21 Sweetheart Neckline Wedding Dresses That Will Take Your Breath Away
When it comes to wedding dresses, styles often come and go. The 1950s saw fitted bodices and full tea-length skirts, the 1980s had puffy sleeves and skirts, and in the early 2000s, belted strapless gowns became widely popular.
Most of these styles are still around today in some form or another. Yet, through the decades, one wedding dress design has persisted: the effortlessly romantic sweetheart neckline dress.
My wedding dress had a sweetheart neckline, as did my mom’s – albeit covered with lace. This hallmark of wedding fashion has been adapted to fit the times – adding and removing sleeves, tailoring skirts, adding illusions and pearls – but the sweetheart neckline persists. And we’re so glad it does!
What is a sweetheart neckline? This classic gown shape can be described as a dress with a neckline that imitates the top of a heart. The bodice can be fitted and drawn in towards the waste to complete the shape. It tends to give the illusion of a curvy figure, enhance your decolletage, and can accentuate the length and slim profile of your neck.
If you ask us, it’s a pretty great choice for a bride on her wedding day as it works to highlight all your best features!
The shape may be classic, but that doesn’t mean your dress has to be cookie-cutter. We’ve lined up our favorite sweetheart neckline wedding dresses, from tastefully traditional to modern and trendsetting.
Our Favorite Sweetheart Neckline Wedding Dresses
1. Vivienne Dress
by Azazie
It doesn’t get much more beautiful than this stunning sweetheart gown.
Its lace applique bodice complete with puff sleeves helps to accentuate the classic sweetheart neckline. In the front, a slit up the skirt adds an interesting flair to an otherwise minimal dress.
The romantic style of this breezy beauty is ideal for tropical destination weddings or summer “I do’s”.
2. Jenny Yoo Bennett Gown
by BHLDN
Simple and classically romantic, this is a sweetheart neckline at its finest.
The bodice is fitted with boning that creates an attractive silhouette. The lack of straps accentuates the neckline. We love the row of delicate buttons trailing from the back all the way down the sweeping train.
This dress can be left as-is for a more casual wedding or embellished with a belt, a veil, or any other accessories of your choosing!
3. Off Shoulder Chiffon Dress
by Etsy: LeBrideAtalier
Calling all bohemian brides: this dress is for you!
Off-the-shoulder sleeves with a gentle, billowing puff are dramatic yet whimsical. The heart shape of the neckline is highlighted with the overlapping ruching of the bodice. We love how the back of the dress mirrors the front, with a gentle dip in the middle.
Made of chiffon and satin, the skirt and train offer plenty of movement and are cool and comfortable. Free-flowing and flirty, this dress is easy to wear and will keep you feeling amazing on your wedding day, whether you’re walking down the aisle or dancing the night away.
4. English Net Ball Gown
This stunning ball gown is the perfect fit for any princess on her wedding day.
Its romantic neckline and boned bodice are intricately decorated with a breathtaking assortment of lace patterns and florals. The ethereal full skirt is befitting of royalty and flows into a lovely chapel length train. The petite tulle cape that gathers around the shoulders offers a hint of modesty.
Our favorite part? The cape is removable, allowing the strapless sweetheart design to highlight your shoulders and neckline.
5. Sequin Mermaid Dress
This wedding dress has just the right amount of fashion and drama while remaining sophisticated and elegant.
The mermaid design paired with the sweetheart neckline creates a long-and-lean look from head to toe. Hitting at about mid-thigh, the trumpet skirt outfitted with a sweeping train creates that signature mermaid look.
6. Irish Fit-And-Flare Mini Dress
Why save all the decolletage-highlighting gowns for your wedding day? This mini dress would be amazing for a bachelorette party, or even an elopement if that’s your wedding dream!
Short and sassy, this unconventional dress has a flirty fit and flare silhouette. The crochet bodice and guipure inlays are undoubtedly sexy. We also love the playfulness of the ruffles along the hem. The sweetheart neckline is enhanced by the curve-hugging underwire and the barely-there middle, making this an all-over sultry dress.
7. Feather Detail Organza Gown
Go bold on your big day with a jaw-dropping feather detail bridal gown.
