The Detailed Guide to Select the Perfect Wedding Dress Neckline

Selecting the ideal neckline that complements your body shape and personal style is crucial to finding the perfect wedding dress. However, the multitude of options available in search seems more manageable.

We have compiled the ultimate style guide to popular wedding dress necklines to simplify the process. Before you try various gowns at a bridal boutique, look at the accompanying graphic to familiarize yourself with different cuts. For a more detailed understanding of each style, continue reading below.

Sweetheart Neckline

The sweetheart neckline mimics the upper part of a heart, offering a universally flattering design. As seen in Aspen 88203 and Sage 88207, this style is known for elongating the neck and torso and complements sleeveless and sleeved gowns. A semi-sweetheart variation features a more subtle dip in the center, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a slightly more conservative appearance on their wedding day.

This design is perfect for brides with a fuller chest, as it beautifully highlights the neckline. Additionally, it complements rectangle body shapes by creating the illusion of a more shapely figure and contributes to the elongation of the neck. Women with smaller busts may find that a semi-sweetheart style is particularly flattering.

Straight Across Neckline

Gwen 85691 features a straight across neckline, characterized by its uncomplicated and strapless design, which gracefully spans the chest area. It complements various body shapes, with a particularly appealing look on individuals with broader shoulders.

If you envision a dress that highlights your arms and shoulders while desiring a more modest coverage than a plunging or sweetheart neckline, the straight neckline is the ideal choice. Straight strapless dresses are an excellent option for brides with smaller busts.

Square Neckline

The square neckline mimics the lower half of a square, allowing for variations in width to highlight the shoulders or achieve a contemporary and bold appearance. This style is frequently featured in dresses with sleeves or straps.

The focus of this neckline is to attract attention to the neck, emphasizing the contrast between the shoulders and waist. Square necklines are particularly effective in elongating the appearance of the neck. They are incredibly flattering for brides with larger busts who aim to create a slimmer shoulder look.

V-Neckline

A v-neck dress is precisely what it sounds like. Our Chloe 85721 and Hayden 87515 dresses feature a neckline that descends in the front in a v-shaped manner, particularly complementing gowns with sleeves and producing a universally flattering appearance.

V-neck bridal gowns are formidable choices as they enhance the bust and contribute to a taller appearance. Women with pear and hourglass figures will appreciate how this neckline brings equilibrium to their hips, while those with rectangular or inverted triangle shapes will find it balances their shoulders.

One-Shoulder Neckline

A dress with a one-shoulder design is relatively straightforward, showcasing a lone strap that diagonally crosses the chest and fastens over a single shoulder. This alternative asymmetrical neckline is perfect for brides seeking to create the illusion of narrower shoulders, highlighting the collarbone and upper arms.

Scoop Neckline

The scoop neck features a U-shaped neckline that can be tailored to different depths, complementing brides of nearly any body type, as seen in our Willow 84363 dress. It descends lower than the jewel-cut neckline, a similar rounded style that sits closer to the throat.

The U-shaped neckline is perfect for individuals who wish to display a hint of cleavage while maintaining additional support. The choice between a narrow or wide scoop neckline depends on the width of your shoulders. If your shoulders are broader, consider a narrow scoop neckline, while those with narrower shoulders should choose dresses with a wider one.

Queen Anne Neckline

The Queen Anne neckline exudes royal elegance with its elevated collar at the back and a gracefully dipped front, typically styled as a scoop or v-neck cut. In our Victoria 84216 dress, the cape is a fashion statement that complements and enhances your figure. This neckline also creates the illusion of a broader torso and has a flattering effect on the shoulders. If you have a smaller bust, this choice would be particularly advantageous.

High Neckline

Elevate your silhouette with high necklines, contributing to a more elongated appearance and offering a timeless and exquisite choice for tall brides. Despite their reputation for modesty, high necklines can exude a playful charm. To avoid a too simple or minimalistic look, consider incorporating decorative elements like lace, pearls, beading, or illusion fabrics. Remember that this style may not be the most flattering option if you have narrow shoulders.

A gown with a high neck showcases a t-shirt or turtleneck-style neckline, fastening in a collar-like manner at the back of the neck. Such dresses can be a bold choice for a non-traditional or fashion-forward bride.

Halter Neckline

A halter neckline usually includes a back with a low-cut design and straps that fasten around the neck. Dresses with halter necklines are perfect for brides who desire to showcase their shoulders and upper back. This is also perfect for brides with sporty physiques, for flaunting their figure, and can create the illusion of added height for petite brides.

Off The Shoulder Neckline

A romantic design, the off-the-shoulder neckline gracefully descends just beneath the shoulders, elegantly highlighting the face, neck, collarbone, and shoulders. Julie 7034, a wedding gown with a trumpet-style silhouette, off-the-shoulder design, and lace cutouts at the sides, is bound to captivate.

Bateau Neckline

A boat neck, also known as a bateau neckline, exudes elegance by tracing the contour of your collarbone and extending to the edges of your shoulders. This is why numerous royal brides, such as Meghan Markle, have opted for this design as they walk down the aisle. Interestingly, the bateau neckline is also known as Sabrina, inspired by Audrey Hepburn's dresses in the 1954 film. Additionally, it is favored by individuals with hourglass and pear-shaped figures, as it effectively balances the look of wider hips and narrower shoulders.

Illusion Neckline

Illusion necklines, increasingly favored in recent years, showcase a surge in popularity. They incorporate transparent fabric or lace along the upper part of the bodice, extending to create a stylish effect near the neck. The intricacy and distinctiveness of these necklines can be tailored to match the bride's style. This can also be embellished with lace, pearls, or intricate beadwork; drawing attention to your neck, arms, and shoulders is a lovely method.

Once you've found the ideal neckline, explore our wide range of wedding dresses at Amarra!