Rhiannon Hendricks
The wedding dress is the most important garment a bride will ever wear, so it's crucial to select a style that flatters her figure and makes her feel confident. One of the most important details to consider when choosing a wedding dress is its neckline, which can drastically alter the shape and texture of the dress. There are many different types of necklines, from sweetheart to portrait, and each creates a different style, from boho to classic bride. The right neckline will depend on the bride's body type, sense of style, and wedding theme, as well as the season and venue. Ultimately, the most important rule to keep in mind is to choose a neckline that makes the bride feel her most beautiful.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sweetheart | Resembles the top half of a heart; can be off-the-shoulder; accentuates the décolletage; gives the illusion of a longer torso and neck |
| High-neck | Timeless style; covers the décolletage and bust; creates the illusion of a longer neck and torso; pairs well with an updo and plunging back |
| V-neck | Flattering V-shape; can be daring or modest depending on how low it is cut; elongates the torso |
| Plunge | More daring version of the V-neck; accentuates the décolletage; elongates the torso |
| Portrait | Reminiscent of chic special occasion gowns; great for a vintage look |
| Halter | Wraps around the back of the neck; shows off arms, shoulders, and back; provides extra support and comfort |
| Boatneck/bateau | Offers more coverage; extends from shoulder to shoulder, falling just under the collarbones; draws attention to the shoulders |
| Cowl | Characterised by draped and folded fabric above the bustline; draws attention to the face |
| Asymmetrical | One side is higher than the other, covering more of the collarbone and shoulders; can feature statement earrings |
| One-shoulder | Draws attention upwards to the face; shows off the collarbones; works well for those who want their shoulders to appear less broad |
| Off-the-shoulder | Shows off the collarbones; works well for those who don't want to accentuate their arms or have broad shoulders |
| Straight | Often seen on strapless dresses; accentuates the décolletage and collarbones while providing more coverage |
| Jewel | Mimics the shape of a T-shirt; works for most body shapes, especially small to medium-size busts |
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What You'll Learn
Sweetheart, semi-sweetheart, or illusion sweetheart
A sweetheart neckline is a type of neckline for women's clothing that is high in the back and low in the front, where it is scalloped to resemble the top of a heart. This neckline is a popular choice for wedding dresses as it gives off a romantic and feminine vibe. It is an excellent option for regular or fuller-chested brides with short chins and necks as it strengthens the natural curves of bustier brides. It also creates an illusion of slimmer shoulders and enhances the bust.
A semi-sweetheart neckline is very similar to a sweetheart neckline, but the V shape in the middle of the two curves is less prominent or almost unnoticeable. The top part of the bust is softened with less round arches, giving off sweet vibes. This neckline is a good option for brides who love the sweetheart look but don't want to show off too much of their cleavage. Instead of going strapless, you can add delicate lace straps over the shoulders to create a more elegant and modest look. The semi-sweetheart neckline pairs well with wedding dress silhouettes that closely hug the figure.
An illusion neckline refers to a dress, typically with a sweetheart strapless neckline, that features a sheer overlay, creating the illusion of a higher neckline. The coolest part about this style is that it gives your dress unique visual interest. Illusion neckline dress styles come in many variations, but two of the most common ones feature an overlay that creates either a boatneck or a V-neck.
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High-neck or high collar
A high-neck or high-collar wedding dress is a modest and vintage style that provides the most coverage of any bridal style. This neckline is often accompanied by long sleeves, adding to the regal effect of the gown. The high-neck style is versatile, pairing well with any silhouette and suiting all body shapes and sizes. It is particularly favoured by taller brides as it helps to elongate the body and even out proportions.
High-neck wedding dresses range from subtle mock necks to the classic Queen Anne style, with high necklines of various lengths. A high neckline can sit at the base of the neck or collarbone, or it may cover the neck completely. While this style may be considered conservative, it can also be flirty, with some high-neck gowns featuring an open back or halter neckline.
The bateau, or boat neckline, is a type of high neckline that stops at the base of the neck or collarbone and features a wider opening that skims the tops of the shoulders. This style is associated with actress Audrey Hepburn and is considered classic, sophisticated, and demure. It can be paired with straps, cap or short sleeves, off-the-shoulder sleeves, or long sleeves.
The jewel neckline is another type of high neckline that sits at the base of the neck. It mimics the shape of a T-shirt and works for almost every body shape. It often features beading to resemble jewels and can be paired with a necklace that sits near the collarbone or a pair of statement earrings.
When styling a high-neck or high-collar wedding dress, it is generally recommended to skip accessories like necklaces due to the emphasis on the neck. However, earrings can be a great way to accessorize this style, with dangly earrings often paired with a Queen Anne neckline and statement earrings complementing a jewel neckline.
