What makes a wedding dress sexy?

Everyone has different tastes and preferences as to what they find sexy. In the end, whatever dress makes you feel the most confident, will also make you feel the most sexy.

Do sexy wedding dresses show a lot of skin?

Some do and some don't. While some brides may dare to bare, others may prefer a more subtle hint of sexiness, It's entirely up to you as to how much skin you'd like to show.

21 Best Sexy Wedding Dresses for the Bold Bride

So much of selecting your wedding gown is about how it will make you feel on your wedding day. Perhaps you’ve figured out your bridal style, but are still looking to imbue your big day with a certain element of your personality: sexiness.

Whether you’re seeking simply a hint of sexy or borderline risque, there are several unique designs and even full collections dedicated to emphasizing the steamy side of any bride. From teasing to tantalizing, we compiled a variety of options that have you covered whether you’re seeking playful and flirty or fearless and daring. These selections aim to make a bold bride feel all the more confident across the spectrum of barely-there to sheer illusion and beyond, delivering sexiness through a variety of silhouettes, necklines, fabrics and cuts.

Read on for the best sexy wedding dresses that are sure to turn heads.

Best Slip Dress: Jenny by Jenny Yoo Marnie Gown

Sometimes simpler means sexier and Jenny by Jenny Yoo's Marnie gown proves just that. Throw on this V-neck satin for a look that's effortless and carefree.

Best Hint of Sparkle: Jenny by Jenny Yoo Veda Gown

Attention, boho brides! You can also channel sexy on your wedding day. Just look at this number from Jenny by Jenny Yoo. Figure-hugging and plunging—all with a little sparkle.

Best Allover Lace: Galina Low Back Soft Lace Wedding Dress

While this can work for a variety of bridal styles, we can't stop picturing this number at a beach wedding. Barefoot and carefree, that's another definition of sexy to us!

For the Beach Bride: Reformation Hollyhock Dress

Practically made for a beach wedding or low-key garden ceremony, this Reformation dress personifies a more casual, carefree vibe. Form-fitting and with a low cut bust, its semi-sweetheart neckline is especially flirty.

Best Trumpet Silhouette: Reem Acra Intuition Wedding Dress

To us, this Reem Acra look has everything a bride could ask for in a sexy wedding dress. Between the strapless neckline, corset bodice, figure-hugging silhouette, and all-over lace, it's both romantic and sultry and made for a flawless walk down the aisle.

Best Details: Galia Lahav One-Sleeve Wedding Dress

Woman in a wedding dress walking down stairs — Courtesy of Galia Lahav

This column gown takes cut-outs to a new level. Featuring an asymmetrical neckline, the left side of the dress not only sports a single long sleeve, but a series of bows that serve to affix the bodice of dress together—reveal plenty of skin before meeting a thigh-high slit.

Most Sheer: Mira Zwillinger Molly Wedding Dress

Mira Zwillinger's "Molly" dress leaves little to the imagination. Yet, besides being quite revealing, the look also has an ethereal, mysterious quality thanks to the A-line skirt.

Most Romantic: Galia Lahav A-Line Wedding Dress

So sheer it’s barely there, this Galia Lahav gown still epitomizes class. This dress works for the romantic bride that’s also looking to serve sexiness in her wedding look. With tasteful appliqués and a full, billowing skirt it retains a certain sensual dreaminess.

Best Open-Back: Lillian West Sabrina Neck Gown

This inviting Lillian West gown is built on illusion, especially with its sheer boat neck giving way to a more covered sweetheart neckline. Cut-out panels on both sides of the bodice emphasize both the shape and silhouette of the torso, plus a low cut back to show serious, actual skin.

Best Mermaid Silhouette: Berta Wedding Dress

While this Berta gown hugs your whole figure, it adds extra attention to your backside. With a low-cut back, mermaid skirt and sheer details, this dress dials up the sexiness in the most sophisticated way.

Best Bustier Bodice: Galia Lahav Beaded Ball Gown

This Galia Lahav number is all about the silhouette. Sure it’s ballgown style, but its sheer fabric makes it appear as though it’s barely there and instead all about the silhouette of the legs that glide underneath.

Best Off-the-Shoulder: Ines Di Santo Love-Struck Wedding Dress

Strapless neckline, slitted skirt, detachable train, this gown has it all. We do, however, love how the delicate lace off-the-shoulder straps give off a hint of romance—the perfect addition to an otherwise daring dress!

