Are wedding dresses with corsets uncomfortable?

In general, wedding dresses with corsets aren't uncomfortable. The comfort level for brides will all depend on whether or not they're used to wearing this style, and if the dress has been altered to their frames. The more custom-fitted a dress, the more comfortable it will be. “Choosing a cut that works for you will make a big difference in how comfortable you are and ultimately how much you will enjoy your magical day,” says Appelt.

Are corset wedding dresses too sexy to wear?

Not at all! There are a variety of styles that range from bold to modest, and a corset is only one of several design elements included in a dress. For a more modest take, stick to full length, A-line skirts, like Bronx and Banco Mademoiselle Bridal Gown , and avoid high slits and body hugging silhouettes, like mermaid or trumpet.

How do I accessorize a corset wedding dress?

“Keep your jewelry and accessories simple and delicate, unless of course your personality is big and bold and you are going all out,” says Appelt. She suggests classic diamond studs , an updo, or a low bun.

The 16 Best Corset Wedding Dresses of 2023

While you may think of the fabric (tulle, lace, satin, crepe, chiffon, Mikado) or embellishments (beading, feathers, pearls, crystals, sequins) as being the most important aspects of a wedding dress, the construction of your gown is also something that can make a big—and stunning—difference.

Take, for example, corset wedding dresses. This boudoir-inspired silhouette not only serves as a form of internal support, which can be used in lieu of a bra, but it will also instantly shift a bride’s aesthetic in an elegant, alluring way. Though corsetry has often been reserved for after-hours and at-home happenings, today's designers are now embracing this old-world detailing and proving that this design element can feel quite modern and perfect for a walk down the aisle.

“Corsets evoke a sense of nostalgia. They have romanticism, femininity, and add a touch of vintage charm to modern fashion,” says celebrity fashion stylist Kim Appelt. “Plus, they are slimming and provide a gorgeous hourglass silhouette. What's not to love?”

When searching for a corset wedding gown, consider the construction, comfort, style, cost, and overall quality of the garment. To help you find the dress of your dreams, we researched the best options with these features in mind.

Best Mermaid: Watters Bettina Strapless Corset All-Over Lace Wedding Gown

Anthropologie Watters Bettina Strapless Corset All-Over Lace Wedding Gown — Anthropologie

Buy on Anthropologie $1,927

A corset bodice and mermaid silhouette combine to create a stunning wedding dress. Intricate lace covers the gown from head to toe, creating a design suited for a fairytale. While the bodice is somewhat sheer, the flowers artfully cover you up. The sweetheart neckline has detachable lace sleeves, so you can switch between an off-the-shoulder look to strapless whenever you like. The skirt flows out into a train, elongating your body and playing up your hips.

Price at time of publish: $1,927

Size: 14-28 | Materials: Satin | Length: Floor-length

Best Plus-Size: Bridal by ELOQUII Corset Gown With Bubble Skirt

Buy on Eloquii.com $499

Va va voom! The dramatic bubble hemline and corset top are a playful pairing for this unique gown. Wear your hair swept to one side for a nonchalant yet regal finish.

Price at time of publish: $499

Size: 14-28 | Materials: Satin | Length: Floor-length

Best Timeless: Watters Orlie Strapless Corset Satin Sheath Wedding Gown

Buy on Anthropologie $1,895

Timeless, elegant, and chic, this stunning pick reminds us of Old Hollywood glamor. You'll look effortlessly sleek from your strut down the aisle to your first dance at the reception.

Price at time of publish: $1,895

Size: 0-18W | Materials: Satin | Length: Floor-length

Best Casual: Anna October Snowdrop Asymmetric Maxi Dress

Anna October Snowdrop Asymmetric Cotton-Blend Maxi Dress — Moda Operandi

Buy on Annaoctober.com $900 Buy on Modaoperandi.com $805

We love the understated drama of this comfortable yet glamorous dress. The ruffled detailing and bustier top give this stylish dress a wedding stamp of approval. Accessorize it with strappy-heeled sandals for a fun finish.

Price at time of publish: $900

Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester, Cotton | Length: Tea-length

Best Statement Sleeves: Jenny Yoo by Jenny Yoo Holden Off-Shoulder Floral Lace Wedding Gown

Jenny Yoo by Jenny Yoo Holden Off-Shoulder Floral Lace ball-Skirt Wedding Gown — Anthropologie

Buy on Anthropologie $1,895 Buy on Jennyyoo.com $1,895

Jenny Yoo's Holden is visual evidence that puff sleeves and a corset silhouette are a match made in wedding heaven. Prairie-inspired brides, you’ve found your wedding dress.

