Your Guide to Wedding Gown Necklines and How to Wear Them
If you have done your homework and already know which silhouettes and dress shapes suit your body type, then it is time to move into the wonderful world of necklines. The décolletage is a seductive feature on the feminine figure that the right neckline will accentuate. Not everyone is flattered by halter- or high-neck wedding gowns, so it is essential that you explore styles that will suit you. Thankfully, here at Timeless Bridal Couture, we have plenty of options from which to choose.
The Traditional Sweetheart
Whether small- or large-busted, a sweetheart is a neckline that most brides adore. This neckline cups the natural curves of the bust in the form of the top half of a heart. Innocent and playful, wedding gowns with sweetheart necks usually complement most brides’ upper bodies. At Timeless Bridal Couture, we have several sweetheart wedding gowns, such as the Jane from the Colet by Nicole Spose collection.
The Shoulder-Baring Strapless
Brides who wish to show off their décolletage will not find a better option than a strapless dress. While a strapless may refer to any neckline (such as sweetheart or V-neck) without straps, strapless necklines generally tend to “strap” straight across the chest with little to only a slight curvature in the neckline. The Olva by Modeca is an excellent example of a strapless dress with a minimal sweetheart neckline.
The Regal Racer
A racer neckline is similar to a boat neck, except that it is higher and exposes more of the shoulders. Wedding gowns with racer necks look gorgeous on brides with slender shoulders and upper arms. The Leila dress from the Colet by Nicole Spose collection is a breathtaking mermaid crepe dress that features an illusion back and racer neck.
The Standard V-Neck
The V-neck is a type of neckline that opens at the chest in the form of a “V”. This style is versatile and can be worn by just about any body type, but especially those seeking to elongate their necks. Brides with a smaller bust should opt for V-neck wedding gowns with less of a plunge, as the bust looks naturally larger when met with the tip of the V form. The Dover design by Modeca is a great example of a detailed V-neck wedding dress in satin and lace.
The Plunging V-Neck
Would you like to be bold, dramatic, and daring? Plunging V-necks (sometimes called décolleté necklines) provide the same seductive shape as the standard V-neck, but plunge farther, usually past the cleavage. Those with larger busts and short upper bodies will enjoy the elongating effect of plunging necklines. For double the plunge, we recommend our Alexia by Modeca, which features a deep V-neck and V-back.
The Beautiful Bardot
The bardot neckline is similar to a boat neck except that it falls entirely off the shoulder. It, therefore, provides brides with the same effect as a strapless dress but works well for those trying to conceal part of their upper arms. Women with a fuller torso look fantastic in bardot necklines as the style draws the eye up to the neck, collar bone, and shoulders. Stella York’s 6865 design is a striking example of how classic an off-shoulder ballgown can look.
The To-Die-For Bateau
The bateau, or boat neck, is a wider type of neckline that follows the curve of the collar bone. Extended to the tops of the shoulders, the bateau covers the bust – which is perfect for modest brides. Boat necklines are a good idea for women who have a smaller bust or shoulders and wish to create some balance with their hips. When it comes to boat neck wedding gowns, nothing beats our Fenton dress by Modeca.
The Delicate Illusion
As one of our favourites here at Timeless Bridal Couture, illusion necklines embrace femininity and mystery. Transparent panels adorned with lace and embroidered appliques allow illusion neckline gowns to feel as though the dresses’ delicate details are tenderly creeping up the chest. Once again showing their varied collection of necklines, Modeca fantastically displays an illusion neck in the figure-hugging Anise.
If you would like to come and try out our full range of wedding gowns, which includes an endless selection of styles, silhouettes, and necklines, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.
