Do high-neck wedding dresses look good on all chest sizes?

Yes, high necklines look amazing on all chest sizes. More specifically, for those with a smaller chest, a high neck can create the illusion of a fuller bust by drawing the eyes up to the collarbone. Meanwhile, larger chests benefit from the lift and structure a high neck provides.

How do I style a high neckline?

Since a high neckline puts a lot of emphasis on the neck, it’s usually best to forego a necklace, and, instead, focus on earrings or a bracelet. As for your hair, while you don’t have to sport an updo, wearing your hair up can help show off all the intricate details of the high neckline.

Are high-neck wedding dresses suitable for warmer climates?

Though high necklines mean extra fabric, there are a lot of styles that are still suitable for warm weather. If you are getting married in the summer or in a warm climate, for example, select a gown with breathable fabric to help you stay cool. Thankfully, a lot of high-neck wedding dresses have open backs and slits to counteract the extra coverage.

10 High-Neck Wedding Dresses Worn by Real Brides

bride wearing a lace long-sleeve high-neck wedding dress — Photo by The Lockharts

There’s something so effortlessly chic about a high-neck wedding dress. Don't believe us? Just research photos of Sofia Richie, Meghan Markle, and Paris Hilton on their wedding days, and you'll quickly see how classic, yet modern, this silhouette can look when worn by a bride.

While many individuals think "modest" when referencing this style, today, there are so many iterations of high-neck wedding dresses that brides-to-be can consider for the big day. Ranging from dramatic necklines reminiscent of turtlenecks to necklines that hit just above your collarbone—also known as a Sabrina neckline—the options are truly endless when shopping for a look with this particular silhouette. Meaning, before beginning your search for your dream gown, consider the amount of coverage, level of embellishment, and overall aesthetic you prefer, as that will dictate the type of high-neck ensemble you ultimately end up wearing.

With all this in mind, we thought it might be beneficial to round up a few real-life examples to help you start your dress-shopping experience. Ahead, here are 10 high-neck wedding dresses worn by real brides to inspire your own day-of look.

01 of 10

A Charming Print

Portrait of Bride in Floral Gown — Photo by Olivia Marshall

The high-neck silhouette, sleeveless design, and floral and citrus print make bride Heidi's Monique Lhuillier gown one to consider if getting married during the spring or summer months. Not only that, but you can also look to this bride for inspiration on how to style your hair if sporting this dress silhouette. “My dress had a really high neckline, so I also wanted to keep my hair up to show it off,” Heidi explained about her beauty look.

02 of 10

A Two-Piece Ensemble

Portrait of Bride Wearing Two-Piece White Dress — Photo by Lauren Ashley Photography

For brides-to-be with bold aesthetics, consider wearing a two-piece ensemble, similar to the getup Kate wore for her European-inspired bridal shower. “I fell in love with this set the minute I saw it,” she recalled about her outfit. “It was so unique, and I’ve honestly never seen it done before. It perfectly complemented the Renaissance-inspired theme and truly offered the perfect blend of modern and vintage for me.”

03 of 10

An Elegant Lace Ball Gown

bride wearing a long-sleeve lace wedding dress — Photo by Amanda K. Photography

Covered with delicate lace, this dress is timeless, sophisticated, and a lovely option for the bride who wants a modest look. The best part? The lace top is removable, so if you're not keen on having a high neckline post-ceremony, that can easily be adjusted. “I always knew I wanted a long-sleeved wedding dress, but also loved the idea of having two looks in one,” bride Samantha shared about her gown. “I went straight to Monique Lhuillier and found my dream dress with a removable lace jacket on the first try.”

04 of 10

A Royal-Inspired Look

Portrait of Bride in White Gown — Photo by The Lockharts

Dreaming of a royal-inspired look? We recommend replicating bride Sabine's wedding day ensemble, which featured Chantilly lace, a choker-inspired neckline, and semi-transparent puffed sleeves. “Its intricate lace design brought back memories of my late mother who also wore a similar style on her special day. It felt like a beautiful tribute to her, a way to carry on her legacy in a meaningful manner," Sabine shared about her gown.

