Ever since Priscilla Chan stepped out in her Sky Between the Branches gown, wedding dresses have never been the same. The intricate and stunning lace gown designed by Claire Pettibone introduced the world to the art of designing backs. Walking into a bridal salon in search of a nonstrapless dress used to be a daunting experience and yielded little results. Now, there are tons of style options for straps, and with them come gorgeous backs.
The other side of the bride has been embraced by almost every designer in their own unique style. In many ways, this is exciting. So many options mean you never have to settle because you can’t find what you’re looking for. However, this can also add to dress shopping anxiety. This is the most important garment of a bride’s life. So, focusing on back details is a great way to capture your personality. Which style is going to be best for you? It begins with figuring out your bridal look. These are some examples that will capture your fantasies and help you transform into a bride.
Open Back
What is it?
It’s considered open back on any style that has straps and leaves the back bare. Contrary to popular belief, not all wedding dresses like this are plunging low and leave you feeling naked. In fact, there are varying degrees of openness, from spaghetti straps for minimal coverage, to deep Vs with thicker lace for something more modest. An open back can feature small little details, like sheer or scalloped lace, and larger elements like ruffles. With all of these options, an open back is an excellent choice for brides of all shapes and sizes who desire a dreamy bridal look.
Who is it for?
Invoking a sense of freedom, weightlessness, and confidence, an open backed wedding dress is meant for the bride who is sure of herself, making this a great option for a beach bride. Having that open back will keep you cool while standing under the hot sun. An organza A-line with an open back is saturated in romance and an excellent choice for something more casual. The airy look will compliment almost any venue. Accent with back jewelry that will dangle between the shoulder blades and consider not wearing a veil to showcase the gowns glory.
Keyhole Back
What is it?
A keyhole wedding dress is when fabric connects at the back, but still leaves a small area of skin showing. The most interesting thing about this design is the shape it creates when it’s buttoned. Some designers have constructed keyholes in the shape of diamonds and hearts. The most common is a classic circle, a style that both flatters and enhances the back. This is a charming and sophisticated style that can transfer over to a strapless dress that needs just a bit more pizazz. Having this extra bit sewn onto your gown is a simple process that most seamstresses can do, and it furthers customs the gown to your liking.
Who is it for?
Traditional with a twist, this style is for the bride who wants to be appropriate for church, but want to avoid feeling too matronly. If you intend to look modern, yet rock grandma’s pearls and mom’s veil, then this could be the style for you. Keyhole backs compliment any silhouette, but really shine on a full princess ball gown. Vintage wedding dresses will often pair keyhole backs with high necklines, long or cap sleeves, and cloth buttons that trail down the train. Accessorize with a long lace cathedral veil for a truly regal appearance.
Illusion Back
What is it?
There are some dresses that just make your heart stop. Illusions do just that. They’re not fixed to one spot on a wedding gown. They can be in the front, pressed against the waist, on the sleeves, and anywhere the designer pleases. The mesh is what makes it an illusion, which is unnoticeable unless you’re actively looking for it. From a distance, the bride looks like she has an ornate design of lace and beading tattooed on her skin. When the mesh is nude colored, the details really pop. However, some designers do opt for white or ivory mesh for a more traditional feel.
Who is it for?
Imagine the doors opening and all the guests collectively gasping. This is not for the bride that seeks to be understated. Illusion backs were designed for the girl that loves to be the center of attention, and in a glamourous beaded mermaid she will shine. If you’re having an evening wedding at a loft or hotel, then you’ll need something that can out-compete the chandeliers. In addition, if your wedding has tall centerpieces, up-lighting, draping, and guests in black tie, something with an illusion will match the grandeur. However, keep in mind that going overboard with accessories will cheapen the look. Stick to a great pair of dangle earrings for an extra bit of allure that won’t take away from the gown.
Unique Back
What is it?
What can be said about gowns like these? They’re conversation starters. They’re the backs you’ve never seen before that make you tilt your head and say “How interesting.” These are the designs that don’t quite fit into a certain mold or style, just like the brides who wear them. Interesting draping, asymmetrical straps, double keyholes, and other wonderful things can only be categorized as unique. Designers will sometimes combine elements to craft something marvelous, like combining an open back with an illusion. They’re total eye candy and leave guests talking about the dress for years.
Who is it for?
The alternative bride is the one who sees the same wedding dress many times over, and instead of feeling timeless, she feels dull. If you’re the type of bride that looks at pictures of wedding gowns and thinks they all look the same, then you need something that will capture your interest. This is the perfect accent to a boho wedding dress. This look is great for the ladies who boldly showcase tattoos and choose uncommon venues like museums or aquariums. Swap out a veil for a flower crown, or incorporate colorful jewelry like gemstones. Going with a statement shoe is an unparalleled decision that will make you stand out.
Low Back
What is it?
A low back wedding gown is self-explanatory. It’s a dress that is so low that most, if not all, of the back is exposed. These dresses really test the waters of bridal gowns and push forward into new territory: the sexy bride. The nice thing about a dress with a low back is that it can be paired with any of the back details from above. It can be open, keyhole, or illusion, and the back will still be low.
Who is it for?
There’s no way around it. The bride that wears this is sexy. If you want to rock a low back wedding dress, you must have both pride and confidence. It’s chic, sophisticated, and red hot. The bride that chooses this style wants to show off and make her groom sweat. If you’re someone who spends a lot of time in the gym, this will showcase your hard work. A plain clingy crepe sheath dress with a low back is sexy and leaves nothing to the imagination. It’s simple in the front, then when the bride turns around the guests are shocked. Pairing this with simple jewelry, like studs and a pendant, will complete this elegant and understated look.
