mermaid wedding dresses header image

A Mermaid Wedding Dress for Every Occasion

Dramatic, sexy and totally red carpet-worthy, mermaid wedding dresses may be one of the most distinct wedding dress silhouettes! While this striking style may call to mind Old Hollywood glamour, mermaid wedding dresses are incredibly versatile… And they pair beautifully with a variety of wedding venues and vibes.  

Keep reading to learn more about this iconic gown style and to see some of our top mermaid wedding dresses! 

What is a Mermaid Wedding Dress? What is a Mermaid Silhouette? 

A mermaid wedding dress is fitted throughout the bodice and hips flaring dramatically at the knees for a va-va-voom look! Mermaid wedding dresses are often called fishtail wedding dresses because of how they flare at the bottom. 

What are the Best Venues and Themes for a Mermaid Wedding Dress? 

Good news! A bride can wear a mermaid wedding gown no matter their wedding day style. This silhouette is available in a variety of wedding dress fabrics and with various embellishments and details.  

You can pair a bold, blinged-out style with a grand ballroom for a breathtaking and statement-making red carpet look, while a simple lace mermaid gown would be fitting for a garden affair. For the minimalist bride, a clean and simple mermaid gown would make a modern statement at a chic city loft. The sky is the limit when it comes to the mermaid silhouette! 

Mermaid Wedding Dresses 

Lace Mermaid Wedding Dress 

lace mermaid wedding dress with low back - D2770 by Essense of Australia
Essense of Australia Style D2770 

A lace mermaid wedding dress is both bridal and sexy! Just take Essense of Australia Style D2770, for example! The mermaid silhouette is pure magic. It features seaming through the low hip and a gentle, yet voluminous skirt that flares into a breathtaking shaped train.  

Beaded spaghetti straps extend to the back of the gown, with a low keyhole detail at the base of the open back. These elements provide support with a touch of visual interest.  

The sparkling bodice and skinny plunging neckline are delicate with a touch of sexiness. Sheer sides and strong floral lace patterns effortlessly grow over the dress’s silhouette.  

The ruched detail at the back of the hips enhances your shape and complements the multi-layer tulle skirt. The hem and train end on a lace edge for a classic finish! 

Plus Size Mermaid Wedding Dress 

simple mermaid wedding dress with ruched bodice - D3340+ by Essense of Australia
Essense of Australia Style D3340+ 

Mermaid wedding dresses are ideal for the bride who wants to show off their curves! Essense of Australia Style D3340 is a high-fashion twist on a classic mermaid silhouette. This plus-size wedding dress pulls inspiration from Old Hollywood for a design made for the modern bride. 

The fabric overlaps on the bodice for a glamorous ruched effect, while providing ultimate support and comfort. For an ultra-chic touch, the pointed details on the classic sweetheart neckline add a modern twist.  

This plus-size wedding gown effortlessly hugs the body, with a lining layer for all-day wearability. To bring the drama, the skirt flares out to a voluminous full train. The gown is complete with fabric-covered buttons trailing to the hem of the skirt for a timeless touch. 

Elegant Mermaid Wedding Dress 

bride standing in a room with a large mirror wearing Martina Liana Style 1595, a satin mermaid wedding dress with a strapless neckline. She is standing and has one hand on her hip and the other caressing her shoulder.
Martina Liana Style 1595

For the bride looking for an elegant mermaid wedding dress, look no further than Martina Liana Style 1595! With an edgy twist to minimalist design, this dress really brings the drama with a strapless neckline and modern sweetheart neckline.  

In contrast, a full skirt overskirt can be added if desired. With or without the overskirt, the signature seaming contours the body, as the full mermaid flare of the skirt creates a moment of grandeur.  

Last but not least, the detachable high-volume puffed sleeves add unexpected, modern textures to this sleek design. Get ready for a lasting impression that will stand the test of time! 

Long Sleeve Mermaid Wedding Dress 

Long lace sleeves add a classic bridal touch to a mermaid wedding dress, and Stella York Style 8028 is proof. The plunging V-neckline and mermaid silhouette are so classically bridal.  

Illusion tulle pairs with intricate lace patterns on the sleeves to create the appearance of lace effortlessly floating on the skin. Fabulous fabric-covered buttons on the cuffs add a timeless touch.  

This wedding gown hugs the body’s beautiful curves, with the skirt flaring below the hips. The full train is so elegant and romantic, giving brides the ultimate walk down the aisle. 

Off-The-Shoulder Mermaid Wedding Dress 

bride standin next to a window and mirror wearing Martina Liana Style 1619, an off the shoulder simple mermaid wedding dress with a long train. She has her hands clasped in front of her and is leaning toward the camera
Martina Liana Style 1619 

Off-the-shoulder straps add a modest touch to the dramatic mermaid silhouette, as seen on Martina Liana Style 1619. This wedding dress offers a timeless blend of daring sexiness and old-world romance. A straight neckline and off-the-shoulder straps add a touch of classic femininity to the conservative fabric.  

Laces and boning through the entire gown accentuate the figure-hugging look. The soft nature of the lace appliqué designs accentuate, but don’t distract from, the natural beauty of your figure. The elegant train flares gently from the knees to enhance the figure-flattering silhouette for a striking wedding day statement. 

Is There a Difference Between Mermaid and Trumpet Wedding Dresses? Mermaid and Fit and Flare? 

It’s all about the skirt! Trumpet and mermaid wedding dresses flare at different heights of the leg. 

A trumpet wedding dress will flare at the thigh to elongate the legs, while mermaid wedding dresses flare at or below the knee. This cut makes for an even more dramatic silhouette and highlights the torso with a long bodice.  

Fit-and-flare wedding dresses also have fitted bodices and flared skirts. The term “fit-and-flare” may be used to categorize a wide variety of gowns with these attributes.  

Typically, fit-and-flare wedding gowns have the least dramatic flare of the three silhouettes. Following your natural curves, the flare begins just below the hip and gradually widens into a full, flowy skirt.  

Do you have your heart set on this stunning silhouette? With so many gorgeous mermaid gowns to choose from, you’re sure to find your dream wedding dress. After all, any mermaid gown is sure to wow! 

We are ready to help you find the mermaid wedding dress of your dreams! Find a retailer near you to get started.