Selecting your wedding dress is one of those to-do list items many brides dream about forever. And while trying on gorgeous gowns and spinning in front of a mirror is fun and all, when it comes time to actually shop for—and then select—a dress for your wedding, you might feel kinda stuck. That's why it helps to have an idea of a few different styles you're interested in before heading to the boutique.
Whether you're envisioning a trendy celebration or a classically romantic ceremony, there's one type of wedding gown element that continues to stand out: the sweetheart neckline.Universally flattering and impossibly romantic, the sweetheart neckline is a classic cut that is sure to stand the test of time.
What Is a Sweetheart Neckline?
The sweetheart neckline gets its name for resembling the curves at the top of a heart. The style accentuates the décolletage while giving you a longer and leaner appearance. The romantic neckline is extremely flattering and a classic choice for brides.
Luckily, sweetheart necklines come in a variety of silhouettes, so whether you're looking for a sleek, sheath dress or a full, dramatic ballgown, you'll be able to find a style with this elegant shape. Equally noteworthy, sweetheart necklines can be paired with a variation of straps or sleeve options. While strapless may be the first style to come to mind, sweetheart necklines can also be paired with off-the-shoulder, spaghetti straps, or even illusion long sleeves. Regardless of your personal preferences, sweetheart necklines are appropriate for all type of weddings and there's a variation for every bridal style.
To help you jumpstart your search, we've rounded up our favorite sweetheart neckline wedding dresses you'll want to consider—or pull some inspo from—for your upcoming “I dos.”
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Best Texture: Amsale Devon Gown
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Size range: Inquire with bridal retailer |Material: Floral jacquard and ribbon |Shipping: Inquire with bridal retailer |Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
The Devon gown is impossibly romantic. Its jaw-dropping jacquard fabric adds the most beautiful texture to a simple ballgown design. Plus, the subtle ribbon detail adorning the waistline is just the cherry on top. If you love this look, use the store locator to see where you can try it on, or book an appointment at the brand's New York City shop.
Price at time of publish: $6,495
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Most Glam: Martina Liana Style 906 Textured Mermaid Wedding Dress
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Size range: Inquire with bridal retailer |Material: Tulle and 3D floral appliqué |Shipping: Inquire with bridal retailer |Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
With romance and glam rolled into one, look no further than this stunning Martina Liana gown. The flattering dropped waistline and shimmering scalloped lace detail to this perfectly cut sweetheart neckline is simply unforgettable.
Price at time of publish: Not listed
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Best off-the-Shoulder Neckline: Allure Bridals Style 9908 Embellished Satin off-the-Shoulder Wedding Gown
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Size range: 0-30 |Material: Satin and metallic floral appliqué |Shipping: Inquire with bridal retailer |Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
Romantic and oh-so-bridal, this beautiful ivory ballgown simply has it all. From its full satin skirt and off-the-shoulder neckline to its metallic floral appliqués adorning the bodice, there is nothing not to love.
Price at time of publish: Not listed
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Most Versatile: Jenny by Jenny Yoo Bennett Gown
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Size range: 0-18 |Material: Crepe |Shipping: Shipping rates vary |Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of delivery
Whether you wear this Jenny Yoo crepe gown with or without a cape, the flattering sweetheart neckline and simple design make it easy to accessorize to let your bridal personality shine. At under $1,000 it's also among the more reasonably priced options we found.
Price at time of publish: $995
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Most Royal: Sareh Nouri Royal Highness Gown
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Size range: 0-28 |Material: Italian mikado |Shipping: Inquire with bridal retailer |Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
For a more sophisticated royal look, opt for this Italian mikado ballgown by Sareh Nouri. The elegant design features a voluminous gown skirt with a side opening and a flattering ruched bodice. Known for her impeccable fits and luxurious fabrics, it's no wonder this gown is named Royal Highness.
