Looking at wedding dresses for your big day? So exciting! Perhaps you have narrowed down the best silhouettes for you, but do you know about the different wedding dress necklines?
You think you want a sweetheart with off the shoulder straps, however, you are surprised to love the look of a scoop neckline with straps, and the deep V plunge, too. What’s happening? These are so different but you love them and have them all over your Pinterest board. Maybe you like them all and are more overwhelmed than ever.
Finding the right wedding dress simply means finding the one that fits your style and body type. Get started here by learning ten of the most popular wedding dress necklines and how to best wear them!
Sweetheart
The sweetheart neckline is so named because it is in the shape of a heart, dipping down in the front center. It looks beautiful on all dress silhouettes. Every silhouette can be made with a sweetheart – a classic style ball gown will often have this neckline, as do many fit and flares.
The sweetheart is a great choice for brides with:
- Narrow shoulders
- Medium to full bust
- Full hips
The lower dip in a sweetheart neckline varies. Some are subtle, some can be modified to be a little more rounded than pointed, others can be deep exposing more of the upper body.
Plunge
For those modern brides looking for a sleek silhouette, the plunging neckline is an edgy look. This neckline is a slit that extends down the center of your chest past your ribs and even farther to the natural waist, for a statement-making look. Most plunges have a sheer illusion tulle panel that connects the two sides of the bodice so it keep the shape.
The deep plunge looks very flattering on brides with:
- Narrow shoulders
- Medium to small bust
- Short neck
The plunge neckline can also give the illusion of a longer torso and can have a slimming effect.
Halter/High Necklines
The halter neckline wraps around the neck, exposing the shoulders and upper back beautifully. It will typically button or have a hook closure at the back of the neck and halter styles are very flattering on brides with great shoulders and arms!
The halter necklines work well for brides with:
- Medium or full bust
- Broad shoulders
- Hourglass figures
The high neckline is very similar, although there is more fabric covering the top of the bodice.
Bateau
Also known as a boat neckline, the bateau neckline stops at the base of the neck or collarbone and features a wider opening that skims the tops of your shoulders. Very classic, sophisticated, and demure, this neckline goes beautifully with every silhouette.
The bateau neckline is the perfect choice for brides with:
- Narrow shoulders
- Wide hips
- Small bust
- Pear shaped body type
This neckline is often associated with the actress Audrey Hepburn.
V-Necklines
This neckline dips down in the front into the shape of a “V.” Flattering on everyone, this neckline can have straps, cap or short sleeves, off the shoulder and long sleeves. These dresses are usually made with a low coordinating V in the back of the dress, or could have a full illusion back.
The V neckline is the perfect type of dress for those brides with:
- Short torso
- Full bust
- Apple shaped body type
The V-neck is also good for a petite bride, and will make a waist look smaller, shoulders look wider.
Square
A square neckline extends from the shoulder straps to form a straight across line in the center. Similar to the scoop but it affords a little more coverage for a more conservative look. Very chic and modern, the square neckline can create the illusion of a longer neck, provide contrast to curves and draw attention to the collarbone.
This is the best option for brides with:
- Full bust
- Full hips
- Narrow shoulders
- Pear shaped body type
This is a unique neckline and a fun, retro style.
Scoop
The scoop is rounded in the front creating a flattering, feminine effect. It does not dip to a point like the sweetheart so it affords a little more coverage and is very flattering on a larger bust, and also on a petite frame.
Similar to the square neck with a little bit more of a classic bridal look.
Illusion Necklines
The illusion neckline has sheer fabric along the top neckline of the bodice. It gives the “illusion” of a strapless dress, but it offers more coverage and support. Illusions are gorgeous with long sleeve gowns. A dress can have illusion in the front, the back, or both. An illusion neckline can be on a V-neck, plunge neck, sweetheart or other strapless dresses with short or long sleeves.
The mesh can have appliqué or bead work directly on it.
One Shoulder
This neckline has a Grecian flair by draping over one shoulder. The shoulder can be covered with a short or long sleeve, or by a single strap.
This asymmetrical neckline works best for brides with:
- Broad shoulders
- Full bust
- Apple shaped body types
This is an elegant look with a number of fun accessory options you can add to a one shoulder bridal ensemble, such as a long drape over the shoulder, a large rosette or a bow.
Off-the-Shoulder
This neckline is typically strapless in a sweetheart or straight across that sits just below the shoulders and has sleeves draping over the upper arm. The off the shoulder neckline is very romantic and most all body types can wear off the shoulder. These are super pretty and show off the collarbone. You can have off the shoulder straps added to any strapless wedding dress!
And if your wedding dress already has straps that sit on the shoulder, you can add these as well for the cold shoulder look.
The options for wedding dresses can be overwhelming. It is best to make an appointment and begin trying on. At Darianna® Bridal & Tuxedo you will have your own personal bridal stylist who will show you all different types of dress necklines and silhouettes to find the best one for you! If you have a question about any of these, contact us or send us a text message at 215-491-8500. We would be happy to assist you with any questions with regard to wedding dresses, mother of the bride gowns, or tuxedos!