The complete guide to wedding dress necklines – With real bride examples

Wedding Dress Necklines

Wedding dress or outfit shopping can be hard! Some get lucky and just fall in love with the one straight away! If that’s not you and you are doing all the research to find the perfect fit for your style and shape then don’t worry, we have got you! We are covering all you need to know about each wedding dress neckline in today’s blog.

There is so much to consider when it comes to finding your wedding dress and that is why we have created the ultimate wedding dress guide, covering all aspects of wedding dress shapes, styles, and fabrics. We have also covered every wedding dress shopping and fitting question you may have. Head to the wedding dress guide now!

The different wedding dress necklines

1. High neck

Higher necklines are becoming the modern choice! With lots opting for a stunning turtle neck wedding dress.

It is a good choice for brides with a smaller bust, as it helps to create the appearance of a fuller chest.

Body shapes and silhouettes

This neckline is often paired with ball gown silhouettes, as they create a regal and sophisticated look. However, it can also be worn with other silhouettes, such as A-lines and sheaths.

Things to consider

When choosing this neckline, keep in mind that it can be quite formal, so make sure that the overall style of your wedding dress reflects that.

See Full Wedding       Photographer:  Emily Robinson Photography

2. Sweetheart Neckline

The sweetheart neckline is a classic style that flatters many body types. It is good for silhouettes with a fitted bodice and flared skirt, and is perfect for showing off your shoulders and decolletage.

Body shapes and silhouettes

The sweetheart neckline is particularly flattering for hourglass and pear-shaped figures. Finally, think about the silhouette of your dress. The sweetheart neckline is good for both ball gown and A-line silhouettes.

things to consider

First, make sure that the neckline sits how you wish, not too revealing if larger busted, or too high can broaden shoulders. 

See Full Wedding       Photographer: Bottega53

3. Plunging wedding dress neckline

A plunging neckline is a daring choice that can be very flattering. It is good for showing off your assets and can be paired with a variety of silhouettes.

Body shapes and silhouettes

The plunging neckline is especially flattering for hourglass figures, as it accentuates the waist. This neckline can also be paired with almost any silhouette, from ball gown to mermaid.

Things to consider

When choosing this neckline, make sure that you are comfortable with how much cleavage it shows. You usually can’t wear a bra with this choice so make sure you are happy with this for your big day.

See full shoot         Photography & workshop creator – Nicki Sea Photography

4. Portrait neckline

The portrait neckline is a timeless choice that is perfect for showing off your collarbone and shoulders. For a modern take, we have seen some stunning portrait neckline dresses with detachable bridal sleeves.

Body shapes and silhouettes

The portrait neckline is especially flattering for those with slender necks and shoulders, as it creates the illusion of wider shoulders. This neckline can be worn with almost any silhouette, I think it looks great when going for a bridal jumpsuit.

Things to consider

The main thing to consider when choosing this neckline is how much support it will give you. If you are larger busted, you may want to choose a different neckline that will offer more support.

5. One-shoulder

The one-shoulder neckline is a unique and stylish choice. It works so well with simple wedding dresses to add that extra detail while staying elegant.

Body shapes and silhouettes

The one-shoulder neckline suits all body shapes. As it draws the attention to the shoulders it can be great for brides wanting to draw the attention away from the lower half. It is one of the most flattering necklines ever created for all body shapes. It also works with most silhouettes, a floaty

Things to consider

The main thing to consider when choosing this neckline is how much support it will give you. If you are larger busted consider what support is in the dress. This neckline is not for you if looking to cover arms unless you add a strap to the other side.

6. Scoop neckline

A scoop neckline is a neckline that features a low, wide U shape neckline that dips down to the center of the chest. It is an all-around great choice for most people.

Body shapes and silhouettes

Again this neckline suits most shapes and silhouettes.  It is good for silhouettes with a fitted bodice and flared skirt.

Things to consider

With the shape of the neckline, the straps tend to be thicker. This is great for extra support and adding sleeves. If you’re looking for thin straps or strapless this will not be the neckline for you.

7. Straight neckline

A straight-across neckline is a very classical choice and can be very flattering. It can also be called a halter neckline,  as well as a bandeau neckline.

Body shapes and silhouettes

The straight across neckline is good for all body shapes but works best on those with narrower shoulders. This neckline can be worn with most silhouettes but is usually designed with gowns that have a fitted bodice and flared skirt. A great modern choice is a tight straight neckline and floaty, silky fabric all the way down!

Things to consider

depending on the bodice type this neckline can be flattering or unflattering for larger breasts. If tight it can bulge above or push your breast up towards your face.

8. V-neck neckline

The V-neck neckline is one of the most popular and flattering necklines. It can be worn by all body shapes and works with most silhouettes.

Body shapes and silhouettes

Again this neckline is good for most shapes, it works especially well on those with slender necks as it elongates the look of the neck. This neckline can be worn with the mermaid, ballgown, or A-line silhouettes.

Things to consider

The main thing to consider when choosing a V-neck neckline is how low you want the V to go. You also need to make sure that you are comfortable with how much cleavage it shows. The support can be less also.

9. Illusion neckline

An illusion neckline is a neckline that features a transparent fabric over the chest area. It gives the appearance of being strapless while still providing support and coverage.

Body shapes and silhouettes

The illusion neckline looks good on all body shapes, it is great for those looking for extra support. This neckline can be worn with most silhouettes but is usually designed with gowns that have a fitted bodice.

Things to consider

Getting the illusion fabric the right color is super important! It should be invisible in photos. So consider the time of year you marry and if you are lighter than or if you plan on a spray tan.

SEE FULL WEDDING               

10. Boat wedding dress neckline – bateau

A boat neck is a neckline that features a wide, horizontal neckline that sits at the collarbone. It is a very classical and elegant choice. This was Meghan Markle’s wedding dress neckline and with this we have seen a huge comeback for this timeless choice.

Body shapes and silhouettes

This neckline looks great on all body shapes but works best on those with slender necks as it elongates the look of the neck. This neckline can be worn with most silhouettes but is usually designed with gowns with sleeves. This neckline is a great choice for a waterfall-style back detail.

Things to consider

This neckline is definitely more for sleeves and covering up, if you are after showing off your arms and shoulders this neckline is probably not for you.

SEE FULL WEDDING               PHOTOGRAPHER: MIKE BRIGGS

11. Off-the-shoulder neckline

The off-the-shoulder neckline is a very popular choice. This neckline sits off the shoulders and can highlight your collarbone and neck area. For a modern twist add some sleeves, from puffy to pearls it adds a great fashion statement. Make them detachable for two looks in one.

Body shapes and silhouettes

It suits most body types and shows off some skin but in an elegant way. As is also works with pretty much all gown shapes you can definitely find an off-the-shoulder dress to suit everyone.

Things to consider

The biggest thing to consider when choosing an off-the-shoulder wedding dress is support, you can have straps added but this of course will change the look slightly. We have found the newer off-the-shoulder design with the cup bodice and puff sleeves tends to not suit the larger busted ladies.

FULL WEDDING HERE      PHOTOGRAPHER: Love Struck Photo

12. Halter neck

This is a great modern neckline that can offer lots of coverage or be a little sexier. It is a great choice for a simple dress to add that extra detail. Head to our best halter neck wedding dress blog.

Body shapes and Silhouettes

This neckline is good for all shapes but can make the shoulders look broader so if you are looking to slim down this may not be the best choice. This neckline looks great with most silhouettes but probably wouldn’t suit a ballgown. Keep the rest of the dress simple, also work well with a flared wedding jumpsuit.

Things to consider

The things to consider when choosing a halter wedding dress is what kind of back detail you want and also support. A lot of times there is no back so if you are larger busted you will need to make sure the front is supportive enough.

13. Queen Anne neckline

The Queen Anne neckline is a very regal and elegant choice. This neckline is high at the back and dips down into a V at the front. Kate Middleton had a lace queen Anne neckline.

Body shapes and silhouettes

This wedding dress neckline looks great on all body shapes. This neckline can be worn with most silhouettes but is usually designed with ball gowns and line dresses. Following on the more regal feel.

Things to consider

This style is definitely suited to a more traditional wedding day. If you are looking for a modern, fun, relaxed wedding then this may not suit.

Wedding dress necklines 

I hope this helped you understand all the different neckline choice when it come to wedding dress shopping. We are loving the higher neckline that are on trend now! What neckline is your favourite? 

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