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.

The dress style hugs at the waistline, then at your knees and the long skirt drapes all the way down. Although this dress style is best for hourglass body shapes, if you don't have a curvy body type, a mermaid dress can create them for you.

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.

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 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.

However, this does not mean that they are impossible to move in or that they are uncomfortable to wear. With proper fit, alterations, and practice, a bride can move comfortably in a mermaid wedding dress. It is essential to take small steps when walking in a mermaid wedding dress to avoid tripping or falling.

Since a mermaid gown is a sexier fit, wedding hair that reflects that will emphasize the overall look. A half-up, half-down 'do would pair perfectly with this silhouette. With loose waves and a veil as the finishing touch, this gorgeous bridal style is perfect for any hair type or length.

Pointed Toe Heels

Again, because the only part of the shoe that might see any daylight is just the tip—embrace that with pointy toe heels. These come in different heel heights—even flats. Plus, if you're wearing pointed toe shoes, you don't have to get a pedicure. These can work well with both types of mermaid gowns.

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.

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.

How do you measure for a mermaid dress? ›

Measure vertically from the defined waistline down towards your knee, but stop at the point where you want the flared part of the mermaid dress to begin (normally above knee). Stand relaxed with your legs together and straight, then measure the circumference of both thighs at the fullest part under your buttocks.

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.

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.

The silhouette impacts your ability to dance the most. For example, a mermaid gown will restrict the size of movements you can make, specifically with your feet and legs, while an off-the-shoulder neckline will restrict how much you can move your arms.

Its reference to fashion started in the late 19th century as the volume of dresses was narrowing down. In the 1930s, designer Marcel Rochas introduced the mermaid gown on the couture catwalks of Paris, where its popularity surged.

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.

The silhouette impacts your ability to dance the most. For example, a mermaid gown will restrict the size of movements you can make, specifically with your feet and legs, while an off-the-shoulder neckline will restrict how much you can move your arms.

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.

When you have a dress that is tight on your hips you must be able to stand without it wrinkling and pulling, as well as sit down. Trying to let a mermaid dress out to fit the hip is not advised.