For a blend of romance, elegance, and sultry appeal, there's no better choice than a mermaid-style wedding gown. “Its flattering, fitted silhouette hugs the body from chest to knees, contouring every curve like a second skin, then flares at the bottom to simulate a mermaid fin,” says stylist Elizabeth Kosich.
“Mermaid dresses not only flatter and flaunt perfectly balanced hourglass shapes, the flared puddle punctuates the look like an exclamation point emphasizing the ‘S’ curve for anyone who missed it (they didn’t). It’s a lot to take in at once, but that’s the point—the mermaid is meant to drop jaws,” she continues.
Whether you're walking down a ballroom aisle, a breezy beach, or a tropical garden, there’s a mermaid style wedding gown to suit your vision. From minimalist chic to boho bride to old Hollywood glamor, we’ve curated a list of the most iconic mermaid gowns of the year.
Best Lace: Rish Azalea V-Neck Mermaid Lace Wedding Gown
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This ivory lace mermaid gown features a plunging v-neck, a low open back, and delicate lace applique throughout that feels romantic with a touch of vintage glamor. We love the button detailing on the back for a little something extra. It comes in sizes 0-16, and runs true to size.
Price at time of publish: $1,495
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor-length
Best Details: Wtoo by Watters Brooks Strapless Beaded Tulle Wedding Gown
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The Brooks Wedding Gown is full of distinguished and intricate detailing. It has beaded embellishments throughout, a structured strapless neckline, and tulle illusion back with nature-inspired design elements curving up the spine. It’s finished with a mermaid silhouette and tulle court train, and comes in sizes 00-32W to suit a variety of body types.
Price at time of publish: $1,895
Runs: True to Size | Size: 00-32W | Materials: Polyester | Length: Maxi w/ Court-Length Train
Best Statement Style: David's Bridal Organza Mermaid Wedding Dress with Ruffled Skirt
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With precise pleats and romantic ruffles, this organza mermaid dress has it all: contrasting textures, a curve-hugging silhouette, dramatic hemline, and a sexy lace-up back for a proper fit. It has a sweep train for added drama, and a beautiful sweetheart neckline that’s classic and flattering.
Price at time of publish: $799
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-14| Materials: Polyester | Length: