Mermaid wedding dresses are a popular and elegant choice for brides looking to make a bold statement.
To ensure you look your best in this figure-hugging gown, it’s important to choose the right style, fit, and accessories that flatter your body type and highlight your natural beauty.
Below, we break down the key steps and considerations to help you look stunning in a mermaid wedding dress.
Let’s get straight to the point
To look stunning in a mermaid wedding dress, choose a silhouette that flatters your body type: hourglass figures can embrace the fitted style, while petite brides should opt for a higher flare.
Tailor the dress for a snug but comfortable fit, and select the right neckline and sleeves to complement your figure.
Keep accessories simple, add sparkle with a belt or hairpin, and wear heels to elongate your frame.
Practice walking in the dress, choose a complementary hairstyle, and most importantly, wear your dress with confidence—comfort and confidence make you truly shine!
1. Choose The Right Silhouette For Your Body Type
The mermaid dress is not a one-size-fits-all style. Depending on your body type, different approaches can make this silhouette work for you.
Hourglass Figures
- If you have an hourglass figure, a mermaid dress is an ideal option.
- This silhouette enhances your curves, drawing attention to your waist and hips.
- It creates a balanced and elegant look, emphasising your natural shape.
Slim Brides
- For slimmer brides, the mermaid style can help create the illusion of curves.
- Look for dresses with ruching or pleating around the hips and waist to add more volume.
- This adds the appearance of shape and makes the silhouette more voluminous.
Petite Brides
- Petite brides should be mindful of proportions when selecting a mermaid dress.
- Choose a dress where the flare begins higher up, at the thigh rather than the knee, to avoid overwhelming your frame.
- Pair your dress with heels to elongate your body and prevent the flare from making you look shorter.
Full Hips Or Bust
- If you’re self-conscious about having a fuller bust or hips, find a mermaid dress with balanced details.
- A structured bodice can provide support for a full bust, while a dramatic flare at the bottom can draw attention away from wider hips, balancing your overall appearance.
2. Find The Perfect Fit
Achieving the perfect look with a mermaid wedding dress is all about ensuring the dress fits your body like a glove. Tailoring is key, especially since the dress is closely fitted around the bust, waist, and hips.
Tailor For A Snug Yet Comfortable Fit
- The dress should be snug but comfortable.
- Work with a professional tailor to make adjustments around the bust and waist to ensure it hugs your figure without being too restrictive.
- A well-tailored dress will naturally flatter your body.
Consider The Flare And Length
- The flare of a mermaid dress can vary, starting anywhere from mid-thigh to the knee.
- Taller brides may prefer a more dramatic flare that begins lower, while shorter brides should choose a higher flare closer to the thigh for a more balanced look.
- Make sure the length is perfect, especially for petite brides, to avoid tripping over the fabric.
3. Choose The Right Neckline And Sleeves
The neckline and sleeves of a mermaid wedding dress play a major role in how it flatters your upper body. Selecting the right style can accentuate your features and complement your body shape.
Strapless For A Classic Look
- Strapless mermaid dresses are a classic choice, drawing attention to your shoulders and neckline.
- For brides with a full bust, opt for a strapless dress with a sweetheart neckline to provide support and add a flattering shape.
Off-The-Shoulder For Broad Shoulders
- If you have broad shoulders, consider a mermaid dress with an off-the-shoulder or asymmetric neckline.
- These styles help to soften the appearance of wide shoulders, balancing your upper body with the flare of the dress.
Long Sleeves For Coverage
- For brides who want more coverage or are self-conscious about their arms, long lace sleeves are a beautiful option.
- The fitted nature of the mermaid dress still highlights your curves, while the lace adds a touch of romance and elegance.
4. Select The Right Accessories
Since the mermaid dress already makes a bold statement, the right accessories should complement rather than compete with the gown.
Simple And Elegant Jewellery
- Keep your jewellery simple and elegant.
- A pair of statement earrings or a delicate bracelet will add a touch of glamour without overwhelming the look.
- Avoid large necklaces with strapless gowns, as they can take attention away from the neckline and your figure.
Sparkling Belts
- An embellished belt can add a bit of sparkle to a simple mermaid dress, especially by highlighting your waist.
- This draws attention to the narrowest part of your body, enhancing your hourglass shape.
Veils And Headpieces
- A long, flowing veil (such as cathedral-length) complements the dramatic silhouette of a mermaid gown.
- Alternatively, a chic headpiece or delicate hairpin can add elegance if you prefer a more modern or minimalist look.
