Wedding Dress Designers’ Favorite Necklines

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A sweetheart neckline

A perfect neckline can take a wedding dress to a WHOLE different level, which is why finding the right one for you can feel like such a daunting task! We asked several of our favorite wedding dress designers, Val Stefani; Rime Arodaky; Madeline Gardner, designer of Morilee; and Lauren Crispin, co-owner of The Mews Bridal, to share their favorite wedding dress necklines, and which might look best on you depending on your features and body type. See their picks, below!

Val Stefani

Deciding on a bridal gown can be a daunting task. There are so many options and how do you choose the right one for you?

When searching for “the one” we always recommend brides to look for a gown that highlights their best features. So a bride to be should focus on silhouettes, necklines, and detailing that matches their personal style. Necklines can be slenderizing and help to frame your face so picking the one that fits you is important.

Sweetheart necklines:

This universally flattering neckline is one of the most popular styles. For bustier brides, it enhances your natural curves and for brides with smaller assets, the lines create the impression of a larger bust. Sweetheart necklines also come in different forms from the more model soft sweetheart to the daring plunging deep sweetheart.

Open off the shoulder:

This romantic neckline is fun and flirty as it highlights the collarbone and shoulders. Off-the-shoulder styles were a favorite of movie icons like Audrey Hepburn and evokes an old Hollywood vibe. Something to keep in mind is that this neckline has some limits on arm movement because of where it sits on the arms. So if you plan on dancing the night away or lifting your arms be aware that your movement will be restricted.

Jewel:

Otherwise known as the T-shirt neckline it sits at the base of the throat and is round. This neckline is great if you want to have a bustier look. This neckline is also good if you have a long neck as it will frame your face.

Rime Arodaky

One of our go-to is the off-shoulder look, it’s for the boho bride – with her hair let down of course!

Another unique look would be the boat neck with a beautiful showing back: business in the front, party in the back is always a good idea! We love to get creative and play with different cuts to experiment with backless dresses.

Morilee

Classic and elegant off-the-shoulder styles like our Marquesa gown are on-trend and flattering. Perfect for showing off gorgeous collarbones, off-the-shoulder necklines are complimentary to all body types.

Could there be a more romantic neckline than the sweetheart? We don’t think so! Besides being a subtle nod to love, sweetheart dresses like the breathtaking Marguerit, accentuate your natural and beautiful curves.

Every bride wants to feel sexy on her wedding day and a plunging, deep V-neckline certainly does the trick. Our sultry Malin dress has perfectly placed nude lining to make sure your special day is completely wardrobe malfunction-free.

A Bateau neckline, as seen on fairytale ball gown Massima, is always a chic choice. If you’re looking to enhance your bust, a style that follows the natural curve of your collarbone will create the appearance of a fuller bust.

Modern V-neck dresses, like our stunning Milly ball gown, are ideal for creating a flattering silhouette. Besides elongating your shape, a V-neckline can also have a slimming effect.

The Mews

For many brides, once that ring is put on her finger her mind will immediately start to think about her search for the perfect wedding dress. But finding the wedding dress of your dreams is easier said than done. Even if you have your heart set on a certain style or dress, when you finally try it on it might not fit right, sending you back to the drawing board.

Once you find one or two necklines that work for you, make sure you tell your stylist immediately – they should then be able to focus on the right dresses for you. Lauren Crispin, co-owner of The Mews Bridal, walks us through a few of her favorite necklines that her brides are loving this season, with some bonus tips on who they suit, and how to style it:

The Halter:

Halter necklines are great for showcasing shoulders, drawing the eye upward and creating a balancing effect. This style can work for many body types, but it’s perfect if you have a fuller bust!

Halter necklines are best for these body types:

• Modest to medium bust
• Wide shoulders
• Straight or hourglass midsection

No necklace is necessary with a halter neck! Opt for a pair of statement earrings instead. Again, don’t be afraid to let the neckline speak for itself.

The Scoop:

The Scoop neckline–like Delphine Manivet’s Edouard, below– is a friend to almost all body types! This wider style will bring the eye downward which elongates your neck and highlights your collarbone. Très bon!

Scoop necks are best for these body types:

• Small to large bust
• Athletic, pear, hourglass and petite shapes
• Shorter neck or décolletage

Use the line of the scoop to inspire your accessory choices. Wear a light, layered necklace or drop earrings that won’t compete with the neckline, and can even create a lengthening effect.

The ‘V’:

This neckline is a staple in most women’s wardrobes, so why not wear it at your wedding? The secret to the v-neck’s popularity is how it elongates the silhouette with the illusion of an arrow pointing down. You also want to balance it with the right amount of skin on show. It can be deep or shallow (like Hyppolite by Delphine Manivet, below) but the narrower you make the v, the less of an effect it will have.

V-necks are best for these body types:

• Most bust sizes
• Petite, apple, athletic and curvy shapes
• Small to wide shoulders

The V-neck is such a versatile neckline, you can have fun with your accessories. Wear a necklace that mirrors the shape of the neckline, like a statement piece that reflects the look of the top.

The Off-the-shoulder

Also called Bardot, the off-the-shoulder is an iconic neckline. It draws the eye to the shoulders, perfect for showcasing your collar bone and balancing a fuller mid-section. We love the Promenade, by Donatelle Godart, below!

Off-the-shoulder necklines are best for these body types:

• Small to medium bust
• Pear, athletic, petite and hourglass shapes
• Slender or narrow shoulders

This neckline is all about your shoulders and collar bone – so don’t hide them! I’d recommend brides keep their hair up, and forget the necklace.

Wedding Dress Designers’ Favorite Necklines
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