Wedding Dress Necklines

A band collar that extends up the neck. The mandarin version of this style is taken from traditional Asian dress, and doesn't quite meet at the centre front.

GOOD FOR: just about anyone who desires an elongated effect. It's also very flattering with an updo.

NOT GOOD FOR: those with a wider neck, where the fit may be too snug.

This wide-necked shape follows the curve of the collarbone, almost to the tip of the shoulders. The Sabrina version - made popular by actress Audrey Hepburn - is sleeveless; the front and back panels just touch at the shoulders, sometimes with thin straps.

GOOD FOR: the bony and flat chested (boosts the bust).

NOT GOOD FOR: brides on the busty side (you don't want too much cleavage!).

Also known as the T-shirt neckline, the jewel neckline is round and sits at the base of the throat.

GOOD FOR: the flat chested (makes you bustier) and the collarbone conscious (hides deep hollows).

NOT GOOD FOR: the larger breasted.

Characterised by a wide, soft scoop from shoulder to shoulder.

GOOD FOR: great collarbones (shows them off).

NOT GOOD FOR: undefined or bony collarbones, as the scoop only highlights this area.

A low-cut neckline shaped like the top half of a heart, accentuating the décolletage. Often done with an overlay of sheer material that rises higher, elongating the torso and neck.

GOOD FOR: serious cleavage (for a stylish display).

NOT GOOD FOR: the décolletage impaired.

Also known as a ballerina neckline, this U-shaped style is often cut low, and occasionally the scoop will continue on the back of the dress.

GOOD FOR: everyone.

NOT GOOD FOR: well no one really - see above!

The neckline dips down at the front in a flattering V, elongating the neckline and de-emphasising the bust line.

GOOD FOR: B or C cups.

NOT GOOD FOR: Anything smaller or larger (the bodice will either seem a bit empty or too full).

The name gives this one away: the neckline is cut straight across the front.

GOOD FOR: the bust-endowed (it cuts low, but isn't revealing).

NOT GOOD FOR: almost no one.

The halter features straps that wrap around the neck, or a high neck with deep armholes. This is often backless.

GOOD FOR: great shoulders.

NOT GOOD FOR: broad or narrow shoulders or anyone who needs the support of a bra.

This neckline sits below the shoulders, with sleeve-like straps that cover part of the upper arm. Shows off your collarbone and shoulders.

GOOD FOR: medium or full-chested women (open-neck styling with the support of straps); pear shapes; and anyone with good shoulders or collarbone.

NOT GOOD FOR: broad shoulders (accentuates the obvious) and thin lips.

This neckline is nearly strapless, except for the presence of thin, delicate straps. A bit like strings of spaghetti, funnily enough!

GOOD FOR: small to medium breasts.

NOT GOOD FOR: large breasts or broad shoulders.

Guess what, there are no straps on this style... The bodice is usually cut straight across, but it can also peak on the sides or have a slight dip in the centre.

GOOD FOR: broad or thick shoulders.

NOT GOOD FOR: smaller chests (unless you're wearing a push up bra).

Asymmetrical by it's very definition means there is no symmetry or no balance. So this neckline appears different on either side of the centre front; one example is a one-shoulder design.

GOOD FOR: great collarbones, the bra-free.

NOT GOOD FOR: the bra-dependent or those with broad shoulders.