The off-the-shoulder wedding dress neckline is a very popular one.

Designer Wedding long maxi dress 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 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.

Coordinating A Wedding Veil With Your Wedding Dress

As every bride knows, choosing the right wedding dress can go a long way towards making a wedding day even more memorable. However, finding the right wedding dress is just the beginning of this important process. For many brides, the perfect wedding veil completes the look.

It is especially important to coordinate both the dress and the veil. The veil should always complement the dress, rather than steal attention from it. Your choice of a veil may also be influenced by other factors such as your overall build, the style and length of your dress, as well as the overall look you are trying to create. Even the style of your hair can influence the size and style of veil that works best.

When coordinating a wedding veil with a dress, it does not always have to be the same color, although there are some guidelines that should be followed. If your wedding dress is white or ivory, your veil should be the same color; for example a diamond white veil will match a silk or an antique wedding dress. And if you are wearing a dark ivory colored wedding dress, a champagne colored veil will complement it well. In general, to achieve the best effect, if your dress and veil are of different shades, the veil should always be at least a shade or two lighter than the dress.

Even though there are three basic lengths of wedding veils, make sure that you choose the length that best coordinates with your gown. An elbow length veil is about 30 inches long and will look good with most gowns; it will also help draw attention to any detail at the waist of the gown. A fingertip length veil is about 36 inches long and goes best with a full length gown without a train. And a cathedral length veil, which extends up to 4 feet beyond the edge of the dress, is the most formal type of veil ?perfect for an elegant and ceremonial look.

The length of your wedding gown is also an important consideration when trying to successfully coordinate the dress and the veil. Traditionally, the bride veil should not be any longer than the wedding dress and ideally, it should be quite a bit shorter ?the only exception to this rule is if you are wearing a dress with a train. Elbow length veils or fingertip veils are both considered to be safe and acceptable choices if you are wearing a floor length wedding dress. A petite bride should not wear a veil that will only make her look smaller, such as a high bouffant veil.

Although a veil should complement a wedding dress and not clash with it, there are some occasions when it is acceptable to break the rules a bit. If your wedding gown is simple and understated, it can create a striking effect by having a lavishly decorated veil. You should try to avoid a look that clashes too much ?a romantic style wedding dress that is decorated with lots of small pearls would not go well together with a wedding veil that is decorated with sequins, for example. Some brides choose to add a touch of color to their veil ?perhaps some colored embroidery ?to complement the colors in the bouquet, or the colors of the bridesmaids.

Just as a wedding dress can be altered, a veil can be altered too. In most cases, a wedding veil is altered in order to make sure that the dress and veil coordinate well. If you are wearing the veil that your mother wore when she walked down the aisle and are concerned that it is just a little old-fashioned, don be too alarmed ?it is easy enough to have it professionally altered. The length, trim and shade of the veil can all be easily and inexpensively altered to make sure that everything is just the right match and has the desired effect. You also might want to try on several veils, to ensure that everything matches.

Birdcage veils, so-called because of the mesh that covers the top part of the head, are fashionable at the moment and will match just about any style of dress. Some birdcage veils have a rather elegant and old-fashioned look to them and coordinate particularly well with a vintage or older style dress. These veils also have either a French net, which has more of a soft elegant look to it; or a Russian net which has a scalloped edge and is a little bit more modern and trendy.

Choosing the right veil is almost as important as choosing the right wedding dress. Take the time to make sure your veil and dress match ?it will help to make your special day that much more memorable.