Mermaid Wedding Dresses: 30 Styles + FAQs (2024)

FAQs

What are the cons of a mermaid wedding dress? ›

Restrictive- The fitted silhouette of a mermaid wedding dress can be restrictive and may limit the bride's movement or ability to dance.

An A-line gown typically requires 5-7 yards of fabric, but it will depend on the length of the train and your height and build. Ballroom gowns need 8-10 yards, while trumpet or mermaid gowns could use 4-6 yards.

They Play up Natural Curves: Unlike ball gowns or A-lines, mermaid wedding dresses hug the chest and waist, which helps create an hourglass figure. Generally, the snug fit around the hips includes flattering tapering and ruching, and the fitted neckline complements the bust.

A mermaid wedding dress is a style of gown designed to fit closely around the body. An eye-catching hourglass shape starting from the chest and extending down to the knee. These gorgeous bridal gowns then flare out dramatically below for a stunning, head-turning effect.

The dress will fit tightly around the bodice, waist, and hips, then flare into a dramatic skirt resembling a mermaid's tail. The snug fit of the dress is what gives it its unique and flattering silhouette. However, because of the close fit, the dress can be less comfortable to wear than looser-fitting styles.

let you move

Well, mermaid-cut wedding dresses are lightweight, so they're easier for moving around comfortably and dancing all night long!

Mermaid Skirts

Just like its name states, it is like a mermaid's tail. In this, the waist area down to the knees is tight and fits snugly and from down there, it flares. Organza fabric and chiffon fabric are the most used fabrics for the flaring of the mermaid's tail skirts.

The short answer is yes definitely, a mermaid wedding dress can be easily altered by an experienced bridal seamstress. The fit of your mermaid dress is so important! The hips need to be tight enough to look good but still have enough ease to enable you to move freely and sit down.

Mermaid dresses are usually made in stiffer fabrics like lace and satin, and sometimes even crepe. Because of the flair required in the skirt, layers of crinoline are sewn in underneath to keep the shape. Not all fabrics, such as charmeusse and chiffon, can hold the mermaid shape as well.

Subtle Flare: The fit-and-flare dress offers a more subtle and gradual flare compared to the mermaid, providing a balance between structure and softness. Versatility: Fit-and-flare dresses come in various iterations, making them suitable for different wedding themes and styles.

What is the difference between a-line and mermaid wedding dress? ›

Essentially, A-line wedding dresses are fitted until the waist then they follow the shape of an “A” as they flow to the ground. Ballgowns are essentially a poufier version of A-lines. Mermaids are fitted until around the legs then they have a large skirt and train.

Mermaids and Trumpets

If your mermaid or trumpet style dress is a slip-like gown made of a clingy silk, we recommend butt lifter shaper shorts. Shaper shorts, in general, can offer a seamless look beneath a silky, clingy fabric, especially if the dress has a tummy compressing panel.

A fit-and-flare dress does exactly as the name suggests it has a fitted bodice and the skirt is flared. It comes in many shapes and sizes – a mermaid gown is a type of fit-and-flare dress as is a trumpet.

Sheath Wedding Dress: The sheath silhouette is form-fitting from the bodice to the hem and hugs the curves of the body. This style is perfect for brides who want a sleek and modern look. Mermaid Bridal Gown: The mermaid silhouette is fitted through the bodice and hips, then flares out at the knee.

For those with an hourglass figure, a mermaid dress can accentuate and showcase their curves, creating a stunning, feminine silhouette. For those with a pear-shaped body, a mermaid dress can help balance out their proportions by adding volume to the upper body and creating a defined waist.

Whilst there is never going to be the space and movement you would get in an a-line or ballgown wedding dress you can definitely still move around and walk in a mermaid dress.

Avoid sequined ball gowns, sparkly tiaras, sky-high platform heels, or other articles of clothing that will draw attention away from the bride. A wedding isn't the proper time to make a bold fashion statement. If you're at a complete loss for an outfit, Sabatino suggests sticking with a long or short black dress.

The main fit-and-flare vs mermaid wedding dress difference is that the bodice in the fit-and-flare dress is straight, while the mermaid features a fitted, corset-style bodice. Another difference between fit-and-flare and mermaid is that a fit-and-flare dress is fitted to the waist and flares through the skirt.