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PHOTO BY TAILOR JAMES
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 21 of our favorite sweetheart neckline wedding dresses you’ll want to consider—or pull some inspo from—for your upcoming “I dos.”
Best Texture: Amsale Devon Gown
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.
For the Sophisticated Bride: Pnina Tornai Style #4885T Strapless Sweetheart Neckline Mermaid Wedding Dress
Size range: 2-36 | Material: Satin and crystal-embellished belt | Shipping: Inquire with bridal retailer | Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
Effortlessly chic and oh-so-sultry, this Pnina Tornai gown is a shining satin vision. The strapless, sweetheart neckline and crystal belt are further accentuated by the curve-hugging silhouette and dramatic, sweeping train.
Most Glam: Martina Liana Style 906 Wedding Gown
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 shimmering scalloped lace detail to this perfectly cut sweetheart neckline is simply unforgettable.
Best Off-the-Shoulder Neckline: Allure Bridals Style #9908 Embellished Satin Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Gown
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 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.
Most Versatile: Jenny by Jenny Yoo Bennett Gown
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.
For the Fairytale Bride: DB Studio Pleated Bodice Tulle Strapless Wedding Dress
Size range: 0-14 | Material: Tulle and beading | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 7 days of purchase
Corset boning, a beaded waistband, and a fluffy tulle skirt paired with a rhinestone-embellished sweetheart neckline make this David’s Bridal gown fit for the princess bride.
Most Royal: Sareh Nouri Royal Highness Gown
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. Known for her impeccable fits and luxurious fabrics, it’s no wonder this gown is named Royal Highness.
For a Winter Wedding: Adrianna Papell Platinum Allover Lace Long Sleeve Slim Wedding Gown
Size range: 0-30 | Material: Lace and illusion | Shipping: Inquire with bridal retailer | Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
Cool weather means plenty of opportunities to wear long sleeves without getting overheated, which is why we’re enamored by this illusion lace gown from Adrianna Papell. The lace sleeves and high neck are expertly balanced by the sweetheart neckline and curve-hugging silhouette.
Most Whimsical: Azazie Saffron BG
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.
For the Sexy Bride: For Love & Lemons X REVOLVE Bustier Gown
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.
Best Vintage Style: Grace + Ivory Lexi Wedding Gown
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.
For a Spring Wedding: Wtoo by Watters Miles Gown
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.
Most Dramatic: David’s Bridal Collection Ruffled Organza Plus Size Mermaid Wedding Dress
Size range: 16W-30W | Material: Organza and beaded belt | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 7 days of purchase
Classic fit-and-flares that you can accessorize however you’d like aren’t always the easiest to come by, but that’s why we adore this David’s Bridal favorite. Coming in a wide range of sizes, this sleek organza gown sweeps into a ruffled skirt that’s easy to embellish with your own style.
For a Fall Wedding: Revelry Bardot Velvet Dress
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.
For the Elegant Bride: Grace + Ivory Melody Wedding Gown
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 covert-worthy crepe Grace + Ivory wedding gown. The detachable sleeves give you the option to mix up your look and the low, lace back adds an extra “wow” factor for walking down the aisle.
Best Lace Detail: Tobi Adelyn Strapless Maxi Dress
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. The sweetheart neckline, flared silhouette, and light lace makes it perfect for warmer venues or tropical locations.
For a Pop of Color: Amsale Zora Gown
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. From the impeccable draping of the tulle to the floral texture, there’s nothing not to love.
Best Illusion Detail: Berta Style 20-P09 Fitted Lace Wedding Gown
Size range: Inquire with bridal retailer | Material: Beaded lace appliqué and illusion | Shipping: Inquire with bridal retailer | Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
The gorgeous illusion detail of this Berta gown is beyond striking. Featuring beaded lace appliqué, the figure-hugging fit and pretty tulle train speak for itself. We especially love how its buttons appear to merely float across the bare back.
For a Backyard Wedding: Tobi Adrienne Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress
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 $64, it’s a total steal.
Best Floral Detail: Rivini SS/22 Ceyla Gown
Size range: Inquire with bridal retailer | Material: Tulle and 3D floral appliqué | Shipping: Inquire with bridal retailer | Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
The simple silhouette of this Rivini gown adds a timeless touch to the most mesmerizing floral embellishment. With its three-dimensional texture and subtle pearl accents, this is effortless luxury at its finest.
For the Chic Bride: ASOS EDITION Scarlet Embellished Lace Corset Wedding Dress
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. Show off your shoes with the thigh-high slit and pair with a cathedral veil for some extra pizzaz.
What to Look for in a Sweetheart Neckline Wedding Dress
Now that you’ve curated some sweetheart inspiration, there are a few tips and tricks to consider before saying “yes!’ to your dress. While this style neckline may not seem like there’s much variation, the degree of the curve and dip of the sweetheart may drastically influence the overall look. For instance, necklines that have a drastic curve and a lower dip are best for brides with longer torsos or décolletages. Brides with shorter proportions often look best with more subtle sweetheart necklines. Similarly, sweetheart necklines can be paired with a wide selection of straps or sleeves. For a romantic and subtly sexy look, pair your neckline with off-the-shoulder straps. Going for strapless or spaghetti straps will offer a soft and dainty look while long illusion sleeves create a dramatic, more modest vision. When it comes to accessorizing your sweetheart style, we recommend keeping the neckline the focal point by opting for no necklace. Go for a striking pair of drop earrings or statement studs to elongate your features while keeping the focus on your face.
Why Trust Us / About the Author
Contributing writer Rachel Varina is a professional freelance writer, content manager, and social media manager. With over seven years of professional writing experience, her work has been featured in Betches, Diply, Total Sorority Move, Post Grad Problems, and Elite Daily in addition to Brides.