10 Bateau Neckline Wedding Dresses for a Sophisticated Celebration

By
Rachel Varina
Rachel Varina
Rachel Varina

Rachel Varina is a full-time freelancer with over 10 years of editorial experience and six years of experience in the wedding industry. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Elite Daily, Betches, Zola, and more.

Brides's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on 06/12/23 05:04PM
bateau neckline

Courtesy of Anne Barge

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 10 of our favorite bateau neckline gowns. Based on rave reviews and reputable sellers, we can’t get enough of these captivating day-of looks.

Most Flattering: Anne Barge Take a Bow Gown

bateau neckline

Courtesy of Anne Barge

It’s not too often you get two flattering necklines in one, but this Anne Barge gown does just that—combining a V-neck and a bateau. The daring neckline coupled with a fit-and-flare silhouette and floral appliques will make anyone feel their best on the big day.

Price at time of publish: Available upon request

Sizes: 0–24 | Material: Silk | Length: Floor

For Drama-Loving Brides: Hayley Paige Lorelei Gown

Hayley Paige Lorelei Gown

JLM Couture

Brides who were born to stand out need a gown like Hayley Paige’s Dori for their big day. The bateau neckline, crystal bodice, horsehair flounced skirt, and chapel train create a wow-worthy effect. Compliment this look with a matching flower girl dress for a cohesive day-of aesthetic.

Price at time of publish: Available upon request

Sizes: Made-to-order | Material: Tulle | Length: Floor

For the Classic Bride: Azazie Hennessy Dress

Azazie Hennessy Dress

Azazie  

With a subtle mermaid silhouette, skillfully placed lace detailing, and a button back, Azazie’s Hennessy is a dream dress for any bride opting for a classic day-of celebration. Highlight the look with some dangle earrings and sparkling shoes to pull the whole ensemble together.

Price at time of publish: $399

Sizes: 0–30 or custom | Materials: Crepe | Length: Floor

Favorite Floral Embellishments: Ines Di Santo Elisabetta Dress

bateau neckline

Courtesy of Ines Di Santo

The all-over 3D floral embellishments of this Ines Di Santo gown have us dreaming of garden weddings and springtime events. Pair the dazzling sheath dress with the detachable overskirt for a look as bold as the blooms.

Price at time of publish: Available upon request

Sizes: Made-to-order | Material: Embroidered | Length: Floor

Best Mermaid: Moonlight Bridal Style J6791 Crepe Long Sleeve Wedding Dress

Moonlight Bridal Style J6791 Crepe Long Sleeve Corset Cowl Back Wedding Dress

Courtesy of Moonlight Bridal

From the front, this exquisite Moonlight Bridal number may look simple, but it’s the back details that make this frock truly stand out. With an illusion panel, trail of buttons, and cowl back, this sleek gown surprises in all the best ways.

Price at time of publish: Available upon request

Sizes: 2–28 | Material: Crepe, satin | Length: Floor

For the Modern Bride: Pronovias Ferri Dress

bateau neckline

Courtesy of Pronovias

Make a statement with Pronovas’s Ferri gown. The draped jersey fabric, keyhole detail, and pearl embellishments on the structured shoulders were made for a confident bride who marches to her own beat. Wear your hair back to really let the gown take front and center.

Price at time of publish: Available upon request

Sizes: Made-to-order | Material: Jersey | Length: Floor

For an Indoor Wedding: Grace + Ivory Adeola Dress

bateau neckline

Courtesy of Grace + Ivory

Posh, polished, and positively radiant are just a few ways you’ll feel when you wear Grace + Ivory’s AdeOla. On its own, the sleeveless, crepe gown is a stunner, but when you add in the optional cape, you’ll officially be castle-ready.

Price at time of publish: $1,795

Sizes: Custom | Material: Taiwanese crepe, beading, net | Length: Floor

Best Short-Sleeve: AW Bridal Calla Wedding Dress

Calla Wedding Dress

We also love this vintage-inspired dress from AW Bridal, which flaunts lightweight layers of tulle and a delicate lace overlay. With short sleeves and a flowy, floor-length skirt, the cut will work for indoor or outdoor weddings year-round.

Price at time of publish: $400

Sizes: 0–30 | Material: Tulle, lace | Length: Floor

Best Simple: Azazie Rogue Mermaid Side Slit Stretch Crepe Floor-Length Dress

Rogue Side Slit Dress

If your bridal style is more pare-down, you might like this sleek and simple option from Azazie. It's made of a comfy stretch crepe fabric and features a form-fitting, structured silhouette with a flirty side slit. The ivory hue is perfect for a bride, but it comes in over 20 colors and could also work as a bridesmaid dress.

Price at time of publish: $109

Sizes: 0–30 or custom | Material: Stretch crepe | Length: Floor

Best Tulle: Devotion Mezura Wedding Dress

https://www.devotiondresses.com/product/mezura/custom

If you picture yourself in a tulle dress on your wedding day, this whimsey gown has your name on it. The A-line design features a light, flowing skirt, an illusion back, and a bateau neckline with taffeta, lace appliqué, and delicate beaded detailing.

Price at time of publish: $5,870

Sizes: Custom | Material: Tulle, mesh, taffeta, viscose | Length: Floor

What to Look For When Buying a Bateau Neckline Wedding Dress

Neckline

The first thing to look for, of course, is a bateau neckline—but what does this mean, exactly? Sometimes called boat neck, bateau refers to a straight but slightly rounded neckline that stretches across the collarbone.

Sleeve Style

Bateau neckline wedding dresses can be sleeveless, as with the Anne Barge Take a Bow Gown. But that's not your only option. There are also long-sleeve numbers like the Houghton Cheyne Dress, short-sleeve designs like the AW Bridal Calla Wedding Dress, three-quarter sleeves, cap sleeves, and everything in between.

Silhouette and Skirt Style

Bateau neck bridal gowns come in various silhouettes with a wide range of skirt styles. There are A-line numbers, fit-and-flare designs, and flounced skirts, like the Hayley Paige Lorelei Gown. Beyond that, you'll find shorter styles, form-fitting designs with slits, and and mermaid skirts, like the Moonlight Bridal Crepe Long Sleeve Wedding Dress—to name just a few.

FAQ
  • Are bateau neckline wedding dresses popular?

    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.

  • How do I accessorize my bateau neckline wedding dress?

    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. 

  • What season are bateau necklines best for?

    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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