Guides

Your Guide to the Best Bridal Necklines

Strapless, Sweetheart, V-neck...oh my! With so many neckline styles to choose from, how is a bride ever to decide?

Navigating the world of modern day bridal fashion is hard enough. And when it comes to picking the best neckline for you, most brides are at a complete loss. With so many cuts, styles and designs - knowing what is best for you can be completely overwhelming. So today we are breaking down the top bridal neckline styles so that you can determine which styles you love most!

Sweetheart

Who can resist the romantic style of a sweetheart neckline? Sweetheart necklines are low cut and shaped like the top of a heart across the bust. A sweetheart neckline is both classic and sexy. Both Cinderella and Helen of Troy!

Who is it for: Sweetheart necklines are for the hopeless romantic bride. These styles are sweet and sexy and are the perfect style for a fairytale romance wedding day.

What body types does it flatter: Sweetheart necklines are great for brides with smaller busts, because the cut out shape of the style will give these brides some shape. Yet at the same time, brides with a fuller bust may love a sweetheart cut to show off a little extra cleavage!

Here are some of our favorites:

01. Sweetheart Ball Gown

Theia/Brides.com
Theia/Brides.com

What bride can resist a classic strapless sweetheart neckline ball gown? It is hard to find anything that will make you feel more like a princess on your big day than this.

02. Sweetheart Slip

Half Penny London
Half Penny London

We love the combination of a sleek slip dress with a romantic sweetheart neckline. The sweetheart cut adds shape to the bust of this otherwise slickly draped style.

03. Feminine Sweetheart

Lihi Hod
Lihi Hod

We are just in love with the delicate, feminine style of this next sweetheart neckline bridal style. The sweetheart neckline of this gown gives it a girly, romantic feel.

04. Ultra Modern

Pnina Tornai
Pnina Tornai

Our next sweetheart neckline bridal gown isn't as sweet as some of the others. This ultra modern, edgy sweetheart cut is truly unique and gives an entirely different feel to this gown.

05. Fit & Flare Sweetheart

Isabelle Armstrong
Isabelle Armstrong

Last, we have a lace fit & flare wedding gown from Isabelle Armstrong with a subtle sweetheart neckline that adds a touch of feminine romance to this clean style.

Halter

Halter neckline styles feature straps that tie at the back of the neck. Typically with halter styles you get a contrast between a high neck cut, and an open back design. This can be a very flattering and stylish look for a modern bride.

Who is it for: Brides who want modern style, and big drama on their big day. A halter neckline is a great way to add some drama to your big day style by showing off your favorite assets - especially your shoulders and back.

What body types does it flatter: Halter cut gowns can be perfect for fuller chested brides that want a little extra coverage and support on their big day. But with many halter gowns featuring an open back style, you don't have to sacrifice feeling sultry on your big day. But if you are a bride with a very full chest, make sure a halter cut isn't putting too much pressure on the back of your neck.

Here are some of our favorites:

01. Blushing High Low

Ines di Santo
Ines di Santo

We are absolutely in love with this blushing high-low halter neckline wedding gown from Ines di Santo. This look is so girly and fashion forward. And who doesn't love that collared neckline?

02. Breezy Boho

Rebecca Schoneveld/Brides.com
Rebecca Schoneveld/Brides.com

A breezy bohemian inspired halter neckline bridal style that is simply stunning. The high neck halter cut gives you a modest bust, but open shoulders and a deep front slit add just the right touch of sexy appeal.

03. Clean Crepe

Alexandra Grecco/Brides.com
Alexandra Grecco/Brides.com

This next halter neckline bridal style is sleek and sophisticated. A high neck, halter combination that gives it a timeless and modest feel. Really show off your shoulders and back with this cut.

04. Halter Jumpsuit

Steven Birnbaum/Brides.com
Steven Birnbaum/Brides.com

A halter neckline pairs beautifully with a chic bridal jumpsuit style. A stylish, trendy way to wear this classic neckline. This halter neckline adds a very timeless and glamorous finish to this otherwise contemporary bridal style

05. Goddess Halter

Carol Hannah/Brides.com
Carol Hannah/Brides.com

Our next halter wedding gown is a stunning goddess worthy design from Carol Hannah. This ethereal gown is a great way to rock a halter neckline in a modest and feminine way.

