For many brides, once that ring is put on her finger her mind will immediately start to think about her search for the perfect wedding dress.

But finding the wedding dress of your dreams is easier said than done. Even if you have your heart set on a certain style or dress, when you finally try it on it might not fit right, sending you back to the drawing board.

Choosing the right neckline for your dress is a great example. Whilst you might be in love with the idea of a plunging ‘V’, your body shape might suit a flatter, off-the-shoulder look.

Once you find one or two necklines that work for you, make sure you tell your stylist immediately – they should then be able to focus on the right dresses for you.

Lauren Crispin, co-owner of The Mews Bridal, walks us through a few of her favorite necklines that her brides are loving this season, with some bonus tips on who they suit, and how to style each:

 

1.The Boat

Boatnecks are inherently graceful, and remind me of Audrey Hepburn’s signature style. We love Rime Arodaky’s Avery. This beautiful lace dress with its stunning boatneck is a very feminine line for a bride that doesn’t want too much skin on show.

Boat necks are best for these body types:

• Small to medium bust
• Pear shapes
• Slender shoulders

What should you wear it with?
Keep it simple with no necklace. A popular choice is to add some modest stud earrings.

 

2. The Halter

Halter necklines are great for showcasing shoulders, drawing the eye upward and creating a balancing effect. This style can work for many body types, but it’s perfect if you have a fuller bust!

Halter necklines are best for these body types:

• Modest to medium bust
• Wide shoulders
• Straight or hourglass midsection

What should you wear it with?
No necklace necessary with a halter neck! Match the dress with a pair of statement or drop earrings. Again, don’t be afraid to keep it simple and let the dramatic neckline speak for itself.

 
3. The Scoop

The Scoop neckline like Delphine Manivet’s Edouard is a friend to almost all body types! This deeper, wider neckline style will draw the eye downward, lengthening your neck and accentuating your collarbone. Très bon!

Scoop necks are best for these body types:

• Small to large bust
• Athletic, pear, hourglass and petite shapes
• Shorter neck or décolletage

What should you wear it with?
Use the line of the scoop to inspire your accessory choices. Wear a light, layered necklace or drop earrings that won’t compete with the neckline, and can even create a lengthening effect.

 
4. The ‘V’

 

This neckline is a staple in most women’s wardrobes, so why not wear it at your wedding?  The secret to the v-neck’s popularity is how it elongates the silhouette with the illusion of an arrow pointing down. It will make round face shapes seem more oval and petite brides appear a bit taller. You also want to balance it with the right amount of skin on show. It can be deep or shallow, but the narrower you make the v, the less of an effect it will have.

V-necks are best for these body types:

• Most bust sizes
• Petite, apple, athletic and curvy shapes
• Small to wide shoulders

What should you wear it with?
The V-neck is such a versatile neckline, you can have fun with your accessories. Wear a necklace that mirrors the shape of the neckline, like a statement piece that reflects the look of the top.

 

5. The Off-the-shoulder

Also called Bardot, the off-the-shoulder is an iconic neckline. It draws the eye to the shoulders, perfect for showcasing your collar bone and balancing a fuller mid-section.

Off-the-shoulder necklines are best for these body types:

• Small to medium bust
• Pear, athletic, petite and hourglass shapes
• Slender or narrow shoulders

What should you wear it with?
This neckline is all about your shoulders and collar bone – so don’t hide them! I’d recommend brides keep their hair up, and forget the necklace.

 

There are more necklines out there than these 5, but I think that these are the most popular ones amongst our brides.

Make sure you get as much advice from your stylist as possible to make sure you get the right one for you.