15 Wedding Dress Necklines Every Bride Should Consider

August 17, 2024

Choosing a wedding dress can feel overwhelming. The options seem endless. The neckline, in particular, can make or break the entire look. With so many styles to choose from, it’s easy to feel unsure about which one will suit you best.

The wrong neckline can throw off your proportions, draw attention to areas you’d rather not highlight, or simply clash with the overall vibe you’re going for.

But don’t worry - there’s a perfect neckline out there for every bride. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 15 wedding dress necklines. We’ll cover:

Sweetheart
V-Neck
Plunging
Straight
Square
Scoop
Cowl
Boat/Bateau
Jewel
High
Halter
Off-the-Shoulder
One-Shoulder
Illusion
Queen Anne

Sweetheart: The Romantic Classic

The sweetheart neckline is a bridal favorite, and for good reason. Shaped like the top of a heart, this neckline is incredibly flattering. It enhances your bust and creates the illusion of curves.

Ideal For: Brides with a fuller bust or those looking to add a touch of romantic femininity to their look.
Styling Tips: Opt for the classic strapless sweetheart, or modernize it with delicate straps or off-the-shoulder sleeves for a fresh twist.

Shop Sweetheart Neckline Wedding Dresses

V-Neck: Elegant and Elongating

The v-neckline is another versatile favorite. Its V shape elongates the neck, creating a slimming effect. This neckline can be daring or modest, depending on how low the V goes.

Ideal For: Brides with a petite frame or a fuller bust, aiming to add height and balance proportions.
Styling Tips: Go for a deep V-neck to make a bold statement with lace or beading, or choose a higher V for a modest yet elongating effect.

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Plunging: Daring and Bold

The plunging neckline is for the bride who isn’t afraid to make a statement. This deep V-shape dips low, creating a dramatic, eye-catching look.

Ideal For: Brides seeking to make a dramatic statement while adding sophistication to their look.

Styling Tips: Pair a plunging neckline with a fitted bodice to balance the daring cut, and consider illusion mesh or lace for added support.

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Straight: Clean and Contemporary

The straight neckline offers a clean, straight-across cut that provides a modern and structured look. It’s an excellent choice for brides seeking simplicity with a hint of elegance.

Ideal For: Brides who prefer a minimalist look or want a balanced appearance for broader shoulders.
Styling Tips: Combine a straight neckline with a sleek, fitted gown or add a dramatic skirt for contrast. It works well with both strapless and spaghetti strap designs.

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Square: Structured and Sophisticated

The square neckline is sharp and angular, creating a balanced frame for the face and shoulders. It’s a great choice for brides who want a structured, sophisticated look.

Ideal For: Brides with rounder or softer facial features, or those seeking a more modern, fashion-forward style.
Styling Tips: Enhance this neckline with puffed sleeves or keep it minimalist for a chic, contemporary vibe.

Shop Square Neckline Wedding Dresses

Scoop: Simple and Universally Flattering

The scoop neckline is a U-shaped neckline that softly curves down the chest. It’s a versatile, universally flattering style that works well with any body type.

Ideal For: Brides of all body types, particularly those who want a classic and understated look.
Styling Tips: Pair a scoop neckline with a simple, clean silhouette for a timeless appeal, or add layers of tulle for a touch of romance.

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Cowl: Soft and Draped

The cowl neckline is characterized by its soft, draped folds that create a relaxed and elegant look. This neckline adds a touch of vintage charm and can be both romantic and sophisticated.

Ideal For: Brides desiring a graceful, understated look or those looking to add volume to the bust area.
Styling Tips: Complement a cowl neckline with a fitted dress or a flowing gown to achieve a soft, ethereal effect, keeping the focus on the draped fabric.

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Boat/Bateau: Graceful and Elegant

The boat neckline, or bateau, is a wide, horizontal neckline that follows the curve of the collarbone. It’s often associated with vintage elegance and was famously worn by Meghan Markle at her wedding.

Ideal For: Brides with a smaller bust or those seeking a classic, refined appearance.
Styling Tips: Pair a boat neckline with an A-line or ball gown silhouette to enhance its regal quality, and consider long sleeves for a timeless look.

Shop Boat Neckline Wedding Dresses

Jewel: Modest and Refined

The jewel neckline is a round, high neckline that closely encircles the base of the neck. It offers a modest and elegant appearance, perfect for brides who want a bit more coverage.

Ideal For: Brides with a smaller bust or those looking for a vintage-inspired, sophisticated style.
Styling Tips: Accentuate a jewel neckline with intricate detailing or embroidery around the neckline to draw attention to the face.

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High: Modest and Chic

The high neckline covers the chest and often extends up to the collar, offering a modest yet elegant appearance. It’s perfect for brides who want a bit more coverage without sacrificing style.

Ideal For: Brides with long necks and defined jawlines, or those seeking a modest yet elegant appearance.
Styling Tips: Choose a high neckline with lace or beading for added texture, making it especially striking in vintage-inspired or boho dresses.

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Halter: Modern and Sophisticated

The halter neckline is for the bride who wants to show off her shoulders and back in a chic, modern way. This neckline wraps around your neck, leaving your shoulders exposed and often featuring an open back.

Ideal For: Brides with an athletic build or broader shoulders, looking to highlight their upper body.
Styling Tips: Pair a halter neckline with a sleek, modern dress style or add embellishments for a more glamorous touch.

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Off-the-Shoulder: Effortlessly Romantic

If you’re dreaming of a romantic vibe, the off-the-shoulder neckline might be your perfect match. This neckline drapes across your shoulders, highlighting your collarbone and adding a touch of whimsy to your look.

Ideal For: Brides with toned shoulders and arms who want to showcase them.
Styling Tips: Match an off-the-shoulder neckline with a fitted silhouette or a flowy skirt for a balanced, romantic look.

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One-Shoulder: Bold and Modern

The One-Shoulder neckline is an asymmetrical design that features a single shoulder strap, creating a bold and modern look. It’s perfect for brides who want to make a statement.

Ideal For: Brides wanting to stand out with a unique, contemporary style.
Styling Tips: Highlight the one-shoulder design with a sleek, fitted dress, or add a dramatic train for extra impact.

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Illusion: Subtle and Stylish

The Illusion neckline is perfect for brides who want a bit of coverage without sacrificing style. This semi-sheer fabric creates the illusion of a strapless or plunging neckline while providing support and modesty.

Ideal For: Brides who want a modest yet fashionable appearance, or those who love intricate details.
Styling Tips: Opt for an illusion neckline with floral or geometric patterns to add a contemporary twist, pairing well with both modern and vintage-inspired dresses.

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Queen Anne: Regal and Timeless

The Queen Anne neckline is characterized by its sophisticated design, featuring a structured neckline that typically curves into a sweetheart or v shape at the front while offering more coverage and support around the back and shoulders.

Ideal For: Brides who want to highlight their décolletage while maintaining a classic and elegant look.
Styling Tips: Combine a Queen Anne neckline with a fitted bodice and a dramatic skirt to emphasize the neckline’s unique shape and vintage appeal.

Shop Queen Anne Neckline Wedding Dresses

Conclusion

Choosing the right wedding dress neckline is an important step in finding your perfect gown. Each neckline offers something unique, whether it's romance, sophistication, or boldness. Take the time to try on different styles and see how each one makes you feel. Ultimately, the best neckline is the one that makes you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself on your big day.

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