V-Neck

Neck up we have the classic V-Neckline. It is really hard to go wrong with a classic style like this. And with the rise of the plunging neckline, v-cut gowns are more exciting than ever.

Who is it for: A bride craving classic simplicity or contemporary drama. V-neck styles can be simple and modest, while also being modern and dramatic. So whether you are craving a simple classic cut, or looking for something a bit more dramatic and plunging, a V-neck style might be the perfect fit for you.

What body types does it flatter: Because of the V shape, these necklines draw the eye down the center of the bride, and tend to be quite slimming. It you want to show off a little cleavage, a V-neck gown has you covered. Or if you love the sultry style of a plunging illusion neckline, a deep V-neck gown will be absolutely dreamy.

Here are some of our favorites:

01. Deep V Glam

Reem Acra/Brides.com
Reem Acra/Brides.com

Embrace the classic v-neckline in a contemporary way like this plunging neckline gown from Reem Acra. We love the mix of traditional and contemporary influences here.

02. Sultry & Romantic

Ines di Santo
Ines di Santo

Feel sultry and romantic in this next v-neckline cut wedding gown from Ines di Santo. The plunging neckline of this gown is beautifully accented by a high front slit cut.

03. Effortless V

Sophie et Voila
Sophie et Voila

This next V-neckline wedding gown style is a bit more classic and subtle. The v-neckline on this gown is classy and absolutely effortless.

04. Clean Cut V

Half Penny London
Half Penny London

Half Penny London brings us our next V-neckline wedding style with this playful contemporary two piece. The clean and hard cut V-neckline really pops compared to the soft fabric and ruffle accents of the rest of the gown.

05. Wrapped V

Half Penny London
Half Penny London

Most wrap styled wedding gowns will feature a V-neckline cut. Wrap styles are classic, and so flattering on most body types. A wrapped V-neckline style like this has a very sleek and slimming effect.

Square

A square neckline design is just as it sounds - featuring a straight cut bust that connects to straps at a right angle, creating the three sides of a square or rectangle.

Who is it for: Square necklines typically have a very elegant and formal feel to them. So this can be perfect for a bride who is looking for a dignified, regal look for her big day.

What body types does it flatter: The square cut of this neckline has a broadening effect. It can give a bride the appearance of broader shoulders, and is perfect for balancing out a rounder face!

Here are some of our favorites:

01. Square Princess

Ines di Santo
Ines di Santo

This first square neckline cut wedding gown is classic and romantic. A stunning princess worthy gown that is sweet and elegant. The square cut of this neckline has a slight rounded dip to it for a softer feel. And the wide cut broadens the brides neck and chest for a very open feel, without sacrificing any coverage or support!

02. Clean Square

Leanne Marshall
Leanne Marshall

Clean and classic. This next square neckline is classy and elegant. A no fuss style that broadens the brides neck and chest are while still giving optimal coverage and support!

03. Square Simplicity

Alexandra Grecco
Alexandra Grecco

This next square neckline style is a stunning sleek design from Alexandra Grecco. The square neckline is very open in a clean and simple way. A slight V cut out adds just a pop of excitement to this sophisticated style.

04. Scooped Square

Jenny Yoo
Jenny Yoo

This next sleek and simple ball gown from Jenny Yoo features a slightly scooped wide square neckline that is sophisticated and feminine. The ultra wide cut gives a very open appearance that really shows off the brides neck and chest. Perfect for showing off a statement necklace or hairstyle.

05. Spaghetti Strap Square

Alexandra Grecco
Alexandra Grecco

This square neckline style is simple and chic. It has a very one feel while also lending excellent coverage and support. This look is all about the bride's natural feminine beauty - no fuss.

Strapless

The every-so-popular strapless neckline is up next. These necklines feature no straps or sleeves and fit snuggly around the bust.

Who is it for: A strapless style is chic, clean & elegant. This style is for the bride looking to show off everything above the chest. Neck, shoulders, upper back and of course her stunning wedding day hair and makeup. Strapless designs also help you show off a gorgeous statement necklace on your big day.

