Bridal Dictionary: The Wedding Ring Neckline

The "Wedding Ring" neckline:

The wedding ring is a high, modest neckline that fully encircles the throat and closes at the nape (back) of the neck.  While some may refer to it as a high neckline or "turtle neck", romantics have given it the "wedding ring" name.

Credit: Cymbeline "Feria" gown

This style of gown can be considered traditional and modest and is particularly popular in Victorian or Edwardian styles and draped in lace.  Of course modern times have called for modern necklines and while this element is usually worn in a traditional way, there is also a modern simplicity about it when it is done in a clean cut, minimalist way.

Credit: Jessica Chastain @ 2012 Golden Globes

While this high neckline is standard and modest in the front, the back can vary: some are equally modest in the back, others use the high neckline as a modest counterpoint bareness in the back by incorporating it into a halter or featuring a keyhole or cut out back.

Credit: Lauren Bush wedding

For more wedding ring necklines see here.

Red Carpet Bridal Inspiration - Golden Globes 2012

Next up on my Golden Globes recap is Jessica Biel in her lacy Elie Saab gown, which I was not a fan of.  She is one example of a star who just looked badly washed out.  While the gown is romantic, interesting and ethereal by itself, it too closely matched her skin tone and made her look bland; this was exacerbated by the lack of color in her make up and her flat, dimensionless and harsh dark hair color and messy do.  This is a pity because I really do feel that that gown could have been a winner under other circumstances but I just feel like she totally caved to the trend.

Jessica Chastain in her white Givenchy gown manages to escape a similar fate.  She wisely chose a bright white, as opposed to a nude gown, which contrasts well with her warm skin tone and hair color.  The gown has ever so subtle sequin detail and a high "wedding ring" neckline.

I thought this was eye catching: an illusion halter neckline with nature made details.

Credit: Vogue Es. Immaculada Garcia runway