Brides often fall in love with a mermaid wedding dress but they also have lots of questions about the practicalities of such a gown. We believe you can be really comfortable in your mermaid gown and also look completely fabulous at the same time! Here we cover everything you need to know about your mermaid wedding dress, from walking down the aisle to what underwear you should wear! Feel free to get in touch with us if you have any further questions, we’d love to show you our fabulous range of wedding dresses.
1. What is a Mermaid Wedding Dress?
The mermaid silhouette is tightly fitted along the body to the knee, then kicks out in an impressive swoosh. The mermaid style certainly cuts a dramatic silhouette for those daring to be bold. Do not think the mermaid style is for super slim brides, this style looks fantastic on brides with curves. Those curves just need to be in proportion, and in the right places for the shape to work on you. In this blog we cover everything you need to know about wearing your fabulous mermaid wedding dress and also being comfortable on your big day. Also visit our Pinterest board for inspiration on how to style your mermaid dress!
2. What is the difference between a fit and flare, trumpet and mermaid wedding dress?
A fit-and-flare wedding dress flares out higher up the body, just below the hips, rather than the knee. A trumpet wedding dress is the same as a mermaid wedding dress. Some may argue a trumpet dress flares out in a slightly different place on the body to a mermaid dress, however this is negligable so if you see trumpet dress then presume mermaid dress.
3. How do you walk in a Mermaid Wedding Dress?
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. Some mermaid wedding dresses incorporate a very clever inverted V shape in their design, this is at the knee, front and back and gives you more room to move. Even if your dress does not incorporate this feature it is still possible to walk in a well fitted mermaid dress without having to shuffle up the aisle like a penguin. At Sass and Grace during your fittings we will encourage you to walk, sit down and generally ensure you move about to make sure you are completely comfortable in your dress so you can move freely on your wedding day.
“I just wanted to say a really big thank you for all your help in finding my dress! From the moment I stepped into Sass and Grace, I felt completely comfortable and at ease. I had been a bit nervous about trying on dresses, but you had such warmth and welcome, it quickly became the perfectexperience.I’m also not sure I would have found my dress without you! It wasn’t at all what I thought I wanted, but when my bridesmaids encouraged me to try something different, you just knew! You plucked out ‘the one’ and from the moment I tried it on I felt amazing! And that’s exactly how I felt on the day, so thank you!
Chloe, Sass & Grace Bride wearing a Mermaid Wedding Dress
4. Can you alter a mermaid wedding dress?
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. This is why during your fittings at Sass & Grace you will be asked to sit down, walk and generally move around to ensure you have the movement you need. We want to make sure that you will be comfortable on your wedding day and that you can move around freely and easily.
5. What do you wear under a Mermaid Wedding Dress?
This depends on the fabric of your dress, as a rule nude coloured seamless knickers work best with wedding dresses. Most wedding dresses do not need a bra, it is not that you are going without your bra, it is just the bra is built into the dress for you. This is key for comfort, and also means that there won’t be any annoying bra straps making an appearance in your wedding photos.
6. Can you wear a garter under your Mermaid Wedding Dress?
Again this depends on the fabric and where you want to wear it on your leg. If you have a lace, beaded or a heavily patterned dress this will help to hide your garter, and when worn just above the knee it can be hidden from view. With a smoother fabric, such as crepe or silk, a garter will show wherever you wear it on your leg. However this little problem is easily solved, just give this task to your maid of honour and ask her to discreetly slip it on for you just before you’re ready to show it off.
7. Are Mermaid Wedding Dresses flattering?
Mermaid wedding dresses are extremely flattering on those brides who have their curves in the right places. Forget the super skinny look of the fashion catwalks, wedding dresses love curves and in particular the mermaid wedding dress is your curves best friend. You should always try a variety of styles at your first bridal appointment to see how the dresses make you look, and very importantly, how they make you feel. Listen to your bridal stylist and try to be an open book with them, it will help them guide you to ‘the one’.
“I just wanted to say an enormous thank you. My dress was absolutely stunning, everyone commented on how beautiful it was. I felt amazing in it, barely felt like I had it on, and beamed from start to finish.
