by Phyllis Cambria
Choosing the right neckline for your wedding gown is like selecting the proper frame for a painting. The correct frame will flatter and enhance the composition, while the wrong one can detract from an otherwise beautiful portrait or landscape.
Likewise, when you are selecting the neckline that's right for your gown, choose one that will frame your face and upper body so that you can show off your best assets (and possibly jewelry) to your greatest advantage.
The halter has straps which are attached behind the neck or fabric which wraps around the neck. The back is exposed from a bra-height across the back or plunges to the waist. Looks best when worn without a necklace. Hair can be worn short or in an upsweep to really play up this neckline.
Similar to a mock turtleneck with deep arm holes and covered back. These necklines are often beaded and will replace the need for a necklace. Short hair and upswept styles are most flattering with this cut.
If you're happiest wearing a t-shirt or shell with a round collar, this neckline will be one you'll love. Great for showing off a choker, simple necklace or set of pearls. This neckline also offers the most coverage.
The fabric of your dress sits below your shoulders and comes across the upper arm. It will show off a sexy and feminine collarbone. It's a lovely way to highlight a necklace as well or go bare and wear larger or drop earrings.
This style of neckline was very popular for photographic portraits in the 1950s and early 1960s, hence the name. Fabric is draped criss-cross in a deep scoop from shoulder-to-shoulder. Lovely way to show off a necklace or upswept hairstyle.
The most classic of the necklines. It can be worn sleeveless or with any length of sleeve. The back can be cut high or down to the waist. Great for showing off necklaces.
(sometimes called a bateau)
This style looks best without sleeves. It's a cross between an off-the-shoulder gown and one with cap sleeves. The fabric softly drapes across the shoulders and collarbone and rests on the upper arms. Since it's not cut low, it draws eyes away smaller breasts.
Has become the most popular neckline of the last few seasons. Great with an upsweep, short or medium-length hair. Perfect for highlighting a piece of jewelry or a bare neck. Works well with jackets you want to wear during the ceremony but remove for the reception.
As its name implies, it resembles the lower half of a Valentine. This neckline can be constructed into the design of the dress or from a fabric overlay.
As the name states, the neckline dives into a deep "V" shape, therefore either detracting or causing focus on breast size. Lovely for showing off a drop necklace.
For best results, try several styles to determine which is right for you. It's also helpful to bring the style of necklace you plan to wear (especially if it's a vintage or borrowed piece) and put your hair in the general style you'd like to wear that day.
Phyllis Cambria is a nationally-recognized, award-winning party planning expert, event marketing expert, author and sought-after speaker. Her lively and useful seminars and her ingenious and easy-to-follow advice in books, magazines, newspapers and on TV, radio and websites have charmed and informed audiences everywhere.