What body types does it flatter: If a bride has a larger bust, a strapless style may not be the most comfortable. Since strapless gowns do not feature any straps or sleeves, they give a lot less support than other necklines do. So if you are looking for support, avoid strapless styles.

Here are some of our favorites:

01. Classic Strapless

Marchesa
Marchesa

Let's start things off with a classic A-line cut strapless gown from Marchesa. This neckline cut is sleek, simple and effortlessly elegant.

02. Strapless V

Leanne Marshall
Leanne Marshall

Take things to whole new level with this strapless neckline style with a V slit accent. This style combines a strapless neckline with a v-neck cut. A fun, unique combination!

03. Strapless Corset

Marchesa
Marchesa

A corset cut is such a popular style when it comes to strapless neckline wedding gowns. This form fitted strapless look will hug all of your curves.

04. Tiered Strapless

Honor Bridal/Brides.com
Honor Bridal/Brides.com

A strapless neckline is a gorgeous finish to this unique tiered wedding gown. A clean neckline looks gorgeous with the otherwise dramatic texture of this gown.

05. Princess Ball Gown

Monique Lhuillier
Monique Lhuillier

Our last strapless neckline wedding gown style is the ever so popular strapless ball gown. This princess worthy cut is loved by brides everywhere. Sophisticated, glamorous, and regal. Plus, who doesn't want to look like a princess on their big day?

One Shoulder

This next neckline is pretty self explanatory. A one shoulder neckline style features a single strap or sleeve, leaving the opposite arm and shoulder open.

Who is it for: A one shoulder neckline style is perfect for a bride who is craving something different. Single shoulder neckline styles tend to be slightly less common, so they create an element of excitement and surprise!

What body types does it flatter: If you are looking for the open feel of a strapless gown, but need a bit more support, a one shoulder neckline might be perfect for you. Show off a little extra shoulder and neck, while showcasing a ultra glam wedding day hairstyle!

Here are some of our favorites:

01. Single & Sleek

Naeem Khan
Naeem Khan

Naeem Khan brings us a sleek and chic one shoulder neckline style that is this luxe style is so glamorous and unique.

02. Something Blue

Inbal Dror
Inbal Dror
Inbal Dror

Inbal Dror brings us a truly one of a kind one shoulder neckline wedding gown in a stunning blue color. The single shoulder cut of this gown is feminine and unique in a bold way.

03. Timeless Column

Bo and Luca
Bo and Luca

Embrace a timeless style like this single shoulder cut wedding gown from Bo and Luca. The one shoulder sleeve with slight shoulder puff design is surprising, yet effortless. Get the best of both worlds - strapless and full length sleeve - with this stunning style.

04. Sleeveless Single

Dany Mizrachi
Dany Mizrachi

Single shoulder neckline cuts don't always feature a single sleeve. We love this sleeveless single shoulder cut. It adds a unique asymmetric feel to the top of the gown, while still being soft and subtle. This really gives you the open feel of a strapless style, but with the coverage and support some brides desire.

05. Couture One Shoulder

Vera Wang
Vera Wang

We are getting couture with this last single shoulder neckline bridal style. Vera Wang brings us a dramatic cut out single shoulder contemporary wedding style that is utterly stunning. This look gives you modest chest coverage, while still showing off plenty of skin with the side cut outs!

Scoop

A scoop neckline creates a U shaped rounded cut. Scoop necklines tend to have a very flattering and feminine feel to them.

Who is it for: A bride who is looking to show off a little chest, while keeping this sweet and clean. Although, depending on how car the scoop goes, these looks can get quite daring.

What body types does it flatter: Scoop necklines are classic and flatter just about every body type. The only thing to watch out for is the size of the scoop. If you are not looking to show any cleavage, some scoop neckline styles may not suit your tastes.

Here are some of our favorites:

01. Modest Scoop

Half Penny London
Half Penny London

Half Penny London brings us a gorgeous contemporary wedding style that features a soft, feminine scoop neckline. This scoop style is modest, soft and simple.

02. Feminine Scoop

Leanne Marshall
Leanne Marshall

We love the low-cut rounded scoop neckline of this next style from Leanne Marshall. It adds a very feminine touch to a classic scoop neck design by showing a bit more skin and finishing the style with delicate spaghetti straps. This cut would be a slightly less modest scoop for brides with fuller chests.