05 of 10

A Sabrina Neckline

black and white photo of a bride putting on lace gloves — Photo by Paula Jackson

High necklines don't always have to replicate the silhouette of a turtleneck. Case in point: Bride Santana donned this gorgeous Danielle Frankle gown, that featured a "Sabrina" high neckline and cowl backline. “When I tried on the dress and it felt like it was from another era, especially the scarf draped accent on the back, I knew it was the one,” she shared. “I also knew I didn’t want a veil, so the fact that the dress allowed me to show off my back was the icing on the cake.”

06 of 10

A Pared-Back Dress

Portrait of Bride With White Bouquet — Photo by Sasithon Photography

Here's another example of a high neckline sans mock neck style, which bride Judy wore for her wedding on the California coast. We particularly love this ensemble for its modern-day simplicity, as it's the perfect look for those with pared-back aesthetics.

07 of 10

A Glamourous Church Getup

black and white photo of a bride wearing a long-sleeve midi dress — Photo by Olivia Leigh Photographie

Planning a courthouse wedding, elopement, or church ceremony? Lean into the aesthetic of bride Elise's look, which featured a high neckline, long sleeves, body-skimming silhouette, a tea-length hemline, and allover beading. “For the church ceremony on Thursday, I wanted the dress to be more conservative with a touch of glam,” Samantha shared. “I knew the moment I tried on the dress that this was the one I would walk down the church aisle in."

08 of 10

A Luxe Look

bride in gown with overskirt — Photo by Amy Anaiz Photography

If you subscribe to a more is more aesthetic, then this dress is one to know. Between the high neckline, geometric lace, allover beading, and tulle overskirt, there's so much to love about this design if searching for a luxe look. “Nothing was making me feel excited! And then I stepped into one of Leah Da Gloria’s dresses and I knew she was the designer I would go with. We were able to have her custom-make a one-of-a-kind dress for me that allowed me to get everything I wanted in a dress. I left feeling like I had landed the dress of my dreams," bride Khiari gushed about her gown.

09 of 10

A Boho Dream

Birde poses in high-neck floral dress with train and holds bouquet with pink, white, and orange florals with ribbon — Photo by Hannah Baldwin Photography

Boho brides, rejoiice! Here's a high-neck gown you'll absolutely love, worn by bride Lindsey for her maximalist disco wedding. The floral and geometric lace pattern gives off earthy vibes, while the high neckline and sheer fabrication add an incredibly modern touch.

10 of 10

A Demure, Yet Sexy, Design

bride posing in an embellished wedding dress and a tulle veil — Photo by Haley Rynn Ringo Photo

Demure yet sexy, this design stole our hearts. Between the silver embroidery, sheer bodice details, cap sleeves, and cinched waist silhouette, bride Catie's ensemble proves why gowns with high necklines can be just as alluring as dresses with skin-barring silhouettes. "When I tried it on, I just knew," she shared about her look. "It was just a feeling I got!"

FAQ

Do high-neck wedding dresses look good on all chest sizes?

Yes, high necklines look amazing on all chest sizes. More specifically, for those with a smaller chest, a high neck can create the illusion of a fuller bust by drawing the eyes up to the collarbone. Meanwhile, larger chests benefit from the lift and structure a high neck provides.
How do I style a high neckline?

Since a high neckline puts a lot of emphasis on the neck, it’s usually best to forego a necklace, and, instead, focus on earrings or a bracelet. As for your hair, while you don’t have to sport an updo, wearing your hair up can help show off all the intricate details of the high neckline.
Are high-neck wedding dresses suitable for warmer climates?

Though high necklines mean extra fabric, there are a lot of styles that are still suitable for warm weather. If you are getting married in the summer or in a warm climate, for example, select a gown with breathable fabric to help you stay cool. Thankfully, a lot of high-neck wedding dresses have open backs and slits to counteract the extra coverage.