Wedding Gown Trend: Spectacular Backs

There is a fantastic new trend right now in bridal fashion: spectacular backs are all the rage these days. I love the drama of a beautifully embellished back, especially for the marriage ceremony when the bride often stands with her back facing the guests. It is a special detail that gives a wedding dress that “wow factor” that brides are always seeking.

My favorite version of the portrait back trend are the gowns which have a sheer back embellished with breathtaking silver embroidery. The Lela Rose gown shown is the perfect example of this style. The dress itself is relatively simple, but the detail on the back just takes my breath away. Reem Acra and Victor Harper also have wedding dresses in their collections with intricate silver embroidery. The Victor Harper gown is a wonderful box pleated ball gown which would be incredible for a black tie wedding. Definitely plan to wear your hair up to showcase the detail on the back of one of these gowns. As much as I am a fan of veils, I might even skip the veil to let the stunning embroidery be shown to its best advantage. Sparkly crystal or cz bridal earrings would be the perfect complement to the detail of the gown.

There are also some lovely lace sheath gowns with portrait backs. Sheer lace covers the back, sometimes with an open cut out or keyhole shape. What a lovely way to wear lace in a modern way with a little bit of sex appeal. Amsale has a pretty lace gown with a sheer keyhole back in her Spring 2013 collection that is a wonderful blend of covered up yet alluring. I would recommend this gown to a more mature bride with a great figure. Anna Maier / Ulla-Maija designed a lace gown with a more open cutout in the back and a racercut neckline. If ever a lace bridal gown could be just a tad sporty, this would be the one. A very long sheer veil would be a nice addition to these gowns. Since they have short trains, it would be wonderful to choose a dramatically long chapel or cathedral length veil that extends well beyond the train of the wedding dress.

If you are looking for a wedding gown that is understated and elegant with a fun twist, you will adore this Amsale dress with the open back. It is an impeccably tailored silk gown with very clean lines. The standout details is the wide open back accented with an oversized tilted bow at the waist. I would imagine this wedding dress for an indoor ceremony, accented by large pearl bridal jewelry and a simple veil. I love how the model in the picture has her hair pulled to one side to echo the bow. I would definitely bring this picture along to your hair trials if you choose this wedding gown.

Saving the best for last, there is a truly beautiful gown from Marchesa. It brings the back interest all the way around to the front of the dress, in the form of a sheer off the shoulder neckline accented with silver embroidery. It is the only embellishment on the gown, and it is simply magnificent. The back of this simple sheath gown is further enhanced with a long flowing train that starts right under the embroidery. If you want to make a statement coming and going, this could be your dress!