Wedding Dress Necklines
Choosing the right neckline for your body type and style is an essential part of selecting the perfect wedding gown, but with so many different options, the search can be incredibly overwhelming.
Today, we’re breaking down some of the most popular styles in a user-friendly wedding dress neckline style guide so that you can get a grip on the terminology before stepping into a bridal boutique to try on a variety of gowns! Check out the graphic below to determine what cut you may like, and read further for an in-depth description of each style.
Wedding Dress Sweetheart Neckline
The sweetheart neckline is shaped like the top of a heart. It is an almost universally flattering style, as it elongates the neck and torso, and works on gowns both with and without sleeves or straps. A semi-sweetheart has a less-pronounced dip in the center than a traditional sweetheart neckline, which is perfect for a more conservative wedding day look.
Straight Across Bridal Gown Neckline
A straight across neckline is a simple, strapless cut that flows across the chest. This neckline flatters many body types, but is especially nice on women with broader shoulders.
Square Wedding Dress Neckline
The square neckline follows the same shape as the bottom half of a square. This neckline can be cut wider to show off more shoulder, or lower for a more modern, edgy look, and is often seen on gowns with straps or sleeves.
V-Neck Bridal Gown Neckline
A v-neck gown is exactly as it sounds – the neckline dips down in the front in a v-shape, which works especially well with gowns that have sleeves of any type, and creates a universal slimming effect.
One-Shoulder Wedding Dress Neckline
A one-shoulder gown is fairly self-explanatory – it features a single strap that cuts asymmetrically across the chest and secures over one shoulder. This modern neckline is perfect for showing off your shoulders, collarbone, and upper arms.
Wedding Dress Scoop Neckline
The scoop neck is a u-shaped neckline that can be cut to varying depths to flatter brides of almost any shape. A scoop neckline falls lower than the similar jewel cut neckline, which is also rounded, but fits closer to the throat.
Queen Anne Wedding Gown Neckline
The Queen Anne neckline is a regal cut featuring a high collar in the back, and a dipped neckline, usually a scoop or v-neck cut, in the front.
High-Neck Wedding Dress Neckline
A high neck gown features a t-shirt or turtleneck neckline that secures in a collar-like fashion around the back of the neck. These gowns can be extremely edgy for the offbeat or high fashion bride.
Wedding Dress Halter Neckline
A halter neckline typically features a low-cut back with straps that tie around the neck. Halter gowns are ideal for brides who want to show off their shoulders and upper back.
Off The Shoulder Bridal Gown Neckline
An off the shoulder neckline is a romantic style that falls just below the shoulders and beautifully frames the face, neck, collarbone and shoulders.
Bateau Wedding Dress Neckline
A bateau, or boat neck, is an elegant look that follows the curve of your collarbone all the way to the edges of your shoulders.
Illusion Wedding Gown Neckline
Illusion necklines, which have seen a huge boost in popularity over the past several years, feature sheer fabric or lace along the top of the bodice that extends to fit near the neck. These necklines can be as detailed and unique as the bride!
Check out all our local bridal gown vendors to find your perfect dress!
Source for photos used in mood board.