Price at time of publish: Not listed
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Most Whimsical: Azazie Saffron BG
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Size range: WD0-WD30 (custom sizes available) |Material:Crepe, tulle, and beaded lace appliqué |Shipping: Free shipping for bridal gowns |Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of purchase for standard sizes
Can’t decide between a form-fitted gown or something fuller and fluffier? Why not have both? This unique and refined Azazie crepe gown has it all with a mermaid silhouette, tulle overskirt, and flattering sweetheart neckline. It's along among the more budget-friendly options we found.
Price at time of publish: $389
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For the Sexy Bride: For Love & Lemons X Revolve Bustier Gown White
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Size range: XS-XL |Material: Silk, nylon, and spandex blend |Shipping: Free 2 day shipping for U.S. orders |Return policy: Free returns accepted within the U.S.
If you want a look that’s dripping in drama and style, For Love & Lemon’s Bustier Gown sizzles from every angle. Whether you wear it at your ceremony, reception, bachelorette party, or after-party, the asymmetrical tulle hem, and sheer bodice will keep the heads turning.
Price at time of publish: $348
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Best Vintage-Style: Grace + Ivory Lexi Wedding Gown
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Size range: Custom |Material: Spanish-inspired lace, illusion, and beading |Shipping: Free shipping |Return policy: Partial refunds granted within guidelines
If you want your wedding dress to celebrate beauty through the ages, look no further than Grace + Ivory’s Lexi gown. The unique, Spanish-inspired lace frock features an elongating illusion neckline, hand-beaded sleeves, and a timeless button-back detail.
Price at time of publish: $2,195
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For a Spring Wedding: Wtoo by Watters Miles Gown
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Size range: 00-26W |Material: Stretch mesh |Shipping: Free shipping on orders exceeding $50 |Return policy: Free returns accepted to warehouse within 30 days of delivery
Stretch mesh construction paired with a sweetheart neckline and airy, off-the-shoulder sleeves make Watters’ Miles gown a vision for outdoor spring weddings when the weather is a little unpredictable. The simple yet elegant design is truly timeless.
Price at time of publish: $1,395
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For a Fall Wedding: Revelry Bardot Velvet Dress
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Size range: 0-32 |Material: Velvet |Shipping: Shipping rates vary |Return policy: Final sale
We love rich fabrics for fall, and Revelry’s Bardot velvet dress, which boasts a folded sweetheart neckline, is soft and decadent with a pricetag as enticing as the gown itself. Available in 25 colors ranging from rose to sage to emerald, it's also a lovely choice for bridesmaids.
Price at time of publish: $189
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For the Elegant Bride: Grace + Ivory Melody Wedding Gown
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Size range: Custom |Material:Crepe, chantilly lace, and floral lace appliqué |Shipping: Free shipping |Return policy: Partial refunds granted within guidelines
Timeless beauty meets modern elegance in this covet-worthy crepe Grace + Ivory wedding gown. The detachable off-the-shoulder sleeves give you the option to mix up your look, and the low, lace back and gorgeous train detail add an extra “wow” factor for walking down the aisle.
Price at time of publish: $1,995
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Best Lace Detail: Tobi Adelyn Strapless Maxi Dress
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Size range: XS-XL |Material: Lace |Shipping: Free shipping on orders exceeding $75 |Return policy: Free returns accepted within 10 days of purchase
Summer weddings call for lighter fabric and shorter trains, which is why Tobi’s strapless Adelyn is ideal for beating the heat at a summer wedding or in a warmer climate. The sweetheart neckline, flared silhouette, and light lace makes it perfect for warmer venues or tropical locations. Plus, the affordable price tag won't break the bank.
Price at time of publish: $118
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For a Pop of Color: Amsale Zora Gown
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Size range: Inquire with bridal retailer |Material: Tulle and floral beaded appliqué |Shipping: Inquire with bridal retailer |Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
Float down the aisle flaunting this pretty-in-pink bridal look. We're utterly obsessed with this soft and ethereal Amsale ballgown with its pale blush hue and ivory accents. From the impeccable draping of the tulle to the floral texture and hand-beaded detailing, there's nothing not to love.
