There are more than a dozen different wedding dress necklines available in the stores: illusion, v-neck, sweetheart, halter, jewel, scoop and many more - it can be hard to make sense of them all and to choose one that suits you best. However, theres one type of a wedding dress neckline that stands out when it comes to lending elegance and a sense of class to a wedding dress, this is the boat or bateau neckline.

When did bateau neckline dresses become popular?

If you love classic movies and admire elegant women, you might be pleased to find out that even though bateau necklines were first adopted from sailors uniforms in the 1900s, they became especially popular after Audrey Hepburns hit movie Sabrina. In fact, this neckline style is often called the Sabrina neckline! Because of the nautical origins of the neckline style, bateau or boat-styled necklines are very popular at beach weddings and weddings with a nautical theme. Since this neckline leaves you fairly exposed, it is best worn in summer and spring.

Who should choose boat or bateau wedding dresses?

While they are extremely chic and elegant, bateau necklines dont look equally good on all brides. A wedding dress with a bateau neckline is a perfect tool you can use to draw attention to your neck, shoulders and collarbones, so bateau bridal gowns usually look best on brides with petite figures and hourglass-shaped bodies. Additionally, if you have a long, beautiful neck that youd like to show off or a curvy, prominent waist that youd like to accentuate with your wedding dress, a bateau or boat neckline is the perfect choice since it will balance out the lower part of your body and accentuate the waist and neck. At the same time, you should stay away from bateau necklines if you have a large chest or broad shoulders, as they wont look as flattering on you and might accentuate some flaws in your figure. Instead, opt for a strapless or halter neckline to help your figure look its very best on your big day.