A guide to wedding dress necklines

Of the various features that you have to choose carefully in your wedding dress, the neckline is an important one. The right neckline should highlight your facial features, flatter your figure and balance out the proportions of your chest with the rest of your body.

Once you are aware of the effect that different necklines create, finding one that suits your body shape and facial features is relatively easy. This is what we will help you with. Let us look at popular wedding dress necklines, and the body shapes they suit best.

Sweetheart neckline

One of the most popular necklines, the sweetheart softly follows the contours of the bust and dips in the center. It is often seen on gowns without straps, and it emphasizes the decolletage and shoulders. This pattern elongates the neck and torso, and creates a classic Cinderella-style look. It is especially suitable for brides with angular faces and sharp jaw features. Consider this neckline if you are medium to large-chested.

Strapless

This neckline cuts across the chest, drawing focus to your shoulders and arms. It looks best on brides with well-toned shoulders and arms, and are medium-chested. Avoid this design if you have a large chest as it further emphasizes your bust proportions. Similarly, if you are small-chested, it doesn’t really help to add any curves to your figure.

Illusion

The illusion neckline is by and large, one of the biggest trends this year. There is a sheer layer of fabric above the original neckline of the bodice, and this layer ends higher up creating a second neckline for the gown. It is stylish, elegant and exciting, with an air of mystery.

Illusion necklines embellished with lace or metallic embroidery add a sophisticated touch to the gown. This second neckline may be clubbed with any bodice, but it looks prettiest with the sweetheart neckline. The style is universally flattering, and it looks good on most brides. It adds a modest touch to a gown, while still allowing you to look sexy and stylish.

Bateau

Also known as the Sabrina, this high neckline stretches across your shoulders, following the natural curve of your collar bones. It offers extra coverage even while looking chic and enhances the proportions of the bust. The bateau looks best on slender brides with narrow shoulders, and it creates the impression of a fuller chest. Avoid this neckline if you have a large bust, as it draws focus to the chest area.

V-neck

This neckline can be deep or high, and this plunge of the V determines whether the gown looks classic or modern. The shape elongates the neck, and exposes the decolletage and collar bones.

A deep cut V-neckline displays cleavage, and works well on gowns with sleeves and has a slimming effect. The pattern looks good on brides who are apple-shaped or have hourglass figures.

Scoop

Any neckline that has a U-shape is called a scoop neck. Like the V-neck, the depth of the scoop may vary, and accordingly create different looks. It generally suits brides with angular facial features, and a high scoop neckline can provide modest coverage to a bride who is large-chested.

At Best for Bride, we have wedding gowns in all styles and silhouettes. Browse through our online gallery to find the dress (and the neckline) that flatters you, and make a great choice for your big day.