Guide to Wedding Dress Necklines
The neckline of a wedding dress can completely transform your look! Whether you’re going for a classic strapless or a daring v-neck, your neckline silhouette will inform your accessory choices and overall bridal look. When choosing a wedding dress neckline, you’ll want to consider a few factors: accessories, season, bridal style, body type, and hairstyle. While open necklines like an off-the-shoulder silhouette leave your accessory and hair choices wide open, higher necklines like a boat neck are less compatible with large jewelry and complement an updo. But the most important thing to consider when choosing a neckline is how it makes you feel and if it satisfies your wedding dress requirements. While there are plenty of wedding dress necklines to choose from, keep reading for our guide on six of the most popular silhouettes!
Sweetheart/Strapless
One of the most popular wedding dress necklines to consider is the sweetheart neckline. Living up to its name, this type of neckline has a shape that resembles the top of a heart. It will accentuate your bust and give your frame a long and lean appearance. While a sweetheart neckline often accompanies a strapless silhouette, if you like the look of this neckline but want a more modest silhouette, consider a semi-sweetheart neckline that sits higher up on the chest area.
Get the look with our Lyra Gown, which features a sweetheart neckline and 3D floral appliques for a romantic and whimsical bridal look.
Photography by Ria Mackenzie Photography
Photography by Ria Mackenzie Photography
Off-the-Shoulder
Show a bit of skin with an off-the-shoulder neckline. Similar to a strapless wedding dress, an off-the-shoulder neckline leaves the chest area mostly bare, highlighting the shoulders, arms, and collarbone. Perfect for a summer or spring wedding, an off-the-shoulder neckline looks beautiful with a variety of sleeve styles. If you’re going for a classic bridal look, stick to draped off-the-shoulder sleeves. For a more dramatic look, consider an off-the-shoulder neckline with embellished puff or bishop sleeves.
Get the look with our Deb Gown, which features an off-the-shoulder neckline and lace bell sleeves for a modern boho bridal look.
V-Neck or Plunging
While a v-neckline is another popular choice, the plunging neckline is not for the faint of heart. A typical v-neckline will create a v-shape that elongates the appearance of your torso. A plunging neckline takes that silhouette one step further by dipping low into the torso area. If you like this look but are afraid of a wardrobe malfunction, consider a plunging neckline with an illusion panel. Whether you go with a v-neckline or plunging, this neckline style looks great with all types of wedding dress silhouettes and sleeve styles. You can easily balance out the coverage with long sleeves and a ballgown silhouette or double down on the sultriness with a mermaid fit and no sleeves.
Get the look with our Thea Gown, which features a plunging v-neckline and an illusion back for an elegant and sultry bridal look.
Photography by Ria Mackenzie Photography
Photography by Joe Lee Foto
Illusion Neckline
Illusion necklines are the perfect mix of modern and classic. Typically made of soft sheer fabric like tulle or lace, an illusion neckline will look like a strapless or plunging neckline with slightly more coverage. An illusion neckline will extend from the base of the neck into the neckline and sometimes over the shoulders if the wedding dress includes sleeves. If you’re aiming for a seamless look, consider an illusion neckline layered with beaded embellishments or floral appliques that will make the neckline appear as a second skin for a timeless and modern result.
Get the look with our Amelia Gown, which features an illusion neckline with cap sleeves and a ballgown silhouette for a whimsical bridal look.
Boat Neck
A boat neck is a type of high neckline that starts at the base of the neck. Forming an oval shape, this neckline accentuates your collarbones offering ample coverage while still showing a bit of skin. If you’re looking for a neckline that provides more support, this is a great choice, as it is typically paired with thick straps or sleeves that will minimize the need to make dress adjustments throughout your wedding day. While a boat neck is considered a vintage neckline, the addition of sheer fabric or embellishments will give this classic silhouette a modern twist for a bride looking for a trendier wedding dress.
Get the look with ourMichelle Gown, which features an illusion boat neck and crystal-beaded overlay for a chic and vintage-inspired bridal look.
Photography by Ria Mackenzie Photography
Photography by Ria Mackenzie Photography
Square Neckline
A square neckline forms the shape of, you guessed it, a square! This very ‘90s silhouette is a sharp and sleek neckline that follows the shape of your shoulders and bust, which will elongate your frame. While it is an open neckline, the top of the frame can be cut high or low, depending on your preference. For a classic look, opt for a high-cut neckline with long sleeves. If you’re going more modern, consider a low-cut neckline with thin straps and beaded embellishments.
Get the look with our Serena Gown, while it doesn’t have a square neckline, it does feature cape sleeves which give the illusion of this style.
Share this with a bride who is searching for their dream wedding dress and check our blog for more wedding dress shopping tips. Looking for an affordable wedding dress that’s also high quality? Visit our shop for wedding dresses that are all priced at $1,200 or less with a variety of wedding dress necklines!
Other Topics You May Be Interested In
