19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (2025)

Are you looking for the cutest bow back wedding dresses for your bridal shower? The rehearsal dinner? Perhaps your reception? Look no further! We’re putting bows on them ALL in this fabulously inspiring feature. Subscribe for the latest to your inbox!

When you want a very specific type of wedding dress with a bow on it, you turn to us because you know we’re always looking for the latest wedding trends. :) And when it comes to little white dresses with bows (um, love this trend) for the bridal shower or reception, we’ve got you covered!

Bride-to-be, Nichole, writes us with this question:

“Hi Emmaline, I’m looking for reception or bridal shower dresses with bows (or a bow) on it. I love this trend and I saw some on Pinterest but cannot find where to buy them. Do you know where to get bow wedding dresses that work well for bridal showers or receptions? Thanks for your help!”

Ah, great question, Nichole! I like this style, too. :) On it!

A bow wedding dress (or bridal shower outfit) offers that interesting and unexpected element, something we plan to see more of throughout this year – and into next. There’s just something about ribbons and bows on dresses that brides can’t get enough of!

To help you find the perfect outfit, I did some digging and found the cutest bow back wedding dresses for you to wear to either event. Many of these work perfectly as bridal shower, reception, or even rehearsal dresses. I limited the search to shorter or midi-length dresses (although admittedly, there’s a maxi wedding dress with bow on it I couldn’t resist sharing, so it’s there, too).

19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (1)

I even found a jumpsuit in case you haven’t considered it as an option. It has wildly-popular reviews (and it’s super adorable), so maybe it will work?

Anyway, hope it helps! It may be tough to choose. ;) Let’s get started.

Bow Back Wedding Dresses for Bridal Shower + Reception

1. V-Neck Mini Wedding Shower Dress with Long Bow

Make a statement in this cute mini wedding shower or reception dress with bow on the back that is long and elegant.

19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (2)

by sachin & babi

19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (3)

by sachin & babi

2. Strapless Mini Bow Back Dress

19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (4)

by lulu’s

3. Mini Sleeveless Bridal Shower Dress with Bow

I love the deep v on the back of this dress, perfectly accented with a bow.

19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (5)

by lulu’s

19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (6)

by lulu’s

4. Crepe Knit Midi Length Bow Backed Wedding Dress

Wear this bridal shower dress with bow to celebrate and wear it again as your reception dress! It’s perfect. It features a midi length, a comfortable crepe knit material, and a strapless bodice.

19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (7)

by lulu’s

19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (8)

by lulu’s

5. Strapless Back-Bow Mini Dress

Um, adorable! This is such a cute little reception dress with the perfect bow on the back.

19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (9)

by sachin & babi

19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (10)

by sachin & babi

6. Strapless Satin Midi with Bow Back Detail

Ooh, this is a cute dress and I really love the midi length!

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by lulu’s

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by lulu’s

7. Bow Tie Strap Satin Wedding Dress

This short little white dress offers a pretty satin material and bow straps that can be worn on your shoulder or as a drop-shoulder style, as shown in these examples below.

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by azazie

19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (14)

by azazie

8. Back Bow Strapless Pearl Midi Dress

Ok, this is another great find: it has allover pearls (another fave trend) and a beautiful bow on the back of the dress.

19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (15)

by sachin & babi

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by sachin & babi

9. Rhinestone Bow Midi Ruffle Dress

This dress has a rhinestone bow on the front for a fun detail and a long length with a ruffle hem at the ankle.

19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (17)

by hutch

19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (18)

by hutch

10. Wide-Leg White Bridal Jumpsuit with Open Back and Bow

Ok, this is technically not a wedding dress with bow on the back, but a jumpsuit looks pretty cute, too! This one has extremely high ratings, so I’m including it here. It has a wide leg and tons of sequins allover, plus an open back with a bow.

19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (19)

by lulu’s

19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (20)

by lulu’s

11. Strappy Back Wedding Dress with Bows

Go all out on the bow phenomenon with this stylish midi-length wedding dress with bows all over the back of its straps. Love this look!

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by lulu’s

19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (22)

by lulu’s

12. Long Maxi Square Neck Backless Maxi Dress with Bow on Back

19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (23)

by lulu’s

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by lulu’s

13. Stretch Crepe Knit V-Neck Reception Dress with Bow

Tie a bow on the back of this elegant tea-length crepe dress with a v-neck.

19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (25)

by azazie

19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (26)

by azazie

14. White Wedding Shower Dress with Bow on Front

Perhaps you’d like another bow option on the front instead? This white satin sleeveless column dress is perfect for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and reception dresses with a bow on the front for the ultimate in trend-setting style.

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by lulu’s

15. Ribbon Bow Tie-Strap Midi Reception Dress

If you want another option, consider bows on the front as ribbon ties! Love this style.

19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (28)

by lulu’s

16. Scallop Mini Bridal Shower Dress with Bow Tie Straps

The scalloping on this mini dress is adorable!

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by bhldn

19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (30)

by bhldn

17. Mini Wedding Dress with Oversized Bow

This dramatic bow makes a fun statement at your wedding reception or bridal shower!

19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (31)

by sachin & babi

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by sachin & babi

18. Jacquard Bow Back Wedding Reception Dress

Ooh-la-la! This elegant jacquard fabric makes a stunning strapless midi-length wedding reception dress with bow on the back.

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by sachin & babi

19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (34)

by sachin & babi

19. BONUS: Crop Top with a Bow on It

And if you prefer, you can make your own two-piece outfit for your wedding shower using this bow crop-top as one piece:

19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (35)

by moda zeta

Did you find one you love? Click on the photo or link underneath it to shop.

Thanks so much to Nichole for writing and I hope this helps her – and our other readers, too!

