By Georgina Clatworthy

The neckline on your wedding dress is equally as important as the shape & style of the skirt.  Your choice of neckline will also determine the style of jewelry you want to wear & how you will have your hair.  Here is a quick guide to give you some help.

 Bateau

This wide & high neck style has a sweeping curve which follows the collarbone & can help boost a small bust.

Good for: Bony and flat-chested brides
Not so good for: Busty brides (because it over-emphasises)  

Off the shoulder

This style has a gentle curve with the straps sitting just off the shoulders.

Good for: Ample chests (offers open-neck style with the benefit of strap support)
Not so good for: Broad shoulders

 Halter

A halter neckline has two straps which fasten or tie around the neck.  Halterneck dresses are sometimes backless.

Good for: Great shoulders
Not so good for: Broad or narrow shoulders, or brides who needs bra support

Illusion high

This a formal looking neckline which features a high necked piece of fabric such as lace & which covers the collarbones.  It is usually styled with long sleeves & a choker effect fastening around the neck.  It is very elegant & sexy without being overtly so.

Good for: girls with bony collarbones

Portrait

An elegant & traditional style which features a gentle scoop across the top of the bust & which hugs the top of the shoulders.

Good for: Great collarbones
Not so good for: Undefined or bony collarbones

Scoop

A more familiar style which is a U shape, it is also known as the ballerina & can be low cut.

Good for: Everyone

Strappy

A strappy neckline is distinguishable by two narrow straps which attach at the front & back over the shoulders.  Sometimes simple & sometimes decorative, particularly to the back.  This has modern & sophisticated look.

Good for: well-toned arms
Not so good for: very busty brides

Square

Similar to a scoop neck but with straight lines instead of a curve.  Square necks will also feature wide straps & can be low cut.

Good for: Heavy busts (cuts low but isn’t too revealing)
Not so good for: Almost no-one

Strapless

As the name implies a strapless neck is just that.  Often cut straight across or can feature a sweetheart style or semi-scoop.  A very popular style for wedding dresses.  Many designers will include detachable straps for those not so confident that it will stay in place!

Good for: Broad or thick shoulders
Not so good for: Smaller chests (try a push-up bra)

Sweetheart

A romantic style, which was popular in the 50’s.  Top of the bodice is cut to resemble the top of a heart & usually has halter straps.

Good for: Serious cleavage
Not so good for: Brides who struggle with a décolletage