While some brides should avoid the strapless neckline, it does

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 cute maternity clothes 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 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 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.

Changes In Wedding Dress Styles

Usually a woman's wedding suit, unlike a man's, is worn only the once. The most lavish and indulgent purchase for any girl is generally her wedding dress. Dreams from a young age of the fairytale wedding often centre around the perfect dress. The choices in wedding attire today are great and cater for the often vastly different bridal personalities. Many brides, however, choose to revert to the more traditional theme warranting a more traditional gown for the occasion, such as Lady Diana's silk, taffeta gown created by the Emmanuals.

White wedding dresses have long been accepted in society as a symbol of purity and innocence although today's brides often opt for a more flattering ivory hue. During the first part of the last century a white wedding dress, because it couldn't be washed and reused, was a sign of wealth. Coco Chanel reinforced this idea in the late 1920's with her short white wedding dress with full veil which inspired the acceptance of the white wedding dress worldwide.

The traditional wedding dress is likely to be a jewel encrusted luxury fabric such as duchesse satin, organza and silk. Wedding dress styles vary from the traditional A-line through to vintage lace styles. The traditional A-line style's popularity is due to its ability to disguise most imperfections in body shape, an essential requirement if the bride is to look her best.

Accessorising to complement your traditional or modern wedding dresses plays a crucial role in bringing the whole look or theme together. Satin pumps, jewel encrusted veils, sparkling tiaras - the range of accessories is vast and includes blue laced garter for the important 'something blue'.

Eggshell, ecru and ivory are just some of today's popular choices of 'white'. Additionally, in keeping with today's civil wedding ceremonies, most brides will choose an off-white gown of modern style. Fashion trends often dictate the style chosen by the young modern bride wishing to veer away from the traditional style of ceremony. The modern bride is likely to want a dress designed by people like Vera Wang or Maggie Sottero. Hand sewn embellishments and cutting edge design challenge the more traditional wedding gown.

Whatever the design - modern or traditional - the dress must be compatible with the bride's personality. Vera Wang's statement about a woman never being sexier than when she's comfortable long sequin dresses in her clothes is so true for the day of your wedding.