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22 Bateau Neckline Wedding Dresses for a Sophisticated Celebration

by Staff

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When it comes to selecting your wedding dress, finding a look that speaks to your personal style is of the utmost importance. And while there are a lot of different options to choose from, one bridal look that’s been gaining popularity is the classy bateau neck gown. You may remember this silhouette worn by Meghan Markle, who famously rocked the neckline at her 2018 royal wedding to Prince Harry. Markle’s history-making Givenchy ceremony dress boasted ¾ sleeves, soft silk fabric, and most notably, a sophisticated boat neckline. 

What is a Bateau Neckline?

Also called a boat neckline, a bateau neck is a straight neckline that stretches across the collarbone to each shoulder. It’s a wider version of a round neck, and the curvature of the silhouette can vary from minimal to dramatic.

The sleek neckline is more modest than a V-neck or sweetheart, and the style typically comes with sleeves which means more coverage. Even so, there’s a bateau gown for nearly every bridal style. While the look wasn’t as popular a few years back, more and more brides are now opting for this silhouette due to its elegant and timeless aesthetic.

From Meghan Markle-inspired wedding dresses to unique looks boasting boat necks, check out 22 of our favorite bateau neckline gowns. Based on rave reviews and reputable sellers, we can’t get enough of these captivating day-of looks.

FAQ

  • Bateau necklines are one of the rarer choices for brides but have gained popularity since Meghan Markle’s 2018 wedding. Also called a boat neck, the look has now been associated with sophistication and regalness—two style attributes many brides gravitate towards for their special day.

  • Since many bateau necklines fall across the chest and collarbones, it’s best to forego a necklace and instead, accessorize with bold bracelets or statement hairpieces. This will allow the clean lines of the gown to be front and center. 

  • While bateau neckline gowns can work for any season, it’s important to pay attention to the sleeve length and fabric. In a nod to Meghan Markle’s gown, many current bateau gowns boast long sleeves which work best for cooler seasons. Luckily, there are styles with shorter sleeves, so don’t get discouraged if you haven’t yet found what you’re looking for. 

About the Author

Rachel Varina is a social media, digital marketing, and editorial expert with over seven years of professional writing experience. Her work has appeared on sites such as Betches and Elite Daily.

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