Its A-line style feels very vintage. And when you add in the sparkly sequin beadwork and delicate feathers, we get some serious 1920s Art Deco vibes.
The sweetheart neckline ends in lovely off-the-shoulder sleeves that blend demurity and allure. Intricate designs grace the front of the dress and wrap around, flowing down to the bottom of the sweeping train. The subdued nude shade makes this dress all the more eye-catching.
8. Blue Rowe Wedding Dress
by Azazie
Yes, please! We are here for this breathtaking blue dress!
Garden wedding, winter wedding, you name it – this versatile sweetheart neckline dress would look darling in nearly any setting. It’s a princess ball gown constructed in an ethereal light blue hue for the modern, statement-making bride who is ready to break tradition.
The lace off-the-shoulder sleeves only increase the whimsy. Hand-placed lace appliques adorn the boned bodice and dot the skirt as well, all the way to the flowing train. Available in other colors, too!
9. Lace Wedding Gown
Is it weird that we can envision this lacy gown in both a winter wonderland setting and on a tropical beach?
It’s just so versatile (and romantic) that it would suit almost any wedding venue.
Don’t let the full-length sleeves of this princess gown fool you. Made entirely of dainty lace, they’re lightweight and comfortable. Not to mention studded with sequins! The intricacy of the boned bodice and sleeves are complemented by the sleek and simple organza skirt. A keyhole back and train of buttons add a dash of “oh-la-la” when you’re walking down the aisle.
10. A-Line Court Train Tulle Gown
by Cocomelody
The layers, the appliques, the whimsy that is this dress! Sigh…it’s gorgeous.
Layers of tulle make the voluminous skirt look even more billowing. The sweetheart neckline is subdued and feminine, matching the playfulness of this strapless gown. Lacework adorns the body, complete with boning and a button-up back. The stunning skirt ends in an enchanting court train.
This gown would be very fitting in an outdoor wedding where the setting is casual and relaxed.
11. Sheer Lace Tea-Length Wedding Dress
Looking for something a little less traditional? This might be a perfect pick.
From the wedding shower to the reception, this classy and casual dress will make you feel great! Its flaring silhouette lightly graces your curves. We can’t get over how the lace perfectly compliments sweetheart neckline. This dress is strapless and comfortable, ensuring you will feel fabulous in this easy-going yet elegant gown.
12. Trumpet Knitted Wedding Dress
by Cocomelody
Jaws will drop when you walk down the aisle in this incredible gown.
The bodice? Boned, sheer, and dripping in lace. The straps? Delicate, but outfitted with positively billowing mesh full-length sleeves. The skirt? Impressively covered with stunning floral appliques that bloom outwards into a chapel length train.
The dress? Absolutely breathtaking!
13. Pleated Organza A-Line Dress
This sweetheart neckline dress is so sweet and lovely – the epitome of “blushing bride”.
It’s understated and romantically classic. Sleeveless, the dress lengthens your neckline and highlights your shoulders. The ruching on the bodice is the perfect complement to the ruffled organza full skirt. Asymmetrical pleating adds a nice touch while not being too dramatic. Gentle ruffles at the end of the chapel-length skirt complete this graceful gown.
14. Mini Dress with Lace Overlay
by Azazie
This dress would make a unique option for a trendsetting bride.
Though it has all the characteristics of a classic sweetheart gown, like the fitted bodice and flowing skirt, minor details make it stand out. Like the fact that it’s made of gleaming stretch satin. Or, the lace skirt that extends to the floor, drawing eyes to its high-low design.
15. Illusion Sabrina Dress with Detachable Sleeves
The illusion high neck of this dress is positively dreamy.
Lace really does wonders for this dress. First, it gives the illusion of a high neck with its dainty collar piece. Then, it flows down the shoulders, across the sweetheart neckline, and onto the body, ending right before the skirt. Finally, it rests along the shoulders and trails down the center of the back to create another lovely illusion.
Oh, and did we mention this chiffon A-line dress includes detachable lace illusion sleeves?!
16. Willow by Luana Dress
Can you be daring yet demure at the same time? Yes – and this dress proves it!
The crepe and charmeuse body is classic, with its long sweetheart neckline and sleek fit. However, the illusion tulle floral inserts are anything but. They are delicately sewn into the plunging neckline and the full-body side cut-outs.
