Fitted through the top, flared at the bottom, and undeniably stunning, mermaid style wedding dresses have a silhouette unlike any other wedding dress. These gowns are striking and truly show off your figure!
On a day when all eyes will be on you, a mermaid wedding dress is a fantastic way to let your personality shine. The gorgeous “tails” of these dresses are often detailed with delicate lace, shimmering beads, or even a long train.
We love how mermaid wedding dresses hug a bride’s curves, elegantly providing that hourglass figure. If you want classy with just a touch of sultry, the mermaid gown is the way to go.
Are we describing your dream dress? If you answered yes, you will want to check out our favorite mermaid style dress picks as well as a few of our best tips for rocking this style dress on your big day!
Top Mermaid Style Wedding Dress Picks
One of the best parts about a mermaid wedding dress is that the form-fitting skirt makes an excellent canvas on which to add beautiful details. Check out our fifteen top picks to see just what we mean!
1. Beaded Mermaid Wedding Dress
We absolutely love the delicate lace and gorgeous beading on this detailed wedding gown. The pattern is carried throughout the entire dress, helping to elongate the silhouette. Off-the-shoulder sleeves add a unique touch! This dress would look fabulous for either a large and fancy affair or a personal garden wedding.
2. Lace Mermaid Wedding Dress
Lace is a classic and timeless choice for wedding dresses. The stunning lace vine appliques become less layered and more striking further down the dress. A hint of shimmering sequins extending from the sweetheart neckline to the floor-sweeping train offers just a touch of sparkle.
The best part is that this dress is light enough to make you feel as if you are floating and isn’t constricting at all!
3. Deep-V Mermaid Wedding Dress
by BHLDN
The play on sexy and demure qualities makes this dress incredibly attractive. A deep-V neckline and a curve-hugging skirt are delightfully flirtatious. The daring silhouette is balanced by the more reserved intricate lace sleeves and tailored crepe skirt. Opposites really do attract and they make for one jaw-dropping wedding dress.
4. Open Back Mermaid Wedding Dress
by BHLDN
Exquisite corded lace covers this beautiful gown from head to toe. Tulle combined with the lace construction provides a lighter than air appearance and feel. A plunging neckline flows from the capped sleeves and ends just below the bustline. An equally striking open back is dotted with a charming line of buttons. This dress gives us great bohemian vibes!
5. Statement Mermaid Wedding Gown
by CocoMelody
This gown definitely makes a statement! Its unconventional features will have all eyes on you during your wedding day (which is exactly how it should be!).
A traditional lace bodice with a sweetheart neckline is paired with sparkling black and white tulle, organized into overlapping ruffles. Crystal buttons extend down the back and lead to a court-length train. A black veil is a perfect accessory to add to the drama of this extraordinary dress. If your wedding is anything but ordinary, then this gown is for you!
6. Sweetheart Neckline Mermaid Wedding Gown
by CocoMelody
This whimsical dress has us swooning. Flowery, white lace appliques sit over a sheer bodice that ends in a peak just above the knee. From this point, folds of airy tulle flow into a simple train trimmed with more lace. But our favorite part is the tulle ribbons that adorn the sweetheart neckline, gracing the upper arms and tying in a beautiful bow mid-back. We feel swept off our feet just looking at this mermaid dress.
7. Cathedral Train Mermaid Wedding Gown
by CocoMelody
Just because your bodice and skirt are form-fitting doesn’t mean your train has to be! This elegant dress combines a curve-hugging skirt and bodice with a jaw-dropping cathedral train.
Positively covered in lace appliques and beading, the intricate sheer top and train pop against your skin, while the solid white underlay of the skirt helps to give you an attractive silhouette. This dress is regal and definitely reminds us of one of our fav weddings – William and Kate!
8. Court Train Mermaid Wedding Dress
by CocoMelody
This mermaid style wedding dress will fit your body like a glove, highlighting all your curves with intricate appliques and beading. The simple belt helps emphasize your natural waist and elongate your form while a court-length train is graceful and elegant.
However, we can’t overlook this dress’s most magical feature; full, off-the-shoulder sashes that act as flowing sleeves. This one-of-a-kind dress is equal parts flowy and form-fitting.
9. Strapless Mermaid Wedding Dress
by Azazie
Simple and sweet – that is what we most love about this dress. Elegant lace graces the bodice and ends at the hips to reveal a white crepe skirt. Boning in the top is excellent for supporting the sweetheart neckline. A chapel-length skirt is studded with hand-sewn sequins to add just a hint of sparkle as you move.
