Nov 13
16 Mermaid Style Wedding Dresses We're Flipping Our Fins For
By Wedding Spot
Finding a wedding gown with a flattering fit can be difficult, no matter your shape, size, or height. While some silhouettes highlight particular body shapes, most designs, unfortunately, are not made with a one-size-fits-all approach. Luckily, the fitted body and flared skirt of mermaid style wedding dresses look amazing on just about everyone!
In this post, you’ll explore some of the most stunning, glamorous, and swimmingly sensational mermaid style wedding dresses we’ve ever seen. If you’re searching for a gown that will make you look like a sea goddess on the big day, you’ve come to the right place.
Mermaid style wedding dresses that fit your event theme and style
Whether you’re throwing a mermaid or under-the-sea-themed wedding or looking for gorgeous mermaid-style wedding dresses that accentuate your figure, we can help. Before diving into a few of our favorite mermaid-style dresses from current and recent seasons, let’s review what a mermaid gown looks like.
What is a mermaid-style wedding dress?
A mermaid wedding dress is a particular style of wedding gown. The design fits closely around the body, creating an hourglass shape as it hugs the chest tightly. The gown’s close fit extends to the knee before flaring into a dramatic, head-turning skirt. As the name imples, the shape of the dress closely resembles a mermaid, with a tight silhouette throughout, until the eyes meet a fin-like flare at the bottom of the gown.
Are mermaid dresses different from A-line or trumpet wedding dresses?
Yes. Mermaid-style wedding dresses have a unique design that differs from similar silhouettes, such as A-line gowns or trumpet-style wedding dresses. For example, an A-line gown is tightly fitted until the waist of the skirt, where it begins to open, creating the shape of an “A” as it meets the ground. Trumpet dresses elongate the legs by flaring at the thigh. On the other hand, mermaid dresses flare below the knee, creating a more dramatic silhouette than other flared designs, using a long bodice to highlight the torso.
Keep your favorite styles in mind as you scroll through this list of incredible, elegant gowns. Look for design elements and particular styles that catch your eye or inspire you!
1. Adela peek-a-boo back mermaid dress from Pronovias
The Albite bridal gown from Pronovias features long sleeves and a low back. The back displays a stunning row of buttons that line the back of the dress, flowing into the floor-length, mermaid-style chapel train. The front of the gown is simple and clean, allowing the bride’s beauty to be the star of the show. The mixture of fabrics creates an ethereal aura.
2. Ivory mermaid-style wedding dress with detachable train from NYC Bride
A custom piece handmade by NYC Bride and available on Etsy, this ivory mermaid-style wedding gown is both elegant and timeless. Whether you have a slim frame or a curvy, hourglass-shaped body, the slim-fitted body of the dress hugs tightly before flaring into a romantic skirt below the knee, creating an outline that flatters brides of all shapes and sizes. When placing your custom order, you may include the detachable train or order the gown without it.
3. The Aura by Grace Loves Lace
The versatility of this dress lands it a spot on our list. The cowl neckline is flattering on many different body types, and the gown offers a back-tie detail that can be worn in multiple ways, allowing each bride to express their unique style. Additionally, the flared silhouette of this mermaid-style dress from Grace Loves Lace is perfect for a beach wedding, getting hitched in the city, or dancing the night away.
4. Merci strapless mermaid wedding dress from Morilee
This satin, sculptured mermaid-style wedding gown is chic, sleek, and perfect for uptown brides. The sweetheart neckline, button detailing, and elegant flared skirt add glamor to one of our list’s cleaner, simpler gowns.
5. Minimalist mermaid dress by ERA Bridal
The sweep court train, sleeveless shoulder, and pleated fit take this flare mermaid-style wedding dress to the next level. Although the pictured veil really kicks this dress up a notch, it is a separate piece, which can be purposed in addition to the gown from ERA Bridal on Etsy.
6. Off-the-shoulder mermaid dress
We love a short-sleeved wedding gown that highlights the shoulders, and this mermaid-style bridal beauty absolutely fits the bill. Made from tulle, the wedding dress features white lace and applique embellishments, a sweetheart neckline, and a dramatic train, making it perfect for weddings in any season. Astonishing and affordable, you can find this gown for under $500 on Dressmeet.com.