Aimee, Sass & Grace Bride wearing a Mermaid Wedding Dress
Book your exclusive bridal experience with us and let our expert Stylists quickly find out which style suits your body shape and makes you feel fantastic. Sometimes it’s the dress, and the style, that you are least expecting that makes you feel the most amazing! You are in safe hands with us, just relax and enjoy your bridal appointment in our luxury surroundings and trust our friendly Stylists.
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- Mermaid Wedding Dress
- Planning a Wedding
- Prepare for your Bridal Appointment
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introducing My Expertise in Wedding Dresses
As an expert in the field of wedding dresses, I have extensive knowledge and experience in various dress styles, including mermaid wedding dresses. I have worked closely with brides, helping them find the perfect dress and addressing their concerns and questions about different dress styles.
Understanding Mermaid Wedding Dresses
A mermaid wedding dress is a silhouette that is tightly fitted along the body until the knee and then flares out dramatically, creating a swoosh effect. This style is known for its bold and dramatic look. Contrary to popular belief, mermaid dresses are not only for super slim brides but can look fantastic on brides with curves as well. The key is to ensure that the curves are in proportion and in the right places to make the silhouette work for you.
Difference between Fit and Flare, Trumpet, and Mermaid Wedding Dresses
It is important to understand the distinction between fit and flare, trumpet, and mermaid wedding dresses. A fit-and-flare dress flares out higher up the body, just below the hips, rather than at the knee like a mermaid dress. On the other hand, a trumpet dress is essentially the same as a mermaid dress. While some may argue that a trumpet dress flares out at a slightly different place on the body, the difference is negligible. Therefore, if you come across a trumpet dress, you can presume it to be a mermaid dress.
Walking in a Mermaid Wedding Dress
While it is true that a mermaid wedding dress may not provide as much space and freedom of movement as an A-line or ballgown dress, it is still possible to walk comfortably in a well-fitted mermaid dress. Some mermaid dresses incorporate a clever inverted V-shape at the knee, both in the front and back, which allows for more room to move. Even if your dress doesn't have this feature, with the right fit, you can walk gracefully down the aisle without having to shuffle like a penguin. During fittings, it is essential to try walking, sitting down, and moving around to ensure complete comfort on your wedding day.
Alterations for Mermaid Wedding Dresses
Yes, it is definitely possible to alter a mermaid wedding dress. However, it is crucial to have alterations done by an experienced bridal seamstress. The fit of a mermaid dress is essential, as the hips should be tight enough to look good but still allow for ease of movement and sitting. During fittings, professionals will ensure that you have the necessary mobility and comfort for your wedding day.
Undergarments for a Mermaid Wedding Dress
The choice of undergarments for a mermaid wedding dress depends on the fabric of the dress. As a general rule, nude-colored seamless knickers work best with wedding dresses. Most wedding dresses, including mermaid styles, are designed with built-in bras, eliminating the need for a separate bra. This not only ensures comfort but also avoids any visible bra straps that could appear in your wedding photos.
Wearing a Garter with a Mermaid Wedding Dress
Whether you can wear a garter under a mermaid wedding dress depends on the fabric and where you want to wear it on your leg. If you have a lace, beaded, or heavily patterned dress, these elements can help hide the garter. Wearing the garter just above the knee can also conceal it from view. However, if you have a smoother fabric like crepe or silk, the garter may be visible regardless of where you wear it. In such cases, you can entrust the task of discreetly slipping on the garter to your maid of honor just before you're ready to show it off.
Flattering Aspects of Mermaid Wedding Dresses
Mermaid wedding dresses are highly flattering for brides who have curves in the right places. Unlike the super skinny look often seen on fashion runways, wedding dresses embrace curves, and the mermaid style is particularly flattering for showcasing them. It is essential to try on various dress styles during your bridal appointment to see how they make you look and, more importantly, how they make you feel. By being open with your bridal stylist, they can guide you to find "the one" that makes you feel amazing on your big day.
Conclusion
As an expert in wedding dresses, I have provided comprehensive information about mermaid wedding dresses, including their silhouette, differences from fit and flare and trumpet styles, walking in them, alterations, suitable undergarments, and their flattering aspects. If you have any further questions or need assistance in finding your dream dress, feel free to reach out to us. We are passionate about making your dress dreams come true and ensuring your bridal experience is enjoyable and memorable.
