When it comes to shopping for that dream wedding dress, it is so important that you find a silhouette that you love, but that also flatters your figure and makes you feel the most beautiful and confident you can be. The neckline is an integral element for balancing out your neck and shoulders and drawing attention to your face. Choice is a great thing and all that but it can definitely be overwhelming trying to figure out just what works for your figure! So, allow us to step in. Comfort is key, so think about what features you would like to shine a spotlight on and what you may want to draw focus away from. We have created a handy list of all the different types of necklines and the features that they celebrate. First off, it is important to figure out what type of body shape you have as different necklines will complement different shapes.

The Different Types of Body Shapes:

• Apple: you have broad shoulders that are in line with your hips and the fullest part of your body is around your waist and stomach.
• Hourglass: your bust and hips are the same width but you have a smaller waist.
• Inverted triangle: you have broad shoulders or a broad bust that narrows as you go down to your hips and you have little waist definition.
• Pear: your shoulders and bust are petite, you have a defined waist and you are widest at your hips and thighs.
• Rectangle: you have a straight up and down shape with your shoulders and hips being the same similar width.

The Different Types of Wedding Dress Necklines:

Asymmetrical

Plainly put, an asymmetrical neckline means that one side of the neckline is higher than the other so that it covers more of the collarbone and shoulders. It is very close but still slightly different from the one-shoulder neckline as the straps don't run over the shoulder and largely asymmetrical necklines employ edgier, less traditional shapes. If you have wider shoulders this neckline will frame them so beautifully.

Bardot

Considered to be one of the most romantic necklines, this wedding dress neckline leaves the shoulders exposed but with sleeves that cover a portion of the arm. This is such a flattering style that suits every body shape and it is really beautiful for drawing attention to the decollatage. It's a classic trend that will never date, and one we see season after season for a good reason.  This style is such a winner for brides with small and medium-sized busts if they want to look more ample in that area. Rectangle-shaped brides will like them as they help create the illusion of a smaller waistline. Here are 30 knockout Bardot wedding dresses for your perusal.

Bateau/Boatneck

This wider neckline shows just a hint of the collarbone and it has an inherent regality about it. That explains why so many royal brides including Meghan Markle have chosen the design for their trip down the aisle. Fun fact: The bateau also goes by the name Sabrina as the neckline was made famous by the dresses worn by Audrey Hepburn in the 1954 film. What better inspiration for a bride looking for a timeless wedding dress? If you have a willowy figure, this neckline will be a dream on you. This neckline helps to balance the appearance of wider hips and narrow shoulders so it's popular with hourglass and pear shapes.

High

A high neckline either comes to the nape of your neck or covers it completely. High necklines are great for elongating your shape and at the same time they are always an incredible style for tall brides. Always elegant, high necklines have a reputation for being overly modest but they can be so flirty too. If you aren't going for a clean and minimalistic look, play with decorative accents such as lace, pearls, beading and illusion fabrics. If you have narrow shoulders, this style would not be the most complementary.

Halter

Sofia Richie placed herself on the best-dressed bride list for 2023 by wearing her Chanel Haute Couture lace halter neck dress. This style is truly back in vogue! This can either be a high-neck dress with deep arm holes or when straps tie around the back. If you have an athletic shape, this style will be just the ticket for showing off your physique and it will make petite brides appear taller.

Illusion

An illusion neckline uses sheer mesh material that creates the look of exposed skin. So glamorous and sensual, an illusion neckline always makes a stunning statement. Dappled with lace, pearls or intricate beading, it's a beautiful way to attract attention to your neck, arms and shoulders.

Jewel

The jewel neckline mimics the shape of a T-shirt and the wonderful news is that it works for pretty much every body shape. If you have a small to medium-size bust and you're an apple, pear, hourglass or rectangle shape this neckline will be an ideal fit for you.

Low-Back, Open Back & Backless

You’re guaranteed to turn heads in a low, open or backless wedding dress. This style features an opening in the back—whether it’s a keyhole, an interesting cutout, or an entirely exposed low back. Wedding dresses with open-back designs are an ideal choice for all statement-making brides looking to create a memorable style moment. For brides looking for a bit more support, you could shop for an illusion neckline wedding dress with a backless feature or one with a backless cutout.

One-Shoulder

A one-shoulder dress leaves one shoulder bare while the other holds a strap or support. This other kind of asymmetrical neckline will work wonders for brides who want their shoulders to appear less broad.

Plunge

This deep neckline always oozes glamour. As a rule of thumb, dresses that highlight the decolletage help to lengthen the appearance of the torso. Petite brides will find plunging necklines especially flattering as they help add shape to the area but bigger-busted brides will likely find they need more support.

Portrait

This scoop neckline is on-the-shoulder, falling just higher than an off-the-shoulder neckline. If you are conscious about your arms this is a great style to consider as it helps to draw the eye to the decolletage.

Queen Anne

A very regal choice indeed, the Queen Anne neckline puts focus on the chest and it almost looks like the shape of a bolero jacket on top. This neckline makes the torso appear larger and is really slimming on the shoulders. If you have smaller boobs this is an option that will be excellent for you.

Round/Scoop

This is another wedding dress neckline that is wildly versatile. This U-shape neckline is ideal for those wanting to show off a bit of cleavage but who still want that added support. The width of your shoulders will determine the type of scoop. If you have wider shoulders go with a narrow scoop neckline and then narrow-shouldered brides should opt for wider scoop neckline dresses.

Square

This neckline is all about drawing the eye to the neck, so square necklines really highlight the contrast between the shoulders and the waist. This neckline lengthens the look of the neck and is especially wonderful for brides with big busts who want to make their shoulders look slimmer.

Straight

If you're dreaming of a gown that shows off your arms and shoulders but you want a neckline that offers more modest coverage than a plunge or sweetheart neckline, the straight neckline is the one for you. Straight strapless gowns are perfect for brides with smaller busts.

Sweetheart/Semi-Sweetheart

Sweetheart necklines mimic the shape of the top of a heart, like honestly what better neckline is there to celebrate your love on your wedding day, right? Maybe that is why it is the most popular wedding dress neckline, or maybe it's simply because they are flattering for all shapes and sizes. It is the ideal style for fuller-chested brides as it shines such a spotlight on the decolletage and for rectangle body shapes as it gives the illusion of a curvier figure. It will lengthen the appearance of your neck. A semi-sweetheart style will suit women with smaller busts.

V-Neck

V-neck wedding dresses are real power players because they really flatter the bust but they also add height to the frame. Ladies with pear and hourglass shape figures will find this neckline helps balance out their hips and will balance out the shoulders of brides with more rectangle or inverted triangle shapes.

Now that you know more about necklines, what about getting to know the six main wedding dress shapes?