10. Structured Mermaid Wedding Gown
by Azazie
A dress that’s all about your silhouette. Boning and a sweetheart neckline help to accentuate your hourglass figure. A simple belt hugs your natural waist while the mermaid skirt highlights your hips. The full tulle skirt works amazingly well with the satin construction of the dress. Modern and chic, but also quite glamorous.
11. Boho Mermaid Wedding Gown
We are all for this boho dress that epitomizes sexy and chic. French lace in organic patterns and modern geometric design work very well together. Exotic trims on the skirt and the off-the-shoulder sleeves make this gorgeous dress truly unique.
Inspired by confidence and soulful design, this intriguing dress will emphasize your individuality! If you ask us, this dress is just begging to be worn for “I do’s” on the beach.
12. Lace Detail Mermaid Wedding Gown
by Watters
Floral lace details make this dress oh-so-enchanting. Appliqued on an ivory or blush bodice that expertly fits your form, this dress is just stunning. The gorgeous full skirt starts just above your knees, adding volume and elegance. The straight-cut neckline features a deep V for a touch of modern flair.
13. Scalloped Train Mermaid Wedding Dress
by Etsy: CFWboutique
Dresses with form-fitting sleeves are very feminine. French lace adorns both the bodice and the sleeves of this mermaid style wedding dress, creating a dainty and classic appearance.
The skirt is simple, yet dramatic. The train flairs out into the most exquisite sweep design. A smattering of beading adds just enough shine and movement to this timeless dress.
14. Ruffled Mermaid Wedding Dress
The skirt’s romantic ruffles are casual and whimsical, while expertly laid pleats and a curve-hugging bodice offer a wonderful contrast between top and bottom. Available in classic ivory or white, you won’t need any additional adornment.
This mermaid gown’s breathtaking silhouette provides plenty of drama. A lace-up back means this dress is sure to hug you in all the right places. #
15. Mermaid Silhouette Slip
While this isn’t a dress in itself, your mermaid gown won’t be complete without this extreme silhouette slip. A high-waisted nylon and spandex slip is very form-fitting down to about your knees. It then blooms into a lace-trimmed tulle bottom that effortlessly enhances the shape of your mermaid gown. It is a must to keep your dramatic dress shape from collapsing between your legs as you move.
All About the Mermaid Wedding Dress Style
While ball gowns and A-line dresses tend to flair at the hips or the waist, mermaid style dresses flair below the knees. They create an alluring silhouette by being form-fitting all the way down to your calves. Mermaid dresses allow brides to proudly show off their curves, flattering their feminine form.
The fit of a mermaid dress is undeniably sexy and can have a few awesome benefits. For example, they can help balance out a full bust or make broad shoulders appear better proportioned. A mermaid dress can also be great for petite brides as the lengthier bodice helps to elongate the body.
A mermaid gown isn’t the only dress that hugs your form and flares below the waist. It is easy to confuse this style of dress with a trumpet fit. The details are in the flare and where it begins.
Trumpet wedding dresses flair at the thighs and have a bit fuller skirt. Mermaid gowns flair at the knees or below, really playing up your curves and elongating your torso. The silhouette of a mermaid gown is generally considered more dramatic than a trumpet.
Will I be able to walk and dance in a mermaid style wedding dress?
With all this form-fitting talk going on, it’s natural to wonder, will I even be able to move comfortably in my dress? Rest assured, you will be able to make it down the aisle. Gracefully too, I might add.
Mermaid gowns require short steps, sturdy and well fitting-shoes, and a touch of confidence. They can also be outfitted with a hoop that goes under the flare and helps to hold the fabric away from your body. That being said, if you plan to get down during your reception, you may want to bring a less restrictive dress to change into.
Aside from your footwear, you will also want to make sure you have the right undergarments. As mermaid gowns are fitted very tight to your body, shapewear will be your best friend. A bodysuit that provides lift for your bust, tummy control, and minimizes lines is usually recommended. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite bridal undergarments here!
With the right accessories and a healthy dose of “you’ve got this, girl!” a mermaid dress can be an unforgettable choice for your wedding day.
Make Waves on Your Wedding Day
Though mermaid dresses tend to only come in one shape, they are available in a variety of colors and styles. Different adornment and accessory options, like lace, beading, and tulle allow each bride to show off her individuality. Enchanting necklines, demure sleeves, and voluminous skirts help to add to the drama and silhouette of these one-of-a-kind gowns. A mermaid wedding dress is a magnificent way to make a memorable statement on your wedding day.
*TIP: Save THIS PIN to your Wedding Planning board on Pinterest and get back to this post later*
