Hannah Longman
Hannah Longman
From fashion school in NYC to the front row, Hannah works to promote fashion and lifestyle as the communications liaison of Fashion Week Online®, responsible for timely communication of press releases and must-see photo sets.

10 Stunning Back Designs That Add Wow Factor to Your Wedding Dress

Your wedding dress isn’t just about what’s in the front, it’s about the whole package, including those gorgeous details that grace the back with designs like delicate lace patterns to eye-catching cutouts. Gone were the days where the focal point is only at the front, it’s time for back designs to get the attention they deserve too as it has the power to leave a lasting impression as you make your way down the aisle.

Vogue, renowned for its insights into fashion trends, has highlighted tulle and lace as fabric explosions for 2024 wedding dress trends. So why not incorporate them into the back design of your wedding dress? Think of your back as a canvas for elegance and allure packed with the ability to captivate the eyes of your wedding guests.

We understand that you may feel overwhelmed thinking that I have already cared for the front design and now the back too. So to help you, here are ten breathtaking back designs that can add the wow factor to your overall bridal look and help you decide better when you shop for wedding dresses.

1. Illusion
An illusion back is a captivating choice that seamlessly blends mystery and elegance into your wedding dress design. It is usually crafted in delicate lace or sheer fabric, which skillfully creates the illusion of bare skin while maintaining modesty, offering a subtle yet alluring glimpse of the back.

The illusion back design not only evokes a sense of mystery, but also is able to bring out the curves of your silhouette. And for a truly mesmerizing effect, consider adorning the illusion back with intricate beadwork or embroidery, adding a touch of sparkle and glamor to your bridal look.

Suitable for Brides: Seeking a blend of sophistication and allure

2. Keyhole
The keyhole back design is a timeless choice that effortlessly infuses your wedding dress with a touch of allure and sophistication. If you prefer something more subtle, the small keyhole-shaped opening at the back of the wedding dress is perfect to exude understated elegance and charm.

Typically adorned with delicate lace or scalloped edges, the keyhole back adds a subtle yet striking detail that draws attention to the upper back and shoulders, making it a perfect balance between modesty and allure.

Suitable for Brides: Appreciate refined elegance with a hint of sensuality.

3. Open Back
For brides seeking to make a bold and unforgettable statement, an open back dress reigns supreme as the ultimate choice. A plunging backline that extends below the waist, this back design is meant for brides who are daring and confident because it will be the main focal point as it showcases almost the entire back.

Beyond showcasing the bride’s back, the open back design can be customized with lace designs or beadwork. These add-ons are bound to ensure all eyes will be looking at the bride.

Suitable for Brides: Dare to make a bold statement on the wedding day

4. Lace-Up
The lace-up back is a timeless and romantic design choice offering both practicality and allure to your wedding dress. It comes with a corset-style lacing that allows customizable fit to ensure that your wedding gown hugs your curves in all the right places.

Apart from its functional benefits, the lace-up back is like an element of vintage charm that adds elegance to the wedding dress. With the ability to create a flattering silhouette, it will be a focal point that will definitely garner attention to the back of the gown.

Suitable for Brides: Appreciate a blend of vintage charm and practical elegance, seeking a customizable fit to create a flattering silhouette.

5. Low Back
A low back dress caters perfectly to brides seeking to showcase a hint of skin while exuding an aura of refined elegance. The gracefully plunging backline design strikes the perfect balance between sensuality and sophistication.

Whether adorned with intricate lace detailing, delicate buttons, or softly draped fabric, the low back adds an understated yet undeniable allure to your bridal ensemble. Definitely a subtle yet impactful way to reveal your back but with a sense of grace and poise.

Suitable for Brides: Want to showcase a hint of skin while maintaining an air of refined elegance.

6. Corset
The corset back presents itself as a charming and vintage-inspired alternative to the lace-up back design. Like the Low Back, the main design of the corset back features a structured bodice adorned with lacing to allow a personalized and adjustable fit. This design can show your figure when you cinch the waist with its lacing system and apart from that, it adds a touch of old-world elegance to your wedding dress.

The corset back’s romantic lace-up detailing evokes a sense of timeless charm and sophistication. And with its versatility, pairing with a classic ball gown silhouette or a sleek mermaid style can still elevate your bridal look with grace and allure.

Suitable for Brides: Appreciate vintage charm and a personalized fit to accentuate the figure.

7. Crisscross
The crisscross back design is for brides who are looking for a unique twist on traditional wedding dresses. The eye-catching pattern formed with intersecting straps exudes elegance and adds a dynamic element to the overall bridal look by going minimal or pairing it with intricate embellishments.

This back design is a versatile option for brides who have different ideas of how they want their wedding dress to be like as it complements a variety of wedding dress styles. Whether you are seeking styles like sleek and minimalist or elaborate and ornate, the crisscross back design promises to make a statement as you walk down the aisle.

Suitable for Brides: Want a unique twist on traditional wedding dresses

8. Button-Down
Button-down back design is a classic choice for brides with a penchant for traditional details. This main design element is its delicate buttons that gracefully cascade down the length of the back while also adding a touch of vintage-inspired glamor to the wedding dress, exuding a sense of nostalgia.

The button-down back is considered to be a refined, sophisticated and timeless design, radiating elegance,grace and romanticism as you walk down the aisle.

Suitable for Brides: Appreciate traditional elegance and vintage-inspired details

9. Plunging
The plunging back design is an attractive and bold choice that is sure to leave an impression. Whether you go for a deep V or U-shaped neckline at the back, this design is bound to exude a sense of sultry sophistication and elegance. It guarantees the attention with its unexpected and daring element of the bridal look.

Suitable for Brides: Confident to bare and want to leave a lasting impression

10. Embellished
Wedding dresses with embellishment back are considered to be luxurious and are perfect for brides who want to dazzle and make a statement. This back design’s main design elements are its intricate beadwork, sequins, or embroidery adorning the back of the wedding gown, ensuring it catches the light and shimmer as you walk down the aisle.

There are several options to go for with this back design, either doing it subtly with low-key embroidery design, or going all out with extravagant embellishments. And whichever option that you choose, it is bound to captivate your wedding guests.

Suitable for Brides: Appreciate detailed craftsmanship and luxurious, eye-catching designs.

The Back is as Important as the Front

As you walk down the aisle, the back of your wedding dress presents a canvas for self-expression and individuality. No matter the choices you pick, your wedding guests will definitely remember the wedding dress that you wore.

And if you can’t decide which style to choose, check out this Pinterest page for style inspirations. Remember, the back design of your wedding dress is as important as the front.

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