03 Mar Deciphering Wedding Gown Necklines at NYB&G Raleigh
Allure Couture, style C404: Our featured dress (pictured above) is a slim-fitting silhouette that features dimensional detailing, cinched at an empire waist. The delicately scalloped neckline offers a romantic edge to this lace and English net design. Available sizes: 2-32. Available colors: Latte/Ivory/Silver, Ivory/Silver, White/Silver.
Negotiating The Necklines
It’s amazing how the neckline of your wedding dress can completely change your entire look (and also how you feel about a gown). The width, lay and style of the bodice and associated straps (or lack thereof) define your upper arms, back, shoulders and décolletage. It can even influence how elongated your silhouette becomes right down to your waistline. Our experienced Bridal Consultants at NYB&G of Raleigh can help you find the neckline that perfectly complements your size, shape and personal style.
To begin, the following illustration provides a wonderful visual of the various neckline styles you will encounter on your wedding dress search:
Next, the easy-to-follow outline below, compliments of The Knot, breaks down the pros and cons of a variety of wedding gown necklines:
Off-the-Shoulder
Just like the name implies, this neckline sits below the shoulders to showcase a woman’s collarbone and shoulders, with sleeves that cover part of the upper arm. While this style is super flattering to medium- or full-chested women, an off-the-shoulder neckline will look good on almost all figures. But if you’ve got fuller arms and are uncomfortable with baring your shoulders, you may wan to consider a portrait neckline instead.
Good for: Full-chested and pear-shaped women
Bad for: Broad shoulders, fuller armsPortrait
Similar to an off-the-shoulder style but made with more fabric, the portrait neckline is characterized by a wide, soft scoop from the tip of one shoulder to the tip of the other.
Good for: Fuller arms and prominent collarbones
Bad for: Undefined collarbonesScoop
The scoop, a U-shaped neckline, is a universally flattering classic. It can be cut low, and quite often the scoop will continue on the back of the dress.
Good for: Just about anyone(List continues below image)
Rebecca Ingram, style Vernice: Gorgeous lace appliques enchant this tulle A-line, showcasing a sweetheart neckline trimmed in Swarovski crystals and delicate pearls and beads. Bodice features a corset closure or inner corset closure and covered buttons over zipper. A scalloped hem completes this mesmerizing gown. Available sizes: 0-28. Available colors: White, Ivory, Ivory over Light Gold (pictured).
Sweetheart
The sweetheart neckline — which is actually shaped like the top half of a heart — is a wonderful option for fuller-chested women because it really accentuates the décolletage. The sweetheart is often done with an overlay of sheer material that rises higher than the heart shape, giving the torso a longer line and also making the neck look longer.
Good for: Serious décolletage
Bad for: The décolletage-impairedJewel
Also known as the T-shirt neckline, due to it’s similarity to an actual T-shirt, the jewel neckline is round and sits at the base of the throat.
Good for: Small-chested woman (it will make you look bustier)
Bad for: Large-chested women (it will make you look bustier too)V-neck
The name says it all: The neckline dips down in the front (and sometimes in the back as well) in a V-shape, de-emphasizing the bustline.
Good for: B or C cups
Bad for: Anyone bigger or smallerStrapless
The strapless neckline is a popular choice with busty brides, and it looks wonderful when paired with either a sweetheart or straight-across square bodice.
Good for: Great shoulders and collarbones
Bad for: Smaller-chested womenSabrina/Bateau
This shape gently follows the curve of the collarbone, almost to the tip of the shoulders — and it’s cut straight across so less of the decolletage shows. It can be paired with sleeves or a sleeveless style.
Good for: Small breasts
Bad for: The well-endowed More details at The Knot
Sincerity, style 3855: This embroidered and beaded lace and tulle tea-length ball gown offers a sweet sabrina neckline. The plunging back finishes with fabric buttons harmonizing with an elegant bow to define the waist. Available in Ivory (pictured) and White.
Come Try On Multiple Neckline Styles
Our 17,000 sq.ft. modern luxury bridal salon is filled with exquisite dresses in every style. We will help you try on a variety of wedding gown choices showcasing different necklines, silhouettes and lengths until you fall in love with The One! Stop by New York Bride & Groom of Raleigh (no appointment needed) to see why our inspired designs at popular prices set us apart from the rest.