Everything you need to know about Mermaid Wedding Dresses (2024)

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!

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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.

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Everything you need to know about Mermaid Wedding Dresses (4)

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.

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“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.

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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.

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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’.

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Everything you need to know about Mermaid Wedding Dresses (12)

“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.

Get in touch to start your dress adventure!

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We’re looking forward to meeting you and making your dress dreams come true!

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Everything you need to know about Mermaid Wedding Dresses (2024)

FAQs

Everything you need to know about Mermaid Wedding Dresses? ›

Mermaid dresses are elegant and sophisticated, and look and are made in all necklines as well. This style is especially flattering for brides with hourglass figures, as they accentuate the curves in all the right places. They can also help create the illusion of curves for brides with straighter body types.

What body type looks good in a mermaid dress? ›

If you want to show off your curves a mermaid wedding dress is a great option. The style is particularly flattering for hourglass and pear-shaped body types. However, brides with an apple-shaped body structure or straight figure may not opt for the mermaid-style dress as it will not offer a flattering look.

Who can wear a mermaid wedding dress? ›

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.

How would you describe a mermaid wedding dress? ›

A mermaid wedding dress is a style of gown designed to fit closely around the body. An eye-catching hourglass shape starting from the chest and extending down to the knee. These gorgeous bridal gowns then flare out dramatically below for a stunning, head-turning effect.

Are mermaid wedding dresses hard to walk in? ›

In summary, mermaid wedding dresses may require a bit more effort to move comfortably in, but with proper preparation and practice, a bride can move around with ease and grace on her wedding day.

Are mermaid dresses supposed to be tight? ›

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.

What shoes to wear with a mermaid gown? ›

Almost any shoe can be worn with a mermaid wedding dress, especially if your dress is structured and your hem hits the ground, because no one will even see your shoes. If your dress is not structured, however, a sexy, strappy heel in a statement color, pattern, or neutral is ideal.

Is it hard to dance in a mermaid wedding dress? ›

let you move

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

What veils look best with mermaid dresses? ›

If your dress is a mermaid: a semi-waltz veil, waltz or knee veil falls right around the origin of the flare, making your ensemble cohesive.

How do you use the bathroom in a mermaid wedding 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.

Why are mermaid wedding dresses so popular? ›

“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 is another name for a mermaid dress? ›

(This is why it's also known as a fishtail dress.) Thanks to the dramatic cut, a mermaid style dress can highlight a curvy figure or even add curves where there are none, making it one of the best dress styles for hourglass figures.

What are the characteristics of a mermaid dress? ›

The mermaid style is characterized by a fitted silhouette that hugs the body from the chest down to the knees or mid-thighs, where the skirt flares out into a dramatic mermaid “tail”. Mermaid dresses are usually made in stiffer fabrics like lace and satin, and sometimes even crepe.

Are mermaid wedding dresses out of style? ›

Every groom will be delighted with how beautiful his beloved looks in such an outfit - a sleeveless mermaid wedding dress can be considered a traditional classic that will never go out of style.

Can a mermaid wedding dress be let out? ›

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.

What is the difference between a line and mermaid wedding dress? ›

Essentially, A-line wedding dresses are fitted until the waist then they follow the shape of an “A” as they flow to the ground. Ballgowns are essentially a poufier version of A-lines. Mermaids are fitted until around the legs then they have a large skirt and train.

Will a mermaid dress look good on me? ›

“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.” Not only does the fit-and-flare shape show off the contours of an hourglass figure but it also emphasises a woman's strong arms, thighs and derriere.

Do mermaid dresses look good on plus size? ›

Mermaid wedding dresses are designed to hug the body's natural curves, accentuating the waist and hips before flaring out at the bottom. Plus size mermaid wedding dresses celebrate curves, offering a romantic and glamorous look.

What is a mermaid dress good for? ›

Mermaid dresses are elegant and sophisticated, and look and are made in all necklines as well. This style is especially flattering for brides with hourglass figures, as they accentuate the curves in all the right places. They can also help create the illusion of curves for brides with straighter body types.

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