Does a high-neck wedding dress suit a modern bridal style?

Yes! While a high neckline can be considered a more modest silhouette, there are options that pair well for brides with modern aesthetics. With gowns that incorporate shortened lengths, open backs, or sheer fabrics, any bride can find a high-neck wedding dress that suits their style.

How do you make a high neckline feel more modern?

You can modernize a high-neck gown by incorporating a few contemporary details into your bridal look. Whether that’s choosing a mini dress, sleeveless silhouette, or a high slit, like in Dana Harel Tara Dress , this will help balance out the modest neckline for a bridal look that is modern and timeless.

How do I accessorize a high neckline?

Since a high neckline puts a lot of emphasis on the neck, it’s usually best to forego a necklace. Instead, focus on a cute pair of earrings or a bracelet. Simple stud earrings are great for a minimalist bridal style, while drop earrings or hoops will make more of a statement and highlight your neckline. If you’ve decided on a sleeveless gown, consider accessorizing with a few bracelets to add a bit of sparkle.

20 Best High-Neck Wedding Dresses of 2023

There’s something so effortlessly chic about a high-neck wedding dress. This classic neckline is extremely versatile, ranging from a dramatic high neck that reaches your chin to a neckline that hits the middle of your neck—making it a great choice for a traditional church wedding or a sophisticated second look à la Meghan Markle.

The modest nature of a high neckline provides a lot of coverage, but can also be a stylish choice for a modern bride. A midi skirt or open back, like Claire Pettibone Delphine Gown, can balance out a halterneck for a sultry silhouette that allows you to show a bit of skin. On the other hand, a more traditional high-neck paired with a ballgown silhouette or long sleeves, like Roksanda Cape Dress, is perfect for a classic bride who wants a more conservative ensemble. And if you fall somewhere in between, there are plenty of options that blend the two styles together.

To help you find a high-neck wedding dress that suits your style, here is a selection of 20 looks you can wear for all bridal events, from the rehearsal dinner to the reception.

Courtesy of Savannah Miller

View On Savannahmiller.com

Size: Contact brand | Length: Floor | Materials: Satin

A modern interpretation of 1930s Hollywood glamour, this luxe satin gown balances a high cowl neckline with a plunging open back. The billowing sleeves flow into an empire waist that accentuates the length of the skirt.

Courtesy of Theia

View On Theiacouture.com

Size: 0-18 | Length: Floor | Materials: Crepe

A sultry silhouette, this halter gown from Theia features a keyhole front and bowtie neck. The completely open back feels daring but is an intriguing and elegant addition to this draped look.

Courtesy of Claire Pettibone

View On Clairepettibone.com

Size: Contact brand | Length: Floor | Materials: Lace

There are so many whimsical details to love about this fitted gown from Claire Pettibone. Adorned with green fern Guipure lace along the waistline and pearl beaded flowers throughout, these garden-inspired details really give the look a romantic feel.

Courtesy of Dana Harel

View On Danahareldesign.com

Size: Contact brand | Length: Floor | Materials: Mikado and lace

Daring brides take note—this silk A-line gown from Dana Harel has a dramatic side slit that is not for the faint of heart. Offset by a Chantilly lace neckline, the combination of the slit and high neckline is equal parts polished and stylish.

Courtesy of Watters

View On Watters.com

Size: 0-14 or Made-to-order 0-16W | Length: Mini | Materials: Lace and tulle

This lace mini is a chic choice for your reception. While the high neckline is elegant, the puff sleeves, mini length, and embroidered lace are fun touches for a dress you can dance all night in.

Price at time of publish: $585

Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

View On Neiman Marcus

Size: 2-12 | Length: Maxi | Materials: Polyester

For brides who prefer a shorter gown, this sleeveless number from 16Arlington is a great choice. The asymmetrical cascading ruffles provide an effortless flow that makes this dress feel playful and trendy.

Price at time of publish: $1,935

Courtesy of Claire Pettibone

View On Clairepettibone.com

Size: Contact brand | Length: Floor | Materials: Lace

If you're looking for a contemporary gown with a vintage flair, we found the perfect one for you! The rose-patterned lace emphasizes the modern elements of this ensemble, like the peek-a-boo leg slit and open back for a fresh take on the mermaid silhouette.

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Size: UK 6-18 | Length: Floor | Materials: Crepe

An elegant choice for a classic bride, this column gown is stunning in its simplicity. The cape-effect overlay drapes over the shoulders and glides down the dress into a small train for a contemporary look.

Price at time of publish: $3,430

Courtesy of Zoe Rowyn

View On Zoerowyn.com

Size: EU 34-44 or made-to-fit | Length: Floor | Materials: Silk

Bring understated bridal glam to the courthouse with this playful gown from Zoe Rowyn. The keyhole front, open back, and oversized bow are flirty additions to this vintage-inspired piece.

