If you’re a confident bride looking for something show-stopping, then a mermaid wedding dress could be the style for you.
Often dubbed the sexiest of all the wedding dress silhouettes, the form-fitting mermaid style is guaranteed to take your groom’s breath away.
What is a Mermaid Wedding Dress?
Also known as a fishtail wedding dress, a mermaid style is closely fitted in the bodice all the way down to the knee, where it dramatically flares out – you’ll find that the skirt on gowns described as ‘trumpet’ or ‘fit-and-flare’ starts higher up, typically from either the mid-hip or thigh. The mermaid shows off your shape the most out of any of these styles, but don’t be put off – it can be a surprisingly flattering silhouette.
If you have a full bust or broad shoulders, then the dramatic skirt of a mermaid dress can balance out your top half, giving you a gorgeous hourglass figure. Although many of our real brides choose a simple, strapless neckline, the mermaid looks amazing with pretty much any neckline or sleeve length.
If you’re worried about your arms, you can always choose to wear your mermaid with long lace sleeves – the figure-hugging shape of your dress means that you can look sexy without flashing the flesh.
For true knock-out style, accessorise your gown with a glittering belt to highlight your waist.
When it comes to styling your mermaid wedding dress, just remember that height is key – you want to elongate your shape as much as possible to avoid being cut off by the flare at the knee.
For your wedding hair, we advise you go for a high updo, or a style with a lot of volume at the crown – a high bun is perfect for this style. As for shoes, heels are preferable to add height – BUT (and this is a big but), make sure you try your shoes on with your dress and practise walking as much as possible. The tightly-fitted top half of a mermaid dress will naturally restrict your movements, so only wear high heels if you’re confident you can walk properly in them! If in doubt: practise, practise, practise.
20 of the Best Mermaid Wedding Dresses
Think you’d like to try a mermaid dress? Here’s some fishtail and mermaid dress inspiration to add to your collection.
If you’re still not sure the mermaid wedding dress is the right style for you, we’ve got tons of wedding dress inspiration and style ideas.
You can also browse our curated edits and inspiration boards on the Wedding Ideas Pinterest.
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