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.

Ballroom gowns need 8-10 yards, while trumpet or mermaid gowns could use 4-6 yards.

The mermaid dress gets its name from its characteristic flared-out bottom, which resembles a mermaid fin. This style is designed to accentuate the curves of the female body by hugging the waist and chest and flaring out at the bottom, creating an hourglass figure or a “mermaid silhouette.”

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.

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.

If you're in a fitted style wedding dress, such as a trumpet, mermaid or fit and flare, there's really no way for you to lift it up to use the restroom. Your best bet is to take off your wedding dress, use the bathroom, and put your wedding dress back on when you're done.

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.

It's at least feasible! Your dress doesn't look like a true mermaid. Or a more defined mermaid gown where its super tight in the middle, so I think it will be possible to change it into an a-line. You should definitely consult with an seamstress or the shop where you purchased the gown.

“What's so beautiful about a mermaid wedding dress is that it showcases your shape in a subtle and alluring way that doesn't feel too outlandish,” says Chantel Powley, owner of Chantilly Lace Bridal Boutique.

What body type is best for mermaid dresses? ›

“The mermaid silhouette fits closely to the body through the bodice and hips then flares out to the floor like a fishtail,” Brear says. “Mermaid dresses suit curvy hourglass or muscular body shapes. They are ideal if you want a fitted dress all over the body but also with some volume in the skirt.”

Trumpet and mermaid wedding dresses are often the hardest to bustle while still keeping the beautiful fitted form. For these types of gowns, we often recommend a french under-bustle, where we tuck fabric up and under.

let you move

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

They're Great for Petite Brides: The danger of full skirts is that they can be overwhelming, especially on more petite brides. Mermaids are great for smaller brides because the longer bodice adds length to the body. Select a slim skirt.

Mermaid wedding dresses are fitted to below the knee where they then fan out like a mermaids tail. They tend to have a lot of tulle and structure in the bottom to give a dramatic flare.

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.

Alterations to a mermaid formal dress can include adjusting the bodice for a better fit, shortening the hem, and taking in or letting out the waist and hips for a more flattering silhouette. Depending on the dress's design, sleeves or straps can also be altered for comfort and style.