Wedding Dress Style Guide

Posted on July 21, 2016 by Today's Bride

Did you fall in love with a dress that boasted a stylish bateau neckline, or is it a traditional sweetheart? Maybe you went for an elegant off-the-shoulder sleeve or a square neck crop top. Whatever style neckline you chose, this guide will help you complement its silhouette perfectly.

Sweetheart

Sweetheart necklines are one of the most popular among brides. Classic and flattering, you really can’t go wrong with a sweetheart dress – and that goes for accessories, too! A dainty necklace, hanging pendant, drop earrings, diamond or pearl studs, flower crown, veil, birdcage – you name it, it works perfectly with a sweetheart neckline. There’s no wrong option!

Illusion

Illusion necklines can be tricky. Sometimes they’ll come as a sheer or nude netting, while other times floral or lace appliques will come up to your neck or shoulders in a whimsical layout. With an illusion dress, it’s usually a safe bet to forgo the necklace and stick with a sparkly bangle. Because there’s so much going on up top, it’s best to stick with a stud earring. A longer veil works best with this style dress – elbow length, waist length, or all out cathedral – but stay away from blushes and birdcages as they’ll draw your guests’ attention away from your conservative neckline.

Queen Anne

A Queen Anne neckline is truly timeless! No matter the year, it never goes out of style and somehow maintains it’s popularity. That’s probably because of it too, like sweetheart dresses, can pull off almost any style accessories. Necklaces, bangles, dangly earrings or hoops, a hair clip, veil, or flower crown, this elegant neckline looks perfect whether it’s paired with a chunky necklace or with nothing at all.

Off-Shoulder

Does it get more dreamy? If you imagine yourself as an ethereal princess on your wedding day, we suggest getting an off-the-shoulder dress. We recommend a long veil over a birdcage, hair piece, or flower crown, to complement the elegant and poised feel of it. The choice between a blusher, elbow length, waist length, or cathedral veil is entirely up to your discretion!

Square

Square necklines have a sleek, contemporary feel to them. Though a veil (especially a blusher) look lovely when paired with this dress, we suggest using a hair clip or headband to add a touch of sparkle while keeping your look modern and clean. A collection of bangles and drop earrings are the perfect accents to this silhouette.

Bateau

This silhouette is so recognizable that we advise brides to keep things simple when accessorizing their look. Necklaces typically don’t work well with a bateau neckline, and drop earrings tend to look most flattering, but when it comes to veils, the choice is yours! This neckline – similar to Queen Ann – has a royal and timeless feel, and can pair well with any style veil, though we’re partial to a birdcage or blusher with this particular look.

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There are so many inspiring trends and fantastic dress silhouettes that it can be hard to choose which is right for you! Your first step in finding the perfect gown is perusing our Pinterest board of the latest trends and timeless classics. Once you’ve collected photos of the style you love best, take them to a local bridal shop to get started! The consultants can help you find a gown that not only flatters your figure but makes you glow from the inside out. Never settle for a dress that you don’t love just because your entourage approves.

If you don’t already have heirloom jewelry that you plan on wearing, you’ll want to check out some of our favorite accessories and veils. Remember, always get “jacked up” before saying yes to a dress, as you’ll look different all dress up on the day of your wedding.

You’ve found your soul mate; now it’s time to find your perfect dress. Regardless of this style guide’s suggestions, there are no rules when it comes to feeling beautiful on your wedding day!