Hitcheed Guide: A Glossary of Wedding Dress Necklines

In quest to find your perfect dress it’s important to understand the selection of necklines there are to consider. The neckline transforms the silhouette of a dress and can help show off your best assets while drawing attention away from those you’re not too keen to share. So before you take the plunge on your dream gown, we’ve compiled a list of popular necklines available, to help you decide which one might suit you, your wedding and your body type best.

Bateau

The bateau neckline is easily recognisable for it’s softened straight cut that follows the curve of the collar bone, similar to the shape of a boat. It is a modest neckline that can be paired with or without sleeves, an elegant option for a traditional more formal wedding.

Its straight cut covers most of the décolletage, elongating the neck but drawing attention to the chest, making brides look heavier on top; for this reason it’s best suited for brides with smaller chests.

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Halter Neck

A halter neckline sits high on the chest with straps that wrap around the back of the neck for full coverage. An ultra elegant neckline, it looks stunning on taller brides but also on those with broad shoulders, or those that want to accentuate their curves. If you’re conscious of your arms this may be one neckline to avoid.

Modest at the front but with the option to be cut low at the back, this is a graceful neckline that allows you to show a little bit of skin and is suitable for a variety of formalities.

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Illusion

A hugely popular option, the illusion neckline features sheer panels of lace or tulle that extend from the top of the bodice up to the neck. Decorated with intricate lace, embroidery or beading creates stunning, elaborate coverage across the bride’s décolletage for a modest yet alluring look.

This is a universally flattering neckline suitable for brides of all shapes and sizes, especially popular with brides that want demure coverage with a touch of seductive femininity.

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Queen Anne

A unique design, the Queen Anne neckline is high behind the neck with a scoop, sweetheart or deep v-neck at the front, resulting in a highly sophisticated style that is flattering for most body types. The ideal mix of modesty and modernity this neckline is perfect for brides that don’t want to display much cleavage but want to highlight their shoulders and collarbones. It’s a formal style that can be amplified with longer sleeves for extra regal elegance.

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Scoop

The scoop neckline is a round neckline that sits high on the chest, the depth of which can determine the formality of the dress. It is a universally flattering style that creates a balanced look between hips and torso, creating a lovely hourglass effect. Able to be paired with or without sleeves and with a variety of silhouettes, Its classic simplicity draws attention to the collarbones, neck and face and suits a bride looking for a modest and form flattering dress.

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Strapless

As the name suggests this neckline lacks straps and cuts across the chest straight or with a slight curve with support built into the bodice. A classic neckline that shows off the collar bone, this style suits most figures and provides a simple, classic frame without exposing too much skin. Practically speaking brides with larger chests may be wary of this style due to the lack of support, and for those that are conscious of their upper arms, this neckline pairs beautifully with a bolero, stole or veil.

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Sweetheart

By far the most popular of necklines, the sweetheart follows the natural outline of the breasts mimicking the top of a heart, creating an ultra feminine, romantic shape. The centre of the neckline can be subtle for a modest effect or plunge deeper to reveal more décleotage. The heart shape helps enhance the figure giving the illusion of an hourglass shape, perfect for brides that are looking to accentuate their curves.

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One Shoulder

For a neckline with a difference opt for a one shoulder design. This style drapes across a single shoulder leaving the other exposed, a subtly sexy touch for a bride that wants to show some skin without being too risque.

Enhance the neckline with lace or illusion details for a stylish and dramatic design perfect for a fashion forward modern bride.

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Off the Shoulder

A style that is quickly gaining popularity, the off the shoulder neckline features sleeves and a neckline that begin below the shoulder, cutting across the bust in a straight line. It draws attention to the shoulders, collarbones and décolletage and suits brides that want to show these areas off. It’s a fashion forward design that is perfect for showcasing an elaborate hairdo or stunning piece of jewellery.

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V-Neck

Similar to the scoop neck design, this style features a neckline that makes a ‘v’ shape rather than a ‘u’. The v-neck will be forever popular in its simplicity and versatility; from subtly sexy to low-cut and daring, this style is a great choice for most brides as the tip of the ‘v’ brings the eye downwards elongating the body for a more streamlined appearance. Wear your neckline high for a modest and elegant look, or dare to plunge deep for a sultry edge to your silhouette.