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V-neck or plunging V-neck
A V-neck wedding dress is a universally flattering style, elongating the body and beautifully framing the face. The V-neckline can be customised to suit the bride's preferences and the wedding's formality, locale, and level of modesty. For instance, a daringly low plunge can be chosen for a sexy look, or a higher cut can be selected for more coverage. The V-neckline is also ideal for showcasing necklaces, or it can be worn without a necklace and paired with a pair of striking drop earrings.
A plunging V-neck is a more daring version of the classic V-neck, and it is perfect for brides who want to showcase their décolletage. The plunging neckline can also be customised to the bride's preferences, with options for a semi-sweetheart neckline (cut higher on the chest) or an illusion sweetheart neckline (featuring a sheer fabric overlay). The sweetheart neckline is shaped like the top half of a heart, making it a romantic and feminine choice. This neckline is also known as the "princess neckline" and was popularised by Princess Diana in the 80s and 90s.
When choosing between a V-neck or a plunging V-neck, it is important to consider the venue, time of year, overall vibe of the wedding, and any finishing touches such as jewellery or hairstyles. The V-neckline is a versatile choice that can be styled in various ways, making it a timeless and elegant option for brides. However, the plunging V-neck makes a bold statement and is perfect for brides who want to showcase their décolletage and embrace a sexy and trendy look.
Ultimately, the decision between a V-neck or a plunging V-neck should be guided by the bride's personal style, comfort, and what makes her feel the most confident and beautiful. Both styles offer unique advantages and can be customised to create a unique and memorable wedding look.
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Portrait, halter, or boatneck/bateau
Portrait Neckline
The portrait neckline is characterised by a wide, soft scoop from the tip of one shoulder to the other. This formal style is associated with a timeless and regal aesthetic. It is similar to an off-the-shoulder cut and is an elegant way to frame the face. An example of this is the Mikaella Bridal Satin Faille gown, which features an off-the-shoulder portrait collar.
Halter Neckline
The halter neckline is a fun and flirty alternative to traditional wedding dress styles. It creates emphasis at the bust and showcases the shoulders and collarbone. Depending on how much skin you want to show, the halter neckline can be cut deeper or more shallowly, allowing you to display extra cleavage. Chiffon, tulle, and satin are popular fabrics for this style. Halter necklines are perfect for spring or summer weddings, especially for beach or garden venues.
Boatneck/ Bateau Neckline
The boat neck, or bateau, is a sophisticated and timeless neckline. Sitting high on the chest, it has a wide opening that skims the collarbones and tops of the shoulders. This style was popular in the '40s, '50s, and '60s, so it's perfect for a retro-inspired look. Boat necklines are often paired with streamlined satin dresses, tea-length styles, cap sleeves, and ball gown silhouettes. They can be sleeveless or paired with sleeves, depending on your preference.
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Asymmetrical, one-shoulder, or off-the-shoulder
An asymmetrical, one-shoulder, or off-the-shoulder neckline on a wedding dress is a unique and sophisticated style choice. This type of neckline is perfect for brides who want to stand out and showcase their individuality and elegance. The diagonal lines of a one-shoulder dress highlight the bride's delicate frame, feminine features, and perfectly contoured shoulders. This neckline is also versatile and can be dressed up or down to suit any type of wedding.
When choosing a one-shoulder wedding dress, it's important to consider the overall balance of the outfit. The asymmetry of the dress can be emphasised or softened through different hairstyles and accessories. For example, loose waves with a deep, mid, or side part can create a sense of balance that complements the asymmetrical design of the dress, resulting in an effortlessly glamorous look.
Alternatively, a side-swept hairstyle, where the hair is pulled over one shoulder, can add a touch of romance and softness to the overall look while still maintaining the elegance and sophistication of the asymmetrical neckline. For a more dramatic effect, a high ponytail or slicked-back hairstyle can be paired with statement earrings or bridal studs to highlight the dress's sculptural elements and create a bold, contemporary style.
The versatility of the one-shoulder neckline also allows for various customisations and accessories. Delicate bridal earrings, a minimalist veil, or a statement bridal wing can be added to enhance the bride's elegance. Additionally, the unique tailoring of the dress can be accentuated through decorations and other styling choices, ensuring that the bride feels confident and gorgeous on their special day.
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Frequently asked questions
Popular wedding dress necklines include the sweetheart, portrait, halter, high-neck, and boatneck/bateau.
A sweetheart neckline is shaped like the top half of a heart, accentuating the décolletage and creating a longer and leaner appearance.
A halter neckline wraps around the back of the neck instead of having straps that sit on the shoulders. This style is perfect for brides who want to show off their arms, shoulders, and back.
A vintage-style wedding dress can feature a portrait neckline, which is reminiscent of chic special occasion gowns. A boatneck/bateau neckline, which was introduced in the 1920s, can also create a vintage look.
