Your guests look at the back of your dress for longer than they look at the front. The entire processional, most of the ceremony, and every photograph taken from behind the altar.
That is why an open back is worth thinking about properly, and why the decisions that matter are less about the look than about where the opening ends and what holds the bodice up.
Every gown at Lace & Love is cut to measure in Israel by a third-generation designer and shipped by DHL or UPS Express, with duties and taxes prepaid where they are shown at checkout.
The four types
Low V-back
The most requested. Fabric dips into a deep V, usually finished with small buttons or a lace closure at the base. It draws a long line from shoulder to waist and elongates the whole silhouette.
Open back with lace framing
Lace runs down the sides while the centre stays open. It photographs unusually well in natural light, because the lace catches shadow where bare skin would not.
Keyhole
A round or oval opening at the upper back, bordered in lace or fabric. Subtler than a full open back — the right answer if you want the detail without the exposure.
Corset back
Ribbon or fabric ties you can adjust. It looks romantic and it is the most forgiving closure there is: if your measurements shift between ordering and the wedding, a corset back absorbs it where a zip will not.
See all of them in the open back collection, or the wider boho gowns.
What to wear underneath
Every bride asks this and it deserves a straight answer. With most open backs, a normal bra is out. A well-built gown handles it for you.
- Internal structure. Every gown we make has support sewn into the bodice.
- Adhesive cups. Discreet, no straps, no band.
- A low-back bra with a clear extension strap. Worth it if you want more lift than the bodice gives.
For most silhouettes the built-in structure is enough at B and C cup without anything else. Since your gown is cut to order, Shany will talk through the support in your specific dress before production starts.
Where the opening ends
Brides worry about whether an open back will suit them. For most bodies it does, because it draws the eye along the length of the back and the line of the shoulders.
The variable that actually matters is depth. On our gowns it is adjustable — tell us where you want it and we cut to that. Message Shany beforehand if you want to talk it through rather than guess.
Styling it
- Hair. An updo or a side sweep keeps the back visible. A loose style down the back defeats the point.
- Veil. A sheer one drapes over without hiding the detail. See the veils for lengths, and use the code VEIL50 at checkout for half off a matching one.
- Jewellery. Skip the necklace. Earrings only.
An open back also pairs well with custom sleeves, a chosen lining tone or an added slit through our made-to-measure service.
Questions
How do shipping and customs work?
DHL or UPS Express, worldwide. Duties and taxes are prepaid where they are shown at checkout, so the total on screen is the total you pay. A few destinations still apply local charges — ask and we will confirm yours.
How do you get the measurements right for an open back?
The same five measurements as any gown, plus your stated preference for how deep the back should sit. Our measurement guide shows how to take them, and Shany reviews every set before cutting.
Can I change the back opening?
Yes. Deeper or higher, buttons added, keyhole or corset closure, lace matched to the rest of the gown. Most of it is adjustable — ask before you order.
How long does it take?
Five to six weeks to sew, then three to seven business days by express courier.
Find yours
The shop holds 5.0 on Etsy across 213 verified reviews, and 4.99 here across 191. Browse the open back gowns.
