The sweetheart neckline resembles the top half of a heart,

Designer Wedding Dress Neckline Cuts

When shopping for a wedding dress, it is important to be aware of the different neckline cuts that are out there. It is important to remember that different necklines compliment different body types. With so many options currently available, ranging from a sweetheart cut to a strapless look to the off-the-shoulder style, a bride-to-be may not know where to start! If you are in the midst of making a decision on a designer wedding dress, becoming knowledgeable about specific neckline cuts can help you make the right decision.

The Sweetheart

The sweetheart neckline resembles the top half of a heart, hence the name. This neckline is a good option for the fuller-figured bride as it accentuates the chest area. In most cases, the sweetheart neckline has an overlay of sheer material rising above the heart-shape or some subtle piping, both of which give a longer, leaner look to the torso. This effect also makes the neck look longer and more romantic. Brides with a more boyish figure should avoid the sweetheart neckline.

The Strapless

While some brides should avoid the strapless neckline, it does wonders for others. In many cases, the strapless neckline can be paired with the sweetheart neckline or straight neckline which gives the bride the illusion of a smaller figure. Women with broad shoulders should avoid the strapless wedding dress but those with delicate shoulders and collarbones will do quite well with this style.

The Off-the-Shoulder

The off-the-shoulder wedding dress neckline is a very popular one. Just as you would imagine, the neckline starts just below your shoulders and emphasizes the neck, shoulders, and collarbone. The off-the-shoulder neckline has small sleeves that cover the top part of the arm. This neckline is flattering to all figures, but brides with fuller arms or issues with their shoulders should avoid it. This style is ideal for pear-shaped women, and anyone who would want to show off their shoulders.

The Sabrina

The Sabrina neckline, also known as the bateau neckline, is great for brides with a certain body type. This neckline, cut straight across, follows the curve of the collarbone, edging near the tip of the shoulders. The Sabrina is usually accompanied plus size lace dress by sleeves though many designers are now pairing it with sleeveless dress styles. Well-endowed women should avoid the Sabrina neckline.

The Portrait

Women with full arms and prominent collarbones may seriously consider the portrait neckline for their wedding dress. Similar to the off-the-shoulder style but with more fabric, the portrait scoops across the shoulders (from tip to tip). If low back evening dresses you have an undefined collarbone, this is probably not the neckline for you.

The Scoop

Anyone, no matter what body type, can wear the scoop neckline. It is the ultimate classic style and can be either low or high cut. In many cases, the scoop in the front is complimented by a lower scoop in the back.

In Search of the Perfect Connecticut Wedding Dress

So youe been to every bridal shop in Connecticut, consulted dozens of bridal magazines; and even met with a few bridal consultants and you still can find the perfect wedding dress. What should you do?

Many soon-to-be-brides have great difficulty finding the right wedding dress. It seems that there are too many choices and designs to choose from, making it too difficult of a decision to make. The way to tackle this important task is very simple; plan! Just as you plan every other facet of your wedding, you must also plan for your wedding dress.

What your budget?

Determining your budget is the first factor you need to consider before even looking at any wedding dresses. If you can afford between $4,000 ?$5,000 then it would be wise to seek the services of a couture bridal salon. Of course not all dresses in bridal salons are in that price range, but for the most part, their dresses are sold for higher prices.

Research

Go through several wedding/bridal magazines, and tear out the dresses that you prefer. Make a small file and bring it with you when you go shopping. Notice the small details like necklines, sleeves, design lines; fabrics such as laces, brocades, satins and silks; trims such as piping and embroidery. Decide what you like and don like; what in your budget and what not, and then visit the stores that stock the styles you like.

Visit more than one bridal shop

Go to several bridal shops that stock the styles that you like. You may have to make appointments to do this with some couture bridal salons, so be sure to call before hand and schedule an appointment. While you are there, try on several dresses that appeal to you, to help you decide which styles look flattering for your body type; and, be sure to bring someone with you that you trust. Remember, and this is important, that the size 2 model in the magazine will look great in anything, so some styles that you liked in the magazines may not be as flattering in the real world. Don be afraid to ask tons of questions to the stylist who is assisting you. If it a couture salon, find out how far in advance you need to place your order, how many fittings will be required, and how payments can be made.

Get a written quote

If youe decided on a design, get a written quote for the dress. Find out exactly what that quote includes. For example, some bridal salons charge extra for fittings and alterations. Be sure to know and understand everything before you place your order, to avoid any surprises.

Salon or custom designed

By now, you should have already decided whether you have found the gown of your dreams in a salon, or need to have it custom designed for you. Increasingly, brides are choosing the option of custom designed, as opposed to buying one from a selection in a salon. Nothing compares to a couture and one of a kind wedding dress made specifically or the bride. But this is a decision you must make for yourself. If you do choose custom designed, the next step is to find the right designer or dressmaker for you. Designers such as Monique Lullhier custom design services begin at $25,000.

Finally, remember that your wedding gown is the most important dress you will ever wear. It is the gown in which you will say do?to the man of your dreams. It is the gown in which you will be remembered long after the wedding. You may even see your daughter wearing it on her wedding day. Most of all, you should have a lot of fun shopping for the perfect wedding gown.