Mermaid wedding dresses have become increasingly popular for brides who want something show-stopping that hugs their curves in all the right places. Also known as the fishtail wedding dress, these attires have a fitted bodice and a skirt that dramatically flares out at the bottom. 

These dresses have been around since the 1930s when designers experimented with more fitted dresses. However, their popularity increased in the 1990s thanks to celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Princess Dianna, who pulled off their fishtail dresses with unique twists. 

So, why should you choose a mermaid wedding dress? One of the reasons is that it’s a unique style that will turn heads. Besides that, it’s a dress style for brides who want to show off their curves. With the endless options of mermaid dresses available, you’ll surely find one that suits your personality and preferences. 

How Should You Wear a Mermaid Wedding Dress?

If you’re conscious about your arms, a mermaid wedding dress with long lace sleeves works great. Even if your entire arms are covered, the dress’s form-hugging cut will still make you look seductive. Add extra glitz to the dress with a sparkling belt to draw attention to your waist. 

Many brides have specific ideas on what their ideal wedding should look like. You may be thinking of a strapless sweetheart neckline with a long train or a beaded skirt with a drop waist. 

However, we don’t recommend picking your dress’s silhouette in advance. Even though we recommend bringing some examples of the styles you like, you should also be open to other options as things may look different on you than on a hanger or mannequin. This is why it’s best to try out at least one of every silhouette, as you never know which one will stick to you the most. 

Why are Mermaid Wedding Dresses So Popular?

Mermaid wedding dresses are a popular option for brides looking for a modern and chic look for their wedding day. They’re the most trendy style today, but they can be toned down for a more traditional look by adding classic touches like lace. 

Mermaid wedding dresses, as opposed to ball gowns or A-lines, feature a better fit at the bust and waist, highlighting your natural curves and creating an hourglass shape illusion. The ruching and tapering at the hips and fitted neckline work great for showing off your bust. 

These dresses are great if you’re on the skinnier side, as the risk of wearing a dress with a full skirt may be too much, especially for a shorter bride. If you’re on the petite side, the mermaid silhouette is a good option as the longer bodice creates an elongated bodice look. 

Besides that, your guests will always remember you. If you want to make an impression on your wedding guests, a show-stopping gown will do just that. Any mermaid dress will make a statement due to its form-fitting tails and made to accentuate your figure. 

The Don’ts of Mermaid Wedding Gowns

A mermaid wedding dress is a style that clings to the bride’s curves down to her hips before it flares out. It’s a dress type that, if it fits just right, can make any bride feel like their fantasy princess. However, there are a few things to remember when acquiring one. 

It Isn’t Good for Short and Long Torsos

Your proportions are something to keep in mind when considering a mermaid-cut wedding gown. Shorter women (below 155cm) should avoid these dresses as the snugness of the wedding dress will emphasize the shortness of your torso. This will give the impression of a wider waist. This also applies to brides with a longer torso as the dress’s length is rarely altered, which will elongate women with a longer torso. 

Mermaid Dresses Don’t Work with Broad Shoulders or Hips

Because of the form-hugging nature of the mermaid wedding dress, specific body parts like the waist, bust, and hips may look disproportionately bigger than normal. Remember that these dresses won’t flatter with an inverted triangle or rectangle body shape as they highlight the waist and hips more than the shoulders. 

However, if you’ve always wanted to wear a mermaid-cut dress despite your broad shoulders, you can choose a dress with thin straps or go fully strapless. You can also choose a dress with a trumpet bottom or flared hemline. This will draw less attention to your shoulders and emphasize your curves. 

It Isn’t for Brides Who are Uncomfortable with Tight Wedding Dresses

Mermaid-cut dresses are famously unflattering due to how much they hug the body. Therefore, if you aren’t confident moving in a mermaid dress, you shouldn’t consider this silhouette for your wedding dress.

For example, imagine a bride visiting every guest at their table and posing for a photo. A bride who is unhappy because they are wearing a super-tight wedding dress for her wedding is a bad idea, as her unhappiness will show in the images. 

Also, if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony in a tropical location like a wedding in Bali, it’s natural to sweat continuously due to the island’s unforgiving heat. And due to the constriction of the mermaid gown, brides may find it even more difficult to keep their cool. 

Mermaid-cut wedding dresses aren’t less stunning due to what we’ve explained above. But there are many things to consider before settling on this type of dress. No matter what, you should feel beautiful in your chosen dress.

Final Thoughts 

Mermaid wedding dresses fit through the bust and hips and dramatically flare out at the knees. Many brides tend to get a simple, strapless gown, but they also look great in any neckline or sleeve length. The gown’s dramatic skirt can even make the most busty woman into an hourglass shape. Brides looking to strike endless fashionable poses usually choose a mermaid silhouette for their wedding. 

The mermaid dress is currently the hottest wedding dress type around and is the right pick if you’re looking for a gown that will turn heads and flatter your body.