Can I wear a sexy wedding dress?

Of course! This is your wedding, and if a sexy dress makes you feel your best, then that should be the style of dress you wear. Keep in mind that sexy doesn’t have to mean scandalous. There are lots of ways to incorporate a more risque stye in an appropriate way.

Do sexy wedding dresses show a lot of skin?

Not all sexy wedding dresses require showing lots of skin. While some brides may dare to bare, others may prefer a more subtle hint of sexiness, It's entirely up to you as to how much skin you'd like to show.

What accessories pair well with sexy wedding dresses?

The options for accessorizing your wedding dress are plentiful. “Sexy wedding dresses are the perfect foundation for a less-is-more approach when it comes to accessories, but there’s two avenues for this,” said Becker. Either opt for sleek, minimalistic jewelry and accessories in the metal of your choice, or embrace glamour with diamonds or a crystal embellished handbag and heels,” said Becker.

The 22 Most Sexy Wedding Dresses for the Bold Bride of 2023

Bride wearing sexy wedding dress and holding bouquet while standing on sidewalk in park — Love is Rad

Your wedding dress should make you feel like your best self. For some, that means going the traditional route, with a classic white dress covered in lace and embroidery. But for others, it means doing the unexpected—and that includes wearing something sexy.

“Just because a dress is sexy, doesn’t mean it isn’t tasteful,” explained Kendall Becker, freelance trend forecaster and fashion editor. “There are an array of details to consider you’re looking to amp up sex appeal, but the key is making sure you’re still comfortable and feel confident in your own skin,”

Whether you’re seeking just a hint of sexy or going for borderline risque, there’s a range of unique designs and even full collections dedicated to emphasizing the steamy side of any bride. From teasing to tantalizing, we compiled a variety of dresses for every desire.

Read on for the best sexy wedding dresses that are sure to turn heads.

Best Overall: Rish Azalea V-Neck Mermaid Lace Wedding Gown

Buy on Anthropologie $1,495

Sexy meets tradition in this all-over lace, mermaid silhouette dress. The deep-V neckline with an illusion panel and hip-hugging design ups the hot factor, while the delicate design and small train says classic bride.

Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: Mermaid

Best Slip Dress: Jenny by Jenny Yoo Marnie Gown

Buy on Anthropologie $1,150

Sometimes simpler means sexier, and Jenny by Jenny Yoo's Marnie gown proves just that. Throw on this V-neck satin dress for a statement-making look that feels effortless and carefree.

Size Range: 0-12, plus-sizes available | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: Trumpet

Best Hint of Sparkle: ASOS EDITION Esme Embellished Corset Cami Wedding Dress

Buy on Asos $279

Attention, boho brides! You can also channel sexy on your wedding day. This full-skirted dress is topped with a bust-boosting, corset-inspired bustier—and it's covered in all over sparkling details for a bright statement.

Size Range: 0-14 | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: A-line

Best Plus Size: ASOS Edition Curve Constance Satin Wrap Wedding Dress

Buy on Asos $199

It might be simply designed, but this dress isn’t for the faint of heart. The wrap style defines your curves and shows off your legs, while a deep-V neckline reveals even more skin. Plus, the small train looks gorgeous as you walk down the aisle.

Size Range: 12-26 | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: Wrap

Best Allover Lace: DB Studio Allover Lace Tank Wedding Gown with V-back Detail

Buy on David's Bridal $500

The lace on this dress might be sweet, but the silhouette is downright sexy. The deep-V neck and back are bordered by a beautiful scallop lace, and it’s a curve-hugger down to the train. It’s designed with stretch, too, so it stays comfortable all night long.

Size Range: 0-14, 16W-30W | Materials: Cotton, nylon, viscose | Silhouette: Trumpet

For the Beach Bride: Amanda Uprichard Copellia Gown

Buy on Revolve $290

Practically made for a beach wedding or low-key garden ceremony, this dress personifies a more casual, carefree vibe. It skims over curves and has off-the-shoulder, flutter sleeves for an especially flirty look.

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: A-line

Best Trumpet Silhouette: Reformation Nasha Satin Dress

Buy on Reformation $378

A trumpet silhouette like this one flares above the knee, and skims the body everywhere else. This satiny dress comes in an off white color, making it perfect for the bride who is looking for something a little something different.

Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: Polyester, acetate | Silhouette: Trumpet

Best Details: Lulus Promised Love White Beaded Lace Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress

beaded wedding dress — Courtesy of Lulus

Buy on Lulus $369

This luxe gown takes embellishment to a new level. Featuring a sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder sleeves, the dress is covered in all-over-lace and mesh, and has intricate pearl and rhinestone adornments. And like any sexy dress, it’s curve-hugging in all the right places.

Size Range: 2-10 | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: Mermaid

Most Sheer: Miss Selfridge Premium Embellished Cami Corset Maxi Dress in Ivory

Buy on Asos $239

Legs are the star of the show in this dress, which is sheer all the way down. But it doesn’t stop there — the corset-style top and lace-up back are provocative, too. This dress is perfect for hot weather, especially if you’ll be married in a tropical locale.

Size Range: 0-14 | Materials: Nylon, Viscose, Polyester | Silhouette: A-line

Best Mermaid Silhouette: Lulus Just the Beginning White Beaded Sequin Mermaid Maxi Dress

Buy on Lulus $269

While this gown hugs your whole figure, it adds extra attention to your backside thanks to the mermaid silhouette. With a low-cut back, flared skirt and intricate beading, this dress dials up the sexiness in the most sophisticated way.

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: Mermaid

Best Off-the-Shoulder: Ines Di Santo Love-Struck Wedding Dress

Buy on Thebridalfinery.com $6,490

Strapless neckline, slitted skirt, detachable train: this gown has it all. We love how the delicate lace straps give off a hint of romance—the perfect addition to an otherwise daring dress!

Size Range: 0-18 | Materials: N/A | Silhouette: Trumpet

Most Ethereal: Lulus Romance Dreamer White Lace Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress

Buy on Lulus $136

Both sultry and whimsical, this dress features long, sheer, off-the-shoulder sleeves, and all-over floral lace. If you’re looking to create a seductive, fairytale vibe, this full length white gown sets the standard.

Size Range: XXS-XL | Materials: Cotton, nylon, polyester | Silhouette: A-line

Best Plunging Neckline: DB Studio Allover Lace V-neck Sheath Wedding Dress

Buy on David's Bridal $170

Simple, all-over lace can be sexy with the right silhouette. The sexiness comes out in the deep V-neckline while the curve-hugging A-line skirt adds to the statement. With no train, the length is perfect for wearing from ceremony to reception.

Size Range: 0-18, 14W-30W | Materials: Nylon, polyester, spandex | Silhouette: A-line

Best Cut Outs: Dundas Apollonia Gown

Buy on Fwrd.com $1,290

This modern take on a wedding dress has cut outs in all the right places. It shows off unexpected skin, and a high-thigh slit shows off legs. For the bride who laughs at tradition, this is the dress for you.

Size Range: 36-42 | Materials: Viscose, elastane | Silhouette: A-line

Best High Leg Slit: Lulus Love of Details White Lace Backless Maxi Dress

Buy on Lulus $136

Show major leg in this dress with a thigh-high slit. For even more sex appeal, the maxi skirt is unlined, so skin peeks through the lace. The lace continues all over the dress, topped off with an open back and dramatic V neckline.

Size Range: XXS-3X | Materials: Nylon, Cotton, Polyester, Spandex | Silhouette: A-Line

Best Satin Dress: Lulus Sensational Promise White Satin Square Neck Mermaid Maxi Dress

Buy on Lulus $142

There’s no doubt: satin is stunning. This super sleek dress hugs the body, and shows off your decolletage and back with a squared neckline. It also has a subtle train for a traditional look.

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester, Spandex | Silhouette: Mermaid

Best Lingerie-Inspired: Reformation Chania Silk Dress

Buy on Reformation $398 Buy on Anthropologie $598

What better way to show off some sex appeal than with a dress reminiscent of lingerie? All over silk and lace detailing make this maxi slip dress suitable for the wedding aisle, and the back cutout is sure to stun.

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Silk | Silhouette: A-line

Best Beaded: BHLDN Theodora Beaded Lace V-Neck Wedding Gown

Buy on Anthropologie $1,995

The allover beading on this dress—created with pearls and intricate lace—is a show stopping addition to the simple, form-fitting silhouette. Along with the thin straps and a plunging neckline, this dress is ideal for the sensual bride.

Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: A-line

Best Mini Dress: Show Me Your Mumu Lady Corset Mini Dress

Buy on Showmeyourmumu.com $198

Channel your inner Kourtney Kardashian and try a mini, lingerie-inspired wedding dress. With an adjustable corset and all over satin, it may not be a traditional wedding dress but it sure is sexy.

Size Range: XXS-XXL | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: Mini

Best Open Back: Priscavera Open Back Long Dress

Buy on Fwrd.com $560

Take it as low as you can go with this open back dress. A simply designed sheath dress with small silver accents, it’s ready to be dressed up with jewelry and other details. The back leg slit makes it easy to walk down the aisle or dance the night away.

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester, elastane | Silhouette: Sheath

Best High Neck: Jenny Yoo Harlyn High-Neck Open-Back Wedding Gown

Buy on Anthropologie $1,295

Just because this wedding dress has a high neck doesn’t mean it doesn’t show a lot of skin. The high slit reveals major leg, while the halter style top shows off your back. The intricate buttoning down the back is an impressive detail in an otherwise polished look.

Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: A-line

Best Midi: Jonathan Simkhai Standard Moira Broderie Anglaise Bustier Midi Dress

Buy on Fwrd.com $445

Eyelet and a midi length add a bit of sweetness to this dress, but the form-fitting silhouette and corset inspire bodice raise the heat. This dress is just waiting to be accessorized and taken out to the dance floor.

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Rayon | Silhouette: Midi

What to Look For in a Sexy Wedding Dress

Style

When it comes to shopping for a sexy wedding dress, it's all about picking a style and silhouette that best reflects your personality and shows off your body. Whether your bridal style is bohemian or glamourous, certain design details can take a wedding dress from simple to sultry. “A more form-fitting silhouette sets a sexy foundation,” said Becker. “Sweetheart necklines are great for showing off the collarbone, a halter neckline is perfect for embracing delicate shoulders, and a plunging neckline or corseting can be an ideal option for embracing your bust.”

Material

The right fabric can level up even the most modest dress. Sensuality is all about the senses after all, and how that fabric feels can be just as important as how it looks, so choose one that feels just right against your skin. Sheer details, whether that means lace sleeves or a full mesh skirt, add a touch of intriguing mystery. Think about fabrics used in lingerie, too. “You can choose a lustrous fabric like sateen or silk for a sexy, Old Hollywood feel,” said Becker.

Venue

A sexy wedding dress is best paired with the appropriate venue. “A bride should always feel empowered to be as creative as she wants, but it’s undoubtedly nice when the aesthetic of the attire and venue align,” said Becker. She recommends venues that feel modern and sleek, and advises skipping sexy dresses for more conservative church ceremonies.

FAQ

Can I wear a sexy wedding dress?

Of course! This is your wedding, and if a sexy dress makes you feel your best, then that should be the style of dress you wear. Keep in mind that sexy doesn’t have to mean scandalous. There are lots of ways to incorporate a more risque stye in an appropriate way.
What makes a wedding dress sexy?

Everyone has different tastes and preferences as to what they find sexy. In the end, whatever dress makes you feel the most confident, will also make you feel the most sexy. But in general, plunging necklines, high leg slits, and form-fitting silhouettes give dresses their sex appeal.
Do sexy wedding dresses show a lot of skin?

Not all sexy wedding dresses require showing lots of skin. While some brides may dare to bare, others may prefer a more subtle hint of sexiness, It's entirely up to you as to how much skin you'd like to show.
What accessories pair well with sexy wedding dresses?

The options for accessorizing your wedding dress are plentiful. “Sexy wedding dresses are the perfect foundation for a less-is-more approach when it comes to accessories, but there’s two avenues for this,” said Becker. Either opt for sleek, minimalistic jewelry and accessories in the metal of your choice, or embrace glamour with diamonds or a crystal embellished handbag and heels,” said Becker.

Meet the Expert

Kendall Becker is a freelance trend forecaster and fashion editor.

Why Trust Brides

Joline Buscemi is a freelance writer for Brides. She writes beauty and wellness stories for publications including HuffPost, Byrdie, and Glamour. For this story, she spoke with trend forecaster and fashion editor Kendall Becker on what makes a wedding dress sexy.