03. Wide Scoop

Alexandra Grecco
Alexandra Grecco

This next scoop neckline gown features a stunning wide cut scoop with delicate floral petals peaking out from the edges. This style has a very classic, feminine and romantic feel.

04. Glam Scoop

Rime Arodaky/Brides.com
Rime Arodaky/Brides.com

Rime Arodaky brings us our next scoop neckline cut bridal style. The smooth, wide scooped neckline paired with the barely there cap sleeves create a timeless, ultra glam style. This cut definitely has an effortless, old Hollywood glam feel to it.

05. Pearl Scoop

Lee Petra Grebenau/Brides.com
Lee Petra Grebenau/Brides.com

The wide scoop neckline is the perfect elegant finish to this all over pearl accented gown. A timeless style mixed with a contemporary textured design. The wide scoop is so flattering and is perfect for showcasing a bold accent necklace.

High Neck

Let's take things to new heights with our next bridal neckline style...the high neck. High neck cuts hit at the bottom of a rides neck, or even higher for a turtleneck-like look.

Who is it for: High neck wedding styles have a very regal and modern feel to them. So if you are looking for a high fashion feel, a high neck style may just be perfect for you.

What body types does it flatter: High necks are great for concealing a fuller chest (of a smaller one for that matter). High neck cuts typically feature dramatic open backs, so these are great for brides looking to show off a little extra shoulder and back on their big day!

Here are some of our favorites:

01. High on Silk

Danielle Frankel
Danielle Frankel

This sleek, silk high neck wedding gown is stunning and sophisticated. An effortless modern wedding style that keeps things clean and classy.

02. Unique Cut

Ines di Santo
Ines di Santo

Where are our couture fashion loving babes out there. Are you not in love with this unique high neck cut wedding gown from Ines Di Santo? This look has traditional influences infused into a contemporary designed bridal style.

03. Ultra High Neck

Suzanne Harward
Suzanne Harward

We love the ultra high neck and side cut out design of this next wedding style. This looks shows how you can have the modesty of a high neckline, without sacrificing the sexy appeal of showing off some extra skin!

04. Collared High Neck

Laure de Sagazan
Laure de Sagazan

Take this neckline style to the extreme like with this ultra high neck collared bridal style from Laure de Sagazan. A high fashion, artistic neckline that is sophisticated and contemporary.

05. High on Lace

Rebecca Schoneveld/Brides.com
Rebecca Schoneveld/Brides.com

Our last high neckline wedding gown comes from Rebecca Schoneveld. This sophisticated lace high neck gown gives you modest check coverage while still having a feminine feel with its semi-sheer appearance.

Off the Shoulder

Bring on some princess worthy romance with our next neckline cut - off the shoulder. Off the shoulder necklines have straps that do not rest at the tops of the shoulders, but rather drape off the side of them.

Who is it for: Off the shoulder styles are for the ultra romantic bride. If you are looking to show off a little extra shoulder and neck on your big day, then try some off the shoulder styles! And just like a strapless neckline, off the shoulder cuts are great for showcasing your hairstyle or a little extra bling on your big day.

What body types does it flatter: Off the shoulder necklines give a romantic, flattering feel to any body type. But, for brides with a fuller chest, this style may not give you the support you need for your big day - so be sure to try on different off the shoulder cuts.

Here are some of our favorites:

01. Couture Off the Shoulder

Danielle Frankel
Danielle Frankel

We love the couture, fashion forward feel of this off the shoulder wedding gown from Danielle Frankel. The off the shoulder and v-neck combination of this gown showcases the bride's neck and shoulders beautifully. Perfect for showing off those statement earrings!

02. Clean Romance

Lela Rose
Lela Rose

This next off the shoulder wedding gown has a very clean, romantic look. This easy to wear, flattering cut would look amazing on so many brides. Show off a little extra shoulder in a feminine and classy way.

03. Shoulder Drama

Lela Rose
Lela Rose

This next off the shoulder neckline gown really brings the drama. The off the shoulder cut is more drastic on this gown than others for a bold, wedding day style. Remember - for our brides needing a bit more support, this low cut off the shoulder design may not be the best choice. But if you are really looking to show off some shoulder in a dramatic way, a cut like this would be perfect!