Price at time of publish: $7,200
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For a Backyard Wedding: Tobi Adrienne off shoulder Maxi Dress
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Size range: S-L |Material: Chiffon |Shipping: Free shipping on orders exceeding $75 |Return policy: Free returns accepted within 10 days of purchase
Light and floaty but still beautifully bridal, Tobi’s Adrienne is elegant yet understated with off-the-shoulder sleeves and a structured bodice. It’s easy to dress up or down, and for under $150, it’s a total steal. This affordable gown comes in multiple colors, so it could also work as a bridesmaid dress.
Price at time of publish: $128
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For the Chic Bride: ASOS EDITION Scarlet Embellished Lace Corset Wedding Dress
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Size range: 0-14 |Material: Satin and lace |Shipping: Free shipping |Return policy: Free returns accepted
Fierce meets flirty in the embellished ASOS gown that combines playful lace and sleek satin for an elegant and on-trend look. The delicate shoulder straps are a nice touch too. Show off your shoes with the thigh-high slit and pair with a cathedral veil for some extra pizzazz.
Price at time of publish: $225
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What to Look For in a Sweetheart Neckline Wedding Dress
Deep V-Cuts
Find a V-cut that flatters your figure, fits your sense of style, and is appropriate for your wedding's level of formality. A moderately deep V-cut is attractive and alluring, while a more dramatic plunge is striking. For instance, necklines that have a drastic curve and a lower dip, like the Martina Liana Style 906 Textured Mermaid Wedding Dress and the Allure Bridals Style 9908 Embellished Satin Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Gown, are best for brides with longer torsos or décolletages. Brides with shorter proportions often look best with more subtle sweetheart necklines like the Jenny by Jenny Yoo Bennett Gown. Additionally, remember to think about the best undergarments that offer support and guarantee a sleek silhouette. Bras, adhesive cups, or a low-back bustier may be necessary to keep you comfortable and improve the dress's appearance, depending on the depth of the V-cut.
Fit and Support
On your wedding day, you should wear a dress that flatters your figure and gives you plenty of support so that you can feel confident and beautiful. Finding a dress with boning or built-in corsetry is ideal for a strapless gown because it will help keep the dress in place. Similarly, sweetheart necklines can be paired with a wide selection of straps or sleeves. For a romantic and subtly sexy look, choose a neckline with off-the-shoulder straps, like the Tobi Adrienne off shoulder Maxi Dress. As with the ASOS Scarlet Embellished Lace Corset Wedding Dress, strapless or spaghetti straps will offer a soft and dainty look, while long illusion sleeves create a dramatic, more modest vision.
Fabrics
Before saying yes to the dress, consider the fabric. Depending on your preference and the desired effect, you can choose from a variety of options. Silk or satin wedding dresses can give a bridal look a more structured and luxurious feel, while lighter fabrics like chiffon or organza can create a more ethereal and soft look.
FAQ
What seasons do sweetheart dresses work best in?
Since sweetheart necklines can be paired with most sleeve and silhouette styles, it looks great in all seasons, climates, venues, and themes. That said, a strapless style is often best for summer weddings and warmer climates, whereas something with sleeves will be better for a fall or winter wedding.
Will a sweetheart neckline look good on me?
Sweetheart necklines look amazing on most people, as they accentuates curves without overemphasizing them too much and balance out the hips. Having said that, a more drastic plunge of the neckline will flatter brides with longer torsos, whereas those with shorter proportions might look better with a more subtle neckline.
How should I style my sweetheart neckline wedding dress?
Since sweetheart necklines showcase a lot of your décolletage, this is a great choice if you want to “wow” with your accessories. Just be mindful of how embellished your gown is, since the flashier the dress, the more subtle you’ll probably want your accessories to be. Depending on the design and materials, a simple necklace or even no necklace at all might be the most flattering option.
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