5. Wear The Right Shoes
When it comes to a mermaid wedding dress, the right pair of shoes is essential for maintaining balance and proportion. Most mermaid dresses look best with heels, as they help to elongate your figure.
High Heels To Elongate Your Figure
Wearing high heels can enhance your overall silhouette, especially for petite brides. Opt for heels that are at least 3 inches high to ensure you appear taller and more poised.
- Tip: Choose shoes that are comfortable enough to wear all day, even if they’re high.
Practice Walking In Your Shoes
Given that mermaid dresses are fitted through the hips and knees, walking in them can sometimes feel restrictive.
Practice walking in your shoes while wearing the dress to ensure you can move comfortably.
- Tip: Consider shoes with a platform or cushioned sole for added comfort and ease of movement.
6. Choose The Right Hairstyle
Your hairstyle plays a pivotal role in complementing your mermaid gown. Depending on the overall look you’re going for, certain styles can enhance the elegance or romantic vibe of the dress.
High Updos For Classic Elegance
A high updo, such as a bun or chignon, adds sophistication and height to your look.
This style works particularly well if you’re wearing a strapless or off-the-shoulder gown and want to keep the focus on your shoulders and neckline.
- Tip: Add a sparkling hairpin to the updo for a touch of glamour.
Soft Waves For A Romantic Look
If you’re aiming for a more romantic vibe, consider soft waves or loose curls. This hairstyle is a beautiful contrast to the structured nature of the mermaid dress and pairs well with lace detailing or long sleeves.
- Tip: Use a bit of volume-enhancing product to add extra texture and lift to your curls.
Volume At The Crown For Added Height
For petite brides or those who want to appear taller, adding volume at the crown can balance the volume of the mermaid dress’s flare, creating a harmonious and well-proportioned look.
- Tip: Backcombing the hair at the crown and securing it with a sleek updo can help elongate your figure.
7. Confidence Is Key
Above all, the most important accessory you can wear with your mermaid dress is confidence. Feeling comfortable and confident in your dress is what will truly make you glow on your wedding day.
Own Your Look
The mermaid silhouette is designed to be bold and dramatic, so embrace the attention it commands. Stand tall, walk with confidence, and remember that your inner beauty will radiate through how you carry yourself.
Comfort Matters
While it’s essential to look good, it’s equally important to feel comfortable. If your dress feels too tight or restrictive, it will be hard to enjoy your special day. Make sure you can move, sit, and dance comfortably in your gown.
Conclusion
Looking stunning in a mermaid wedding dress is all about finding the right balance between style, fit, and personal comfort.
By choosing a silhouette that flatters your body type, paying attention to fit and tailoring, and selecting the perfect accessories, you can achieve a look that highlights your best features.
Complement your gown with a hairstyle and shoes that enhance your overall appearance, and most importantly, carry yourself with confidence.
Your wedding day is about celebrating love, so let your natural beauty and joy shine through—because feeling good is what makes you look truly unforgettable!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of a wedding gown?
While the national average cost of a wedding dress is $1,631 (including alterations), dress prices are based on various factors and generally range from $500 to $4,000.
By shopping at large retailers and getting a machine-made gown, you can easily land on the lower end of the spectrum.
Which type of gown is best for wedding?
A Guide to Every Wedding Dress Silhouette
- A fitted sheath, mermaid or trumpet gown will accentuate your curves (or create the illusion of them).
- Pleats or gathers around the waist can magnify it. A well-fitted high-waist and loose skirt will combat this.
- When in doubt, consider an A-line gown.
What makes a wedding dress classy?
Classic wedding dresses are designed to be timeless and come in tried and true silhouettes. A classic wedding dress isn’t typically ornate or trendy. Rest assured, classic does not translate to boring.
Rather, it simply means relying on tried-and-true silhouettes, necklines, textures, and embellishments.
Are lace wedding dresses timeless?
If so, consider lace; it is ultra-romantic and feminine and sure to lend a polished elegance to your look. Moreover, lace is timeless and will look good in pictures 50 years from now.
What is my bridal dress size?
Bridal sizing isn’t like typical streetwear sizing. While you might be a size 4-6 in jeans, you’re in fact a bridal size 8-10, and if you’re a size 14-16, you’re likely an 18-20. Don’t worry about it-sizing is just a number!
You’ll likely see most of our samples in a bridal size 8, 10, 12, 18, 20 or 22 to try on.