7. Form-fitting mermaid style wedding dress from Moonlight Bridal
A sweetheart neckline, unlined bodice, and thin, beaded straps create a weightless, strapless illusion, adding to the mermaid-inspired essence of this gown from Moonlight Bridal. Along the skirt, a checkered net pattern sparkles, from just below the gown’s natural waistline, all the way down the chapel train. Beading, pearls, and glass beads adorn the lace appliques covering this mermaid-style wedding dress.
8. Romantic strapless mermaid gown from Babybridal
If you’re planning a boho-themed wedding or a ceremony on the beach, this shapely, strapless mermaid gown might be just your style. In addition to a flattering fit, the dress features detailed appliques and a trailing skirt, so lightweight that it looks like it’s floating on water. Look for this delicate lace mermaid-style bridal gown on Babybridal, a site showcasing indie brands and independent designers, for less than $300.
9. Elegant boat neck satin mermaid dress from AkieBridal
Although the classic mermaid silhouette accompanies each gown, each boat neck gown is custom and handmade to order, ensuring the perfect fit for every bride. The open back and tightly fitted waist draw the eye to the flowing, flaring skirt. Order your custom version of this mermaid wedding dress from AkieBridal on Etsy for less than $600.
10. Bateau neckline mermaid dress from A Thrifty Bride
This modest and romantic bridal gown is a true diamond in the rough from Pronovias. In addition to a satin base, bateau neckline, and lace appliques, this mermaid style wedding dress has a sheer illusion back that helps the detailing above the timeless flared skirt stand out.
11. Ivoire by Kitty Chen Couture
One of the most high-fashion and glamorous gowns on our list, this mermaid-style wedding dress is from Kitty Chen Couture’s 2021 Mojave bridal collection. Although the gown’s bodice is ornate and breathtaking, nothing outshines the flaring mermaid skirt on this desert-inspired dazzler. With an awe-inspiring and intricately detailed lace hem, all eyes will follow the bride as she walks down the aisle.
12. Long-sleeved mermaid from Madame Bridal by Mon Cheri
Mon Cheri's fitted mermaid-inspired gown features illusion sleeves and a stretch lace design. The solid lining and scalloped scoop neckline create stunning layers to this dress that cascade like ocean waves down the flared skirt. If you’re planning an ocean-themed wedding or looking for the perfect mermaid-style dress, act quickly, as this gown is currently in stock and available from Madame Bridal.
13. Avery lace mermaid gown from Style Missus
The Avery is a sleeveless lace wedding dress with a form-flattering mermaid silhouette from Style Missus. The lace floral appliques on this gown are both delicate and expressionistic, adding to the mermaid-inspired magic it exudes. The lace-edge V-neckline and sheer side detailing take this affordable stunner to the next level, and the long tulle train takes it over the top.
14. Blush mermaid dress with ruffles from Deavita
This multi-layered blush mermaid dress from Deavita is romantic, tender, beautifully decorated, and as delicate as it is voluminous. The mermaid silhouette is flirty, feminine, and seductive, perfect for many different brides with varying fashion tastes. Brides can add their unique look to the dress by decorating the hem with various embellishments, including lace, flower arrangements, or embroidery.
15. Luxury lace mermaid dress from Dairybridal
This luxurious mermaid dress from Dairybridal features a backless applique and straight neckline, highlighting the gown’s magnificent shape. The tight cinching at the top of the thigh creates a dramatic flaring skirt that, accompanied by the featured veil, creates a divine bridal look that will wow your wedding guests.
16. 2-Piece mermaid dress with pearls and lace
The A-line shape of this bridal gown from Luulla’s 2021 bridal collection accentuates the mermaid-style silhouette in a very unique way. Although the detachable overskirt slightly hides the gown’s starkly shifting shape, the stunning silhouette shines when removed. The boned and fully lined satin dress creates a strong gown shape and structure that will hold up during even the most intense wedding day dance crazes.
Put this list of mermaid style wedding dresses to good use!
What stood out most to you in this list of mermaid-inspired wedding gowns? Was it the dramatic shape of the bridal gown, the dresses with intricate hems, or the simpler designs? If you didn’t find exactly what you’re looking for, that’s okay. Note which gowns you found the most inspiring, and look for pieces with similar elements.
For more wedding day looks, check out 17 timeless Grecian-style wedding dresses we can’t stop staring at.
Wedding Spot
The Wedding Spot blog is designed to help couples navigate every step of the wedding planning journey. From before the engagement to after you say “I do,” our goal is to give you the tips, ideas, and inspiration to prepare for your big day — and all that comes with it.