04. Draped Shoulders

Zuhair Murad
Zuhair Murad

Zuhair Murad brings us our next off the shoulder neckline wedding gown with this stunning unique draped sleeve look. This romantic, fairytale worthy ball gown is drastically stunning.

05. Princess Vibes

Suzanne Harward
Suzanne Harward

We love the princess worthy feel of this next romantic off the shoulder style. Semi sheer, gathered tulle off the shoulder sleeves give this look a dreamy ethereal feel.

Boatneck/Bateau

Boatneck cuts follows the natural curve of a brides collar bone, creating a wider opening neckline that cuts across the tops of the shoulders. Think of the happy medium between a scoop neck and off the shoulder neckline style!

Who is it for: These necklines will give you the more open feel of an off the shoulder or strapless style, while still giving you support at the shoulders. Have you cake and eat it too with a classy bateau style!

What body types does it flatter: This classy style is flattering for so many body types. It shows off just the right amount of neck, shoulder, and chest - while keeping you supported and classy for your big day!

Here are some of our favorites:

01. Clean Elegance

Sophie et Voila
Sophie et Voila

This bateau neckline wedding gown from Sophie et Voila is effortless and classy. This neckline gives a very open, yet modest and polished appearance.

02. Polished Glam

Jenny Yoo
Jenny Yoo

This next boatneck style wedding gown shows just how classic and elegant this neckline cut is. This modest and polished style is truly effortless and regal.

03. Sleek Sophistication

Theia/Brides.com
Theia/Brides.com

Another boatneck wedding gown that shows just how sophisticated and timeless this neckline style is. The modest neckline of this gown is balanced by a sleek formfitting silhouette. When it comes to fit - this cut is modest through the neckline, but will definitely hug a bride through the hips

04. Clean Slip

Savannah Miller/Brides.com
Savannah Miller/Brides.com

A modest and sophisticated boatneck neckline wedding gown with a delicate form hugging silhouette. This clean, no-fuss boatneck wedding gown is regal and timeless.

05. Romantic Lace

Jenny Yoo
Jenny Yoo

Next we have a lace boatneck style that is elegant and romantic. The boatneck cut of this neckline really adds to the already romantic and feminine feel of this lace gown. With full length sleeves, this boatneck wedding gown has a more modest feel to it.

Illusion

Illusion necklines are all about drama and surprise. These styles give a barely-there appearance, while still giving a bride the slight support and coverage she needs.

Who is it for: Illusion necklines are very on trend at the moment, so if you are a fashion forward bride, these exciting styles might be just what you are looking for!

What body types does it flatter: Illusion necklines can flatter most body types depending on their unique style and cut. Illusion necklines may combine with another neckline design such as off-the-shoulder or v-neck - so refer to the other cuts where needed.

Here are some of our favorites:

01. Illusion Sweetheart

Viktor Rolf
Viktor Rolf

We love this illusion cap sleeve neckline that covers a romantic sweetheart cut underneath.

02. Sheer Illusion

Sophie et Voila
Sophie et Voila

Our next illusion neckline gown has a super sheer appearance to it that makes it almost completely invisible. A look like this makes appliqué elements (like florals) seem to float effortlessly against the bride.

03. Illusion Sleeves

Suzanne Harward
Suzanne Harward

The illusion neckline style works beautifully with sleeved wedding gowns. Because of the sheer illusion tulle, the sleeves of this gown blend in effortlessly into the rest of the gown.

04. Short Sleeve Illusions

Rime Arodaky/Brides.com
Rime Arodaky/Brides.com

We love the short sleeve illusion design of this next illusion neckline bridal style. This illusion neckline is sweet and feminine while also being contemporary and edgy.

05. Strapless Illusion

Lee Petra Grebenau/Brides.com
Lee Petra Grebenau/Brides.com

Our last illusion neckline style showcases this design in a slightly different way. A strapless illusion off the shoulder cut is a truly one of a kind style that is romantic and feminine. A great way to incorporate an illusion neckline cut, while still having your shoulders and neck completely open.

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