Add on the detached off-the-shoulder puffed sleeves and you have a dress that is both feminine and high fashion.
17. Bella Jumpsuit
by Azazie
In our opinion, no wedding gown list is ever complete without a jumpsuit.
They’re so modern and edgy, and we love the way they look in photos! This bridal jumpsuit is fabulous with its fitted barely-there lace bodice, decorated with beaded accents. It looks very striking next to the loose, pin-tuck pants that elongate your silhouette with their high waist and straight legs. It’s glamour and sophistication all the way!
18. Adelaide Black & White Dress
by Azazie
When dresses are given a name instead of a descriptive title, you just know they’re going to be special!
The Adelaide dress from Azazie does not disappoint. If you’re looking for “classic sweetheart, but make it daring and edgy”, then this dress is for you. The traditional white tulle ballgown is given rocker vibes with bold, black lace appliques. They cover the strapless bodice and end at the waist, only to be found gracefully creeping up the bottom of the full skirt to complete the look. A glimmering overlay adds a hint of sparkle to this stunner.
19. Sheath-Column Lace Wedding Dress
by Cocomelody
We’re swooning over this sweet little sheath wedding dress.
Vintage brides will love it too. The straight lines of the column skirt play off the body-hugging bodice that enhances your curves and slims your silhouette. The flowing tulle and lace overlay that makes up the court train complements the nude satin sheath underneath.
This lace wedding dress is the most amazing blend of understated but detailed, sure to turn heads.
20. Sweetheart Beaded A-Line Wedding Dress
If the words soft, elegant, and romantic come to mind when you envision your dress, you will want to take a look at this beaded sweetheart gown from Justin Alexander.
The English net A-line skirt is such a classic choice. It’s elegant, ethereal, and flatters a variety of brides. But it’s the strapless sweetheart bodice that makes this dress so special. The beaded detailing is gorgeous and we love how you can still make out the boning through the sheer overlay – a massive trend in wedding fashion as of late.
A charming beaded belt highlights your natural waist while adding a touch of sparkle.
21. Boho Wedding Dress
We can’t take our eyes off this dress. Chances are your guests won’t be able to either!
Intricate patterns and interweaving lines are created by hand-placed embroidery. From the gentle swoop of the sweetheart bodice to the puddle-length train, the dress naturally elongates your silhouette. The whimsical A-line skirt makes this dress is just so enchanting, it’s hard to look away!
This dress is just so enchanting, it’s hard to look away!
Sweetheart Neckline Wedding Dress FAQ
With a sweetheart neckline, most of the detail is in the front, so you don’t have to worry too much about your hairstyle. However, if you have a keyhole back or a high illusion neckline, you may want to consider an updo to show off these darling dress features.
Personally, we love Old Hollywood waves either in an updo, a half-up/half-down, or fancy-free hairstyle with a sweetheart gown. It just further highlights the timelessness of this classic dress design!
Whatever accessories you want! You can add a belt or another type of embellishment around your waist. As we’ve seen, sleeves and straps are super popular accessories, as are capes. Pair it with a veil, comb, or headpiece of your choosing – the options are endless.
And you can’t go wrong with a pair of statement earrings to draw the eye back up to your beautiful face!
Adding a medium-length necklace will work to further highlight your decolletage. Or, you could leave your neck and chest bare for an alluring romantic look.
However, because of the cleavage-enhancing design of a sweetheart gown, we recommend avoiding any long pendants that could get lost in the bodice (if you know what we mean).
Say Yes to the (Sweetheart) Dress!
It’s no surprise that this classic style has stuck around for so long. It flatters nearly everyone, is undeniably romantic, and works with so many different dress types. I mean, hey – it can even be incorporated into a jumpsuit!
It’s hard to go wrong with a sweetheart, which is why if you’re on the fence, we totally think you should just say yes to the dress!
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Megan Moore
Megan’s wedding experience began over a decade ago when planning her dream ceremony. Since then, three kids have been added to the mix. Megan wholeheartedly embraces all things baby, childhood, and family. When she isn’t writing or chasing little ones you can find her running, hiking, or reading.
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