Price at time of publish: $1,895

Size Range: 0-26 | Material: Polyester, Rayon | Length: Floor-length

Best Sparkle: ASOS EDITION Esme Embellished Corset Cami Wedding Dress

Buy on Asos $279

Covered in sequins, this corset dress is both sexy and fun. It has a column skirt, balancing out the curve hugging bodice. With adjustable straps, you can find the perfect fit for your proportions. This style also comes in plus sizes up to 26.

Price at time of publish: $279

Size Range: 0-26 | Material: Polyester | Length: Floor-length

Best Mini: Wtoo by Watters Maeve Strapless Embellished Corset Mini Dress

Buy on Anthropologie $1,200

Pearls, corset, and a tulle skirt? This mini dress is checking off so many trends, from pearlcore to balletcore, while still looking tasteful. Completely covered in pearls, the corset is a work of art on its own while the tutu skirt adds some childish whimsy. This is the perfect after-party look to dance the night away.

Price at time of publish: $1,200

Size Range: 0-14 | Material: Polyester | Length: Mini

Best Budget: Showpo Ynes Bridal Gown

Buy on Showpo.com $200

This dress is simple but it still packs a punch. A scoop corset top shows off plenty of cleveage while a thigh high slit gives a proper leg moment. The polyester fabric skims your body and puddles into a train in the back. Reviewers say the dress runs large, so you might want to consider sizing down.

Price at time of publish: $200

Size Range: 0-16 | Material: Polyester, Elastane | Length: Floor

Best Open Back: Katie May Athens Gown

Buy on Revolve $2,395

While corsets tend to have a covered back, this design shines with it’s open back design. There is in fact a sheer tulle back for extra support, but from afar, it looks like your bare skin. The dress also comes with an off-the-shoulder chiffon cape, perfect for providing a little bit of coverage or warmth, depending on when you are getting married. The front is equally gorgeous with a draped off the shoulder neckline and boned bodice. Ruching along the hips and a thigh-high slit flaunt your legs beautifully.

Price at time of publish: $2,395

Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester, Nylon, Spandex | Length: Floor Length

Best Lingerie-Inspired: For Love & Lemons X Revolve Bustier Gown White

Buy on Revolve $348 Buy on Forloveandlemons.com $359

Corsets shine in the bedroom, after all, so if you want a dress that incorporates lingerie touches, this frock is it. The bustier top has sheer lace panels for an ultra sexy and sweet look. The skirt is the perfect cross between a mini and maxi. A short slip peeps through the front while a layered tulle skirt trails in the back. Just add some wind and the photo opps will be spectacular.

Price at time of publish: $359

Size Range: XXS-XL | Material: Polyester, Nylon, Spandex, Silk | Length: Mini

Best Bohemian: For Love & Lemons Vera Bridal Gown

Buy on Revolve $589 Buy on Forloveandlemons.com $590

This dress is a boho dream. The silk corset is the perfect contrast to the full lace skirt. Little details, like the lace bra peeping out, the lace bras traps, and a bra closure add some texture and imperfect perfection. We love the idea of adding some lace gloves for a vintage touch.

Price at time of publish: $590

Size Range: XXS-XL | Material: Nylon, Ecovero Viscose, Recycled Polyester | Length: Floor Length

Best Glam: Bronx and Banco Mademoiselle Bridal Gown

Buy on Revolve $1,200

Glimmer and sparkle all night long in this sequin covered gown. The boned bodice is semi-sheer with a pearl and beaded embellished waist trim. Tulle fabric creates the voluminous A-line skirt. Thanks to detachable shoulder straps, you can either go strapless or put them on for extra support.

Price at time of publish: $1,200

Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester, Elastane | Length: Floor Length

Best for an Elopement: V. Chapman June Corset Front-Slit Gown

Anthropologie V. Chapman June Satin Dress — Anthropologie

Buy on Anthropologie $435

Whether you are eloping or prefer a gown without all the sparkle and fabric, you can’t go wrong with this sheath corset gown. A floral print makes the polyester satin look extra luxe while the wrap skirt enhances your curves and leads into a daring front slit. The back has smocking for extra comfort. A side bow is the perfect finishing touch.