Bow backed wedding dresses of all lengths and styles are such a fun trend in fashion right now. What do YOU think of this style? Tell us in the comment box below!

xo
Emma

bow back dressesbow on back of dresswedding dresses with bows

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Emma Arendoski

Emma is the CEO of Emmaline Bride, The Handmade Wedding Blog, published author, leading wedding expert, and wedding planner. Read her latest book: The Inspired Wedding. Wife, mother, coffee lover. Follow on Instagram and at Emmaline Baby for baby + kids inspiration.

19 Cutest Bow Back Wedding Dresses: Bridal Shower or Reception (2025)

FAQs

What kind of wedding dress is slimming? ›

Universally flattering—complementing all body types—Berry notes that A-line dresses will hug you in all the right places and are a great choice for pear-shaped or curvy brides. “An A-line gown hugs the waist area, creating a slimmer waistline while flattering the bust,” he says.

What color should the brides reception dress be? ›

Conclusion. The bride-to-be no longer has to spend long hours in quest of the perfect colour for the reception gown for women. You can now make your choice among the five fail-safe colours, which are black, navy blue, emerald green, burgundy, and blush pink.

What color dress does the bride wear to her bridal shower? ›

As for color and pattern, wear any hue or print you love. Many brides choose to wear white to all of their pre-wedding events. That includes their bridal shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner. You can't go wrong with a pretty white dress — no matter the fabric or silhouette!

What type of wedding dress photographs the best? ›

It's a matter of fabric

Did you know that satin wedding dresses are some of the best for photography due to their smooth and high-sheen fabric that looks amazing under any light? While some wedding dresses may be great for the ceremony they may not work as great for the reception.

What is the most flattering wedding dress shape? ›

The A-line style is the most popular of wedding dresses as it tends to fit and flatter many different figure shapes. This design will look great whether you have an hourglass or pear shape. Aline refers to the ultimate form of the skirt.

What is the best wedding dress shape for an overweight person? ›

A-Line Gowns

You can't go wrong with an A-line. It has an elegant and clean silhouette. The lines flare at the hips to give the torso a narrower and longer look. But this style depends on the texture of your chosen fabric.

What is the most popular wedding dress color? ›

What are the Most Popular Wedding Dress Colors? The most popular wedding dress colors are shades of off-white and ivory, which are more universally flattering. However, we've also noticed that many brides opt for a gown with a lining in a shade of blush or nude to allow the details on their dresses to pop!

What do brides wear at the reception? ›

Reception dresses can be brand new or a gown that you have altered with some element from the original gown. For example, you could use lace from your ceremony gown on your reception dress to create an entirely new look but pay tribute to the dress you got married in!

What is the difference between a wedding dress and a reception dress? ›

That's why the latest wedding trend is opting for a second dress for the reception, or a bridal reception dress. Your reception dress is typically more simple and more comfortable. The idea is that you'll have an easier time dancing, eating, and socializing in this second dress during your party.

What not to wear to a bridal shower? ›

ALWAYS THINK OF THE BRIDE — IT'S HER DAY!

It seems obvious, but it must be said: steer clear of wearing white or anything close to white. The traditional hue is reserved for the bride-to-be. Save that little white dress for another non-wedding related event.

Who usually throws the bride a bridal shower? ›

These days, who plans the bridal shower is much more open-ended, although it still tends to be a collaborative effort among loved ones. "Typically, the bridal shower is hosted by the mother of the bride, the maid of honor or the matron of honor," Swann says.

What should an older woman wear to a bridal shower? ›

Wear something similar to what you would wear for a special occasion Easter or a Mother's Day brunch. For a dressy bridal shower, you can glam it up a bit (leaning more toward cocktail attire, but not as dressy as what you would wear to a wedding). The vibe at a dressy shower is a more chic than soft and sweet.

Which wedding photo style is most popular? ›

The three most widely used styles are classic, contemporary and candid, although photographers can combine styles to deliver a wide selection of images of your day.

What color dresses photograph well? ›

Pastels and light neutrals (white, pale pink, pale purple, peach, tan, etc) will give a soft, monotone look whereas bold colors (think: navy, bright purple, pink, bold blue, etc) will provide more contrast and help you stand out from the background. Both look great!

How can I look beautiful in wedding pictures? ›

6 ways to look GREAT in your Wedding Photographs
  1. Tip #2: (for brides) Your Make Up Artiste is your best friend!
  2. Tip #3: Selecting your outfit.
  3. Tip #4: If you're really HAVING FUN- your wedding pictures will reflect this.
  4. Tip #5: Your wedding is much more than just your Pheras!
  5. Tip #6: Learn to pose. Really.

What style of dress is most slimming? ›

In general, A-line dresses, empire waist dresses, and wrap dresses are the most flattering. And remember…you can always add a belt to create the shape you want!

What wedding dress makes your waist look smaller? ›

A fit and flare styles wedding dress is form fitting around your bodice and flares out below your hips. This style accentuates your curves, making your waist look smaller. This style works for any body type but looks particularly great on women with an hourglass shape.

What is the best material to look slim in a dress? ›

Textured Fabrics

Some fabrics are textured such as tweed, boucle, poplin, denim, flannel, and brocade. These fabrics have subtle textures and are visually appealing compared to plainer smoother materials. This has the effect of removing the attention from your body shape and curves and placing it on the fabric instead.

What colors are slimming for wedding? ›

Slimming colors other than black

Dark greens like forest or emerald green, deep reds such as burgundy, navy blue, and various shades of gray provide stylish alternatives. These colors not only create a visually flattering and slenderizing appearance but also infuse excitement and sophistication into your wardrobe.

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