Courtesy of Pronovias

View On Pronovias.com

Size: 0-32 | Length: Floor | Materials: Satin

Putting an unexpected twist on the traditional high neckline, this luxe satin ballgown gives you the best of both worlds. With a high neckline that includes a plunging front and an open back, this is a look that is classic with a hint of sultriness.

Courtesy of VOL

View On Vol.shop

Size: S-M | Length: Ankle | Materials: Italian blend

At once sultry and edgy, this body-hugging, high-neck number from VOL is the ultimate reception or after-party dress. We especially love the side cut-out detail and muted floral pattern.

Courtesy of VOL

View On Vol.shop

Size: S-M | Length: Midi | Materials: Silk

If you're searching for a sexy bridal dress for any of your events, look no further! With the top and bottom pieced together with a porcelain emblem detail, this ensemble is for brides who aren't afraid to show some skin on their big day.

Courtesy of KYHA

View On Kyhastudios.com

Size: 00-18 | Length: Floor | Materials: Tulle and sequin

A wrap silhouette but with a modern twist, this fully sequined gown stands out in the best way. Pair this one-of-a-kind look with a sparkly shoe you'll be able to see peeking through the front split.

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Size: 34-44 | Length: Floor | Materials: Sequined Tulle

You can't go wrong with a little bit of sparkle for a glam bridal look. Or in this case, lots of sparkles! This chiffon gown is covered in iridescent white paillettes for a fun and flirty ceremony or reception look.

Price at time of publish: $2,295

Reformation

View On Reformation

Size: 00-12 | Length: Floor | Materials: Silk

This silk maxi dress from Reformation is light and airy. It would be a beautiful option for a more casual wedding or bridal shower.

Price at time of publish: $548

Courtesy of Galvan

View On Net-a-Porter View On Galvanlondon.com

Size: 2-12 | Length: Floor | Materials: Satin and crepe

A jumpsuit is always a great alternative to a traditional wedding gown. Especially this one from Galvan with its pleated satin bodice, crepe wide-leg trousers, and sleeveless silhouette.

Price at time of publish: $1,995

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

Size: 0-15 | Length: Floor | Materials: Lace

Made from sheer lace, this A-line gown is subtly sexy. We love the pearl accents that float on your collarbone and sleeves. Who says full coverage has to be boring?

Price at time of publish: $2,850

David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

Size: 16-30 | Length: Floor | Materials: Chiffon

With its lace illusion neckline and flowy chiffon skirt, this gown is pure romance. In addition to the plus sizes, you can select extra length for a customize fit.

Price at time of publish: $450

BHLDN

View On Anthropologie

Size: 0-16 | Length: Floor | Materials: Lave

This gown may look all button-up in the front, but the back revels a sultry cut out. Hand beaded with three dimensional embroidery, it's a show-stopping gown.

Price at time of publish: $2,000

What to Look For in a High-Neck Wedding Dress

Style

When shopping for a high-neck wedding dress, the most important factor to consider is your bridal style. For a minimalist bride, stick to a floor-length gown in a silk or crepe fabric with little to no embellishments, like Reformation Veria Silk Dress. If you want something a bit more unconventional, consider a look with a midi length, jumpsuit silhouette, open back, or glamorous embellishments that will add a sense of playfulness to your ensemble.

Neckline

You also want to think about the type of high neckline you want, which can range from extremely modest to alluring. A dramatic high neck that covers your whole neckline, like Helen O'Connor Phoenix Gown, will suit a traditional bridal style, while a halter neckline would be a great choice for a modern bride.

Fabric

If you’re interested in the high neckline silhouette but don’t necessarily want a traditional gown, opt for sheer or lace fabric, like Watters Frances Gown. Or, you can also choose a sleeveless dress, like Galvan Sequined Gown, that would be perfect for a chic reception look.

FAQ

Does a high-neck wedding dress suit a modern bridal style?

Yes! While a high neckline can be considered a more modest silhouette, there are options that pair well for brides with modern aesthetics. With gowns that incorporate shortened lengths, open backs, or sheer fabrics, any bride can find a high-neck wedding dress that suits their style.
How do you make a high neckline feel more modern?

You can modernize a high-neck gown by incorporating a few contemporary details into your bridal look. Whether that’s choosing a mini dress, sleeveless silhouette, or a high slit, like in Dana Harel Tara Dress, this will help balance out the modest neckline for a bridal look that is modern and timeless.
How do I accessorize a high neckline?

Since a high neckline puts a lot of emphasis on the neck, it’s usually best to forego a necklace. Instead, focus on a cute pair of earrings or a bracelet. Simple stud earrings are great for a minimalist bridal style, while drop earrings or hoops will make more of a statement and highlight your neckline. If you’ve decided on a sleeveless gown, consider accessorizing with a few bracelets to add a bit of sparkle.

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Ariana Quihuiz is a freelance writer for Brides. She is currently the content manager for wedding gown brand Lyra Vega Bridal, covering bridal fashion, bridal beauty, wedding trends, and more.