Price at time of publish: $435

Size Range: 0-14 | Material: Polyester, Spandex | Length: Ankle

Best Ball Gown: David's Bridal Collection Sheer Lace and Tulle Ball Gown

Davidâs Bridal Collection Sheer Lace and Tulle Ball Gown — Davidâs Bridal

Buy on David's Bridal $999

If you truly want to look like a princess on your wedding day, a corset bodice and ball gown skirt is the ideal combination. This one from David’s Bridal checks off all the right boxes—a lace covered bodice, floral embroidery, and an airy tulle skirt and train. We also love how it comes in different colors besides white. Perhaps a champagne or black wedding dress is more your speed?

Price at time of publish: $999

Size Range: 0-30 | Material: Polyester | Length: Floor

Best for a Bridal Shower: Showpo Aisha Bustier Bodice Tulle Midi Dress

Buy on Showpo.com $100

We love how this dress is both girly and sexy at the sametime. Yes it’s technically tea-length, but the tulle skirt is partially lined, letting your legs peak through. The corset bodice highlights your waist and gives yoru chest some oomph. Tie straps are both practical and stylish. It also comes in blue if you want that "something blue."

Price at time of publish: $100

Size Range: 0-16 | Material: Polyester | Length: Tea Length

Best Sexy: Lulus High-Class Hottie White Satin Strapless Bustier Midi Dress

Buy on Lulus $94

Weddings are all about feeling your best and if that means showing a little skin, we’re all for it. This dress from Lulus is white hot with its sheer corset bodice and a décolleté-accentuating strapless bust, complete with anti-slip strips. A satin column skirt drapes over the figure. The high waist and high slit will give you legs for days.

Price at time of publish: $94

Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester, Spandex | Length: Midi

What to Look For in a Corset Wedding Dress

Fit

While some wedding gowns are made to order and can be fitted to perfectly fit your frame, the boning of a corset does sometimes cause a bit of discomfort no matter how tailored a look may be. So, when it comes to corset bridal gowns, you should pay close attention to the fit in order to ensure you will feel your best on the big day.

“One of the most important ways that you can pull off a corset is making sure it fits properly and is tailored to your body shape,” says Appelt. “An ill-fitted corset has potential for wardrobe malfunctions and gives off a very different vibe than a one that is made for you.”

Be sure to follow the style-specific size guide when buying a dress online and consider ordering a couple different sizes if the retailer allows returns.

Construction

What's more, brides should also decide whether they'd like their corsets to be exposed or hidden. Gowns with exposed corsets, like Lulus High-Class Hottie White Satin Strapless Bustier Midi Dress, tend to be sexier, as the bodice is made with a sheer-like fabric, while dresses that hide this design element are more modest, like Watters Orlie Strapless Corset Satin Sheath Wedding Gown.

For brides wanting to offset the sexiness of a corset, Appelt suggests creating some balance. “Balancing the exposed areas with covered areas will create an elegant and refined look,” says Appelt. “Consider dresses with longer skirts or layers of tulle or lace to stop the dress from looking too revealing.” For instance, ASOS EDITION Esme Embellished Corset Cami Wedding Dress has an A-line skirt with no slit for a more conservative look.

Fabric

As you can see from this lit, corset style gowns can range from simple cotton fabrics like Reformation Madden Dress to designs covered in lace and sparkles like David’s Bridal Collection Sheer Lace and Tulle Ball Gown. Consider your wedding dress code and whether you want to stun in simplicity or bring on the glam.

FAQ

Are wedding dresses with corsets uncomfortable?

In general, wedding dresses with corsets aren't uncomfortable. The comfort level for brides will all depend on whether or not they're used to wearing this style, and if the dress has been altered to their frames. The more custom-fitted a dress, the more comfortable it will be. “Choosing a cut that works for you will make a big difference in how comfortable you are and ultimately how much you will enjoy your magical day,” says Appelt.
Are corset wedding dresses too sexy to wear?

Not at all! There are a variety of styles that range from bold to modest, and a corset is only one of several design elements included in a dress. For a more modest take, stick to full length, A-line skirts, like Bronx and Banco Mademoiselle Bridal Gown, and avoid high slits and body hugging silhouettes, like mermaid or trumpet.
How do I accessorize a corset wedding dress?

“Keep your jewelry and accessories simple and delicate, unless of course your personality is big and bold and you are going all out,” says Appelt. She suggests classic diamond studs, an updo, or a low bun.