Are you one of those brides who wants to fully understand a bridal gown but are unsure of what a sweetheart or Bardot is? Then keep reading and by the end you should understand all the necklines we are currently seeing in the bridal market!
V-neck
Everyone has heard of a V-neck, we see it in everyday fashion all the time, but how does this look on a bridal gown?
Decklyn by Hayley Paige in an excellent example of a V-neck on a bridal gown. With her striped organza fabric framing the V, the illusion the neckline creates draws your eyes to your synched in waist with it’s cute ribbon tied at the back.
Modern trends coming over from the states are making the deep V or plunge neckline popular in current collections. They aren’t for everyone as some people would feel too exposed, but on the right body, they can look show stopping! Haruki by Hayley Paige is an excellent example of a plunge neckline. The caviar fabric is cut low, with a layer of tulle placed in the V to offer some coverage and a rhinestone trim to finish it off. If this is too low, then Hayley Paige offers the same gown with the neckline raised by 2” as well!
Sweetheart, curve and straight
Now here’s a test…do you know the difference between a sweetheart, straight and curve neckline? Straight neckline does exactly what is describes. On a strapless bridal gown, it would cut straight across the chest, no curve or fuss. This was a particularly popular neckline 20 years ago but is seen less and less in favour for a curve or sweetheart. Like a straight neckline, you don’t see very as many curved necklines nowadays. These fit in between straight as a sweetheart as they have a curve to them, but do not dip in to a point.
A sweetheart neckline is the one seen on many bridal gowns in boutiques now. It gracefully curves over the top of each breast and dips slightly in the middle to create the shape of a love heart. Very flattering for all silhouettes, it is easy to see why designers opt for them so much! Arianna by Ellis bridals shows off a perfect sweetheart neckline which supports the bust with a boned bodice flowing down to a dramatic fishtail skirt.
Illusion necklines
If a strapless sweetheart doesn’t give you the coverage you desire, then an illusion neckline would be suitable. You will see many of these on the rails at the moment as brides are going crazy for them! Usually, the bodice of the bridal gown would finish off as a sweetheart neckline, but instead of this being the end of the gown, designers have cleverly added a tulle top, often finished with lace or beading so the detail is continued further up the dress and the bride finds comfort in having a shoulder strap of some sort.
Top tip; the tulle used here can often be ordered in ivory or nude. The nude will look like there is nothing there to the naked eye, and the ivory will offer a more bridal look.
Amelia by Ellis Bridals is an excellent example of an illusion neckline. The A-line gown has a sweetheart neckline, with tulle offering a nice coverage across the chest. Lace appliques finish off the look to tie in with the detail further down the gown.
Off the shoulder/ Bardot
Recent trends have seen many designers include off the shoulder or Bardot necklines in their collection. Many brides tell us they want ‘some sort of strap’ and with the tops of arms sometimes being an unfavourable area of the body. A Bardot or off the shoulder neckline can work wonders to create a flattering and feminine look.
An example of off the shoulder with a cap sleeve would be one of our new gowns, Delaney by Eddy K Couture. Its lace covered fitted bodice gives you curves in all the right places. The wide off the shoulder straps gently caress the tops of your arms, disguising the area you want covered.
For an example of a traditional Bardot neckline, here we have PC8916 by Phil Collins Bridal. This satin ballgown needs no more than the beaded belt and folded Bardot neckline to give it some WOW factor!
Bateau
If a Bardot or off the shoulder is too low a neckline for you then a maybe a Bateau will work. This doesn’t sit too close to the neck and will flatter the shoulders gracefully. Cairo by Phil Collins Bridal has an illusion bateau neckline that is to die for! With the balance of the detail on this gown falling on the top half, the Bateau neckline successfully starts the beautiful lace work. This continues down the bodice to the waist and hips before fading out to the train. The beauty of this bateau neckline is it frames the base of the neck. However this would not work if broad shoulders is something you wish to disguise.
High necks/ Halter
As mentioned in previous blogs, high necks are in and the likes of Kylo by Hayley Paige are no longer a rarity. A neckline such as Kylo’s gives an empowering feel while showing off the shoulders. Some people may be put off these as they cover a lot of your figure. However designers are opting for a lot more open backs to address this so you are left with a similar coverage as a halter. Admittedly, this neckline isn’t for everyone but when it does suit, just WOW!
Jewel
For those who are looking for something seen more in everyday fashion, a jewel neckline could be just for you! Like how a normal t-shirt would sit, this is a more familiar neckline that offers brides and alternative to a covered look like a high neck or bearing all in a plunge. But fear not, it doesn’t have to be as boring as it sounds! Amal by Ellis Bridals brings modern glamour while having her neck and shoulder cut in a familiar way. There is no need to cover this beauty in lots of embellishment, the beaded details do just enough!
Hopefully this blog has given you just an insight in to all of the necklines you can find on bridal gowns. When trying on bridal gowns, you will quickly be able to identify those that flatter your bust and those that wouldn’t work. When teamed with the best silhouette for your figure, you will have a winner!
To view the gowns discussed in this blog
https://www.jlmcouture.com/Hayley-Paige
https://www.jlmcouture.com/hayley-paige/size-inclusive-styles
http://www.ellisbridals.co.uk/collection/
https://eddyk.com/wedding-dresses-couture/
https://philcollinsbridal.co.uk/collections/phil-collins-bridal
Next time…which silhouette and neckline will flatter your body shape!
Images courtesy of JLM Couture, Ellis Bridals, Phil Collins Bridal and Eddy K.
