We're always so impressed by brides who break from the traditional gown to don daring bridal trends like colourful gowns, embroidered wedding dresses, sparkling glitter gowns and bold floral prints. And here, we're bringing you fabulous nude, sheer and illusion lace wedding dresses. While they don't sound very bridal-y, these gowns are jaw-droppingly beautiful. Instead of the traditional heavy satins and silks, they feature beautiful (and sometimes a little risqué!) illusion lace or tulle, often with appliqué, embroidery and bead work, and usually paired with a nude-toned underlay. If you adore red carpet style and Hollywood glamour, this kind of wow-factor wedding dress may be just the one for you. Think you're brave enough to try one of these bombshell bridal beauties? Read on!
30 Sheer & Illusion Wedding Dresses
1. This spectacular illusion gown by Berta with striking glittering beaded details and daring plunging neckline.
2. This graceful Daalarna tulle gown with dainty floral details and seamless illusion bodice.
3. An eye-catching lace panel down the side of this elegant Anjelica gown by Savannah Miller is perfect for adding that subtle touch of drama to your bridal look.
4. This illusion embroidered Krysta gown by Madi Lane in a gorgeous fit and flare silhouette.
5. Rime Arodaky's Paradis dress is part of the designers 1995 bridal collection inspired by iconic 90s supermodels. The elegant gown features an illusion bodice accented with delicate floral embroidery.
6. Dare to bare in this exquisite bodysuit-style illusion wedding dress with tulle overskirt for added drama by David's Bridal.
7. This extraordinary illusion Sirena gown by Watters features head-to-toe beaded lace, topped with contemporary floral cutouts.
8. This sexy style by Berta Bridal also features a plunging-V back, offering you the chance to show even more skin.
9. For the modern bride seeking something contemporary with just the right amount of drama, this Zuhair Murad gown is sure to tick all the boxes.
10. Figure-defining and oh-so-bridal, this off-the-shoulder illusion gown by Liz Martinez is a total stunner.
11. The sheer, embroidered bodice on this Essense of Australia gown makes a bold statement, creating a semi-off-the-shoulder illusion with nude tulle and floating floral laces.
12. Fitted with a dramatic tassel skirt detail, this Steven Khali illusion wedding dress is daring and yet so sophisticated.
13. This all-over lace fit-and-flare illusion Fleur gown by Galia Lahav with sheer point d'esprit tulle sleeves is a gorgeous blend of modesty and sexiness.
14. This dreamy sheer blush Berta gown featuring illusion bodice and illusion tulle skirt is perfect for the bride seeking something romantic yet sexy.
15. This strapless gown from Reem Acra shows off its wow factor when viewed from the side! It features sexy, sheer sparkling paneling from the neckline to the hem of its floor-length skirt.
16. The fitted Raven gown by Liz Martinez, featuring blush illusion tulle corset and an illusion tulle skirt, is perfect for the bride seeking something subtly sheer and romantic.
17. This Zuhair Murad gown is sure to turn heads with its illusion lace bodice and skirt, high neckline, and long sleeves.
18. The Rime Arodaky Belle d'un Soir dress works for the romantic bride who's also looking to serve sexiness with her wedding look.
19. You'll be sure to stun at every angle in this jaw-dropping dress featuring sheer nude side panels, illusion tulle and sexy off-the-shoulder straps.
20. This sheer illusion wedding dress by Inbal Dror is glistening with all-over beaded lace and silver sequin details. A sweeping train and gorgeous embellishments balance out the barely-there fabric and spaghetti straps.
21. You'll radiate confidence in this Berta illusion lace wedding dress.
22. A high-neck bodice and long sleeves pair perfectly with this Pnina Tornai gown's wide open back, dimensional floral clusters, and dramatic high slit.
23. A dramatic illusion back with lace ensures drama from every angle on this Pronovias gown.
24. We love how the oversized bows give a hint of romance to this sheer embellished Steven Khalil design - the perfect addition to an otherwise daring dress!
25. Nude lining under stretch rose lace fabric adds a touch of contemporary cool to this illusion Grace Loves Lace Peaches gown.
26. With a low-cut back, mermaid skirt, floral appliqué and sparkling sheer details, the Milla Nova Djeyn dress dials up the sexiness in the most sophisticated way.
27. Vintage-inspired with a modern flair, this all-over illusion lace Dolores gown by Martin Thornburg with detachable long sleeves, detachable voluminous organza and tulle skirt and train is elegant as it is bold.
28. Both sultry and whimsical, this Eisen Stein features long illusion sleeves, and strategically placed 3D floral appliqué. If you’re looking to create a barely-there fairytale effect, this sheer gown sets the standard.
29. The Patalia dress by Maison Yeya works for the romantic bride who's also looking to serve sexiness in her wedding look. With tasteful appliqué and a tulle fishtail skirt, it's equal parts sensual and dreamy.
30. This sheer illusion floral Berta number is all about the silhouette! The sheer fabric overskirt really ups the romance factor.
Style Tip: Illusion dresses are no doubt drop-dead gorgeous, but might be a bit racy for some religious ceremonies and/or families. If you love the idea of an illusion wedding dress but are worried about showing too much skin, you can always source a chic cover-up, or ask a seamstress to create an extra element, such as detachable sleeves or a tulle overskirt, to make it more versatile.
Want to see more great bridal style and dress inspiration? Check out our wedding dress section!