidered pleated-sleeve open-back crepe dress is inspired by the romantic silhouettes of the 16th and 17th centuries but still manages to feel quite modern.

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For the Sweet-and-Simple Bride: Violette Tannenbaum Luella Dress

The lace trim around the open back on this simple, sweet wedding dress is understated romance at its finest. Plus, the two-piece set gives off a modern vibe.

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Most Modern: Self-Portrait Broderie Midi Dress

The intricate detailing of this white midi dress is playful and fresh. The backless detail also lends a modern finish that would look gorgeous with a pair of 90s-inspired heeled sandals.

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For Asymmetrical Details: Fame & Partners Francois Dress

The asymmetrical open back on this unique dress is unexpected and exciting. For a hint of Grecian charm, go for this number.

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For a Micro Wedding: Valentine Avoh Lena Dress

If you're opting for a micro wedding or an elopement, you might be searching for a simple white dress as opposed to a full gown. Enter this backless number—it's charming, a little bit sexy, and ideal for a low-key ceremony.

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For the Boho Bride: Jenny Yoo Beale Dress

An empire waist and flutter sleeves come together for a romantic, feminine gown that's made alluring by the open-back detail. A relaxed up-do and strappy sandals will make for a strong finish.

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For the Ultra-Feminine Bride: Amsale Billie Dress

If you don't want an entirely backless dress but want a peek of skin, try this number from Amsale featuring a bow detail—it strikes the perfect balance.

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Best Lace Trim: Nouvelle Amsale Lucine Gown

The only thing better than a backless dress is a backless dress with delicate lace trimming, as evidenced by this halter-neck gown. The covered buttons trailing down the seam make this number a classic choice.

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Most Striking Keyhole: Grace + Ivory Elle Dress

The peach-champagne underlay on this striking lace dress is a good fit for the bride who doesn't want an entirely white gown. The dramatic keyhole in the back also offers an unexpected element.

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Most Ornate: Kim Kassas Prima Ballerina Style 87 Dress

It doesn't get more intricate than a bridal creation from Kim Kassas, and this backless number is the ultimate showstopper. Italian swan embroidery and a pearl-adorned bodice make the textural quality of this gown especially heavenly.

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Lowest Back: Galia Lahav G-512 Dress

Be bold in this ultra-low backless gown that features a lace overcoat and textured sheer pink petal 3D embellishments. Ethereal and sexy in one!

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Most Beautiful Ruffle Detailing: Oscar de la Renta Wedding Dress

Floral-shaped ruffles line this off-the-shoulder gown, giving the back an open, bold quality that's well-suited for the romantic bride-to-be. Stick with an up-do to let the backless detail shine.

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For the Refined and Elegant Bride: Lela Rose The Adelaide Dress

A smart pick for the sleek minimalist, this high-neck silk crepe dress featuring long sleeves and a column gown is beautifully punctuated by the inset pearl details and open back.

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For a Garden Ceremony: Monique Lhuillier Roxy Dress

A long-sleeve wedding dress is an especially strong pick for a backless detail because it contrasts with the more conservative detailing in the front. Balanced and beautiful!

Shopping FAQs

Considering a backless wedding dress? We've answered three common questions brides have when shopping for this style.

Is there a time of year that’s best to wear a backless wedding dress? No, backless wedding dresses are appropriate for all seasons. However, if you’re getting married during the colder months, consider choosing a wedding dress with long sleeves to offset the opening in the back.
What should I wear under a backless wedding dress? There are plenty of shapewear solutions and undergarments that are suitable for a backless dress. Depending on the structure of your gown, a seamstress may be able to sew cups into the bodice of the dress, too.
Is there a hairstyle that works best with a backless wedding dress? Some brides opt to put their hair up with an open-back dress so you can see the detail unobstructed. However, if you want a laid-back look, you can leave your hair down so it casually drapes over the back—the choice is yours.

19 Sexy Wedding Dresses for the Bold Bride

24 Alluring Backless Wedding Dresses for the Bold-Inclined

For the Romantic Bride: Les Reveries Open-Back Gown

For a Hint of Old Hollywood: Reformation Geranium Dress

For the Sleek Minimalist: Stella McCartney Open-Back Stretch-Crepe Gown

Best Sleeves: Emilia Wickstead Sharonella Open-Back Dress

For the Low-Key Outdoor Ceremony: Loannes Camilla Open-Back Maxi Dress

Most Sparkly: Jean-Ralph Thurin Shimmer Dress

Best Embellishments: Elizabeth Fillmore Bridal Empress Embroidered Backless Gown

For the Relaxed Bride: Christopher Esber Open-Back Crystal-Tie Dress

Best ‘90s Nod: Carolina Herrera Harrison Open-Back Gown

Best Strap Detailing: Danielle Frankel Ava Open-Back Wool-Silk Gown

Most Fashion-Forward: Loewe Embroidered Pleated-Sleeve Open-Back Crepe Dress

For the Sweet-and-Simple Bride: Violette Tannenbaum Luella Dress

Most Modern: Self-Portrait Broderie Midi Dress

For Asymmetrical Details: Fame & Partners Francois Dress

For a Micro Wedding: Valentine Avoh Lena Dress

For the Boho Bride: Jenny Yoo Beale Dress

For the Ultra-Feminine Bride: Amsale Billie Dress

Best Lace Trim: Nouvelle Amsale Lucine Gown

Most Striking Keyhole: Grace + Ivory Elle Dress

Most Ornate: Kim Kassas Prima Ballerina Style 87 Dress

Lowest Back: Galia Lahav G-512 Dress

Most Beautiful Ruffle Detailing: Oscar de la Renta Wedding Dress

For the Refined and Elegant Bride: Lela Rose The Adelaide Dress

For a Garden Ceremony: Monique Lhuillier Roxy Dress

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