Most Ethereal: Liz Martinez Cecilia Wedding Dress

Both sultry and whimsical, the "Cecilia" dress by Liz Martines features billowing, off-the-shoulder bishop sleeves, and strategically placed floral appliqués. If you’re looking to create a barely-there fairytale effect, this sheer white gown sets the standard.

Best Plunging Neckline: Naeem Khan Melissani Wedding Dress

Designer Naeem Khan combined regal and daring with this "Melissani" wedding dress. The sexiness comes out in the deep V-neckline while the stitched A-line skirt add to the statement.

Best Mini: Inbal Dror Mini Dress

What is sexier than a mini? Here, a high hemline is paired with a plunging neckline and all-over illusion material. The perfect look for the reception or the after-party!

Most Boho: Ashey Graham x Pronovias Ireland Wedding Dress

pronovias-ashley-graham-ireland-dress — Pronovias

This look by Pronovias is all about contrast. The mermaid silhouette hugs the body while its deep V-neckline drops low to show off maximum skin.

Best Deep-V: Bronx and Banco Megan Blanc Maxi Dress

With a form-fitting bodice and a neckline that travels to just above the waist, this Isabelle Amstrong dress is ideal for a bride looking to play up their bust. But, it is not without gorgeous details like all-over embroidery.

Best Sheer Panels: Reem Acra Sparkle Gown

This strapless gown from Reem Acra steps into its full sexiness when viewed from the side. It features sheer paneling from the neckline to the bottom hem of its floor-length skirt. Not only that, but the gauzy material giving to the illusion is also emblazoned with delicate, sparkling bejeweling that serves to draw the eye to that section even more.

Best Illusion Gown: Galina Signature Floral Illusion Plus Size Bodysuit Wedding Dress

wedding gown — Courtesy of David's Bridal

This Galina Signature dress has many sexy features including a deep V-neck that plays up the bust which is an asset for the bride looking to play up that particular attribute. Its chapel train successfully frames the figure, drawing the eye inward to the gown’s sheer, hip-hugging skirt. This dress is not only flattering, but actively works to exhibit the body, working especially well on an hourglass figure.

Most Leg-Baring: Vivienne Westwood: Draped Satin Mini Dress

Another simple option, Vivienne Westwood's draped satin mini dress works at a variety of venues—whether you're bringing the sexy to your at-home "I dos" or flaunting your legs on the reception dance floor. Either way, this is a gown to consider for the big day.

Best Ball Gown: Galina Signature Floral Tulle Wedding Dress with Removable Sleeves

The crux of this design is its commandingly high slit that recalls Angelina Jolie’s iconic moment of when her leg stole the show on the red carpet. But that’s not the only sexy element. This gown’s off-the-shoulder, semi-sweetheart neckline compliments the risk below.

What to Look For in a Sexy Wedding Dress

From flirty and leg-baring mini dresses to body-hugging gowns with illusion necklines and open-backs, there are many different styles of sexy wedding dresses to choose from. When it comes to shopping for a sexy wedding dress, it's all about picking a style and silhouette that best reflects your personality and shows off your body (think décolletage-baring necklines, bustier bodices, and body-skimming fabrics). Additionally, whether your bridal style is bohemian or glamourous, certain design details can take a wedding dress from simple to sultry. Want to showcase your legs? Go for dresses with high-low skirts or gowns with thigh-high slits. Looking to highlight your shoulders and back? Be bold in a gown with a plunging neckline, pin-thin spaghetti straps, and an illusion back. And for those opting for a more subtle sexy look, simple slip dresses, and minimalist body-hugging silhouettes are undeniably alluring.

FAQ

What makes a wedding dress sexy?

Everyone has different tastes and preferences as to what they find sexy. In the end, whatever dress makes you feel the most confident, will also make you feel the most sexy.
Do sexy wedding dresses show a lot of skin?

Some do and some don't. While some brides may dare to bare, others may prefer a more subtle hint of sexiness, It's entirely up to you as to how much skin you'd like to show.

Why Trust Brides

Nilina Mason-Campbell has been a freelance writer for over 10 years. She has written for Buzzfeed, SELF, and RollingStone and has covered Fashion Week in Paris, London, New York, and Berlin.

Maggie Kreienberg joined the Brides team in June 2019 as a digital producer and social media assistant, reporting on wedding-related celebrity news, fashion trends, and real weddings. In October 2020, Maggie became an associate editor for Brides where she regularly edited and published content on fashion, wedding décor, travel, relationships, and more. She is currently an editor.