Your Guide to Finding the Best Wedding Dress Neckline for Your Body Type

“A high neckline is a bride’s most sophisticated option,” says designer Madeline Gardner. She likes to spice up this style with embellishments and lace appliqués for a refined look.

This type of neckline also calls for less jewelry and an updo. You could accessorize your hairstyle with a beautiful hairpin or opt for statement earrings.

“One of the most popular necklines because of its ability to be universally flattering,” say designers Valerie and Stephanie Chin of Val Stefani.

“For the busty bride it enhances your natural curves while for brides with smaller assets the heart shape line creates the illusion of a larger bust. Sweetheart necklines also come in different forms from the more model soft sweetheart to the daring plunging deep sweetheart.”

We love the classic combination of a mermaid-style fit and a sweetheart-neck—it’s flattering and so sexy.

Speaking of sexy, a deep V-neck will definitely increase the hot factor.

“The timeless V-neck is the ultimate effortless look, the lower the V-neck, the sexier the bride – this works especially with smaller cleavage, and it allows the bride to play around with small gold jewelry such as long necklaces with beautiful details,” says Rime Arodaky.

Another advantage to wearing a V-neck gown is that it elongates the silhouette, according to Crispin. “It will make round face shapes seem more oval and petite brides appear a bit taller,” she adds.

“Boatnecks are inherently graceful, and remind me of Audrey Hepburn’s signature style,” Crispin adds. She suggests keeping it simple when it comes to accessories. “A popular choice is to add some modest stud earrings.”

If you have broad shoulders, designer Galia Lahav suggests opting for a halter neck.

“The halter top accentuates the figure of the body and lightens up the broadness of the shoulders. It also works well with taller brides and flatters the upper body. For shorter brides the halter top can generate a taller figure and emphasize the neck for a longer silhouette,” she says.

As far as accessorizing this type of neckline goes, you can save yourself the expense for a sparkly necklace.

“Match the dress with a pair of statement or drop earrings. Don’t be afraid to keep it simple and let the dramatic neckline speak for itself,” adds Crispin.

This type of neckline is best for women with athletic, pear, hourglass and petite shapes, says Crispin. “This deeper, wider neckline style will draw the eye downward, lengthening your neck and accentuating your collarbone,” she adds.

“This oh-so romantic neckline is fun and flirty and accentuates the collarbone and shoulders,” say the Chin sisters. “This neckline evokes an old Hollywood vibe as it was favored by Hollywood beauties like Audrey Hepburn and Ava Gardner.”

The only thing, they warn, to be aware of is that this neckline has some restrictions on arm mobility.

It’s important to think about how your dress will look like from the back.

“The backless neckline can be sexy, elegant, classy, and edgy, a perfect silhouette for any kind of bride,” says Lahav.

Of course, you still need to be mindful of your venue. If you’re getting hitched in a church or another place of worship, either consider covering up with a jacket or opt for a semi-backless style.