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Open Back wedding dress back style at London Bride, South London

Open Back Wedding Dresses

Bold, beautiful, and impossible to forget
An open back wedding dress removes fabric from the back almost entirely, creating a striking, confident look that makes a statement from behind. It's the boldest of the back styles and one of the most photographed features on any wedding dress. At London Bride, our open back designs are carefully engineered so that drama never comes at the expense of security, with internal construction that keeps you supported and confident all day.
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What to Know About Open Back Wedding Dresses

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Open Back vs Low Back

While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there's a distinction. A low back dips below the natural waistline but still has fabric covering part of the back. A truly open back removes most or all back fabric, sometimes extending from the shoulders to the waist with only thin straps, a neckline, or nothing connecting the two sides. Open backs are more dramatic and require more precise engineering for support. They're the choice for brides who want maximum impact from behind.

Construction and Confidence

An open back might look like there's nothing holding the dress up, but the construction beneath tells a different story. Strong boning through the bodice, a secure waist closure, and precise fit around the ribcage and bust all work together. Some designs use hidden internal straps or a flesh-toned panel just below the opening for extra security. The fit at the waist is critical: this is where the dress anchors when the back is open. Your alterations must be exact for an open back to feel secure, which is why we recommend allowing extra time for fittings with this style.

Styling and Accessories

An open back is a feature in itself, so the styling should complement rather than compete. Hair up is the most common choice, fully revealing the back design. Back jewellery, a chain or pendant that hangs down the spine, adds sparkle to bare skin. A veil that attaches at the crown creates a beautiful frame around the exposed back. For brides who want to soften the drama, thin criss-cross straps or a single line of buttons above the opening add a touch of detail without closing the back.

Through internal construction. Boning in the bodice provides structure, and a snug fit around the waist and ribcage anchors the dress. The weight is distributed through the front and sides rather than relying on the back. Some designs include hidden interior straps or a small panel at the waist for additional security. A properly altered open back dress should feel as secure as any other style. If it doesn't feel secure at your fitting, more alteration work is needed.
You won't be able to wear a standard bra. Adhesive cups, sewn-in cups, or a well-boned bodice that provides its own support are the main options. For the lower body, seamless, low-rise knickers avoid visible lines. Some brides wear a bodysuit that sits below the back opening. Bring your planned underwear to every fitting so the seamstress can verify nothing is visible.
If your wedding is indoors and heated, it shouldn't be an issue. For outdoor moments like photographs, a cover-up, wrap, or cape is practical and can be removed quickly. Some brides find the open back actually helps with temperature regulation at warm receptions. If you run cold, consider whether a low back or an illusion back might give you a similar look with more coverage.
Yes. An open back is about confidence, not a specific body shape. The design reveals the back, which is a part of the body that most people feel comfortable showing. Regardless of your size or shape, a well-fitted open back creates a dramatic moment. If you're uncomfortable with a fully exposed back, an illusion panel or a low back option provides a gentler alternative with similar visual impact.
Yes. An illusion panel can be added during alterations to partially close an open back while maintaining the visual effect. Buttons, lace detailing, or a sheer fabric insert can all modify the openness without fundamentally changing the dress. Detachable toppers or capes provide temporary coverage for church ceremonies. Discuss modification options with your stylist before purchasing if you think you might want to adjust the back later.
Absolutely. An open back adds drama and sophistication that suits formal settings well. Paired with a structured silhouette, a long train, and quality fabric, an open back dress can be every bit as formal as a fully covered design. The exposed back adds visual interest without reducing the overall elegance. For very conservative venues, a removable cover-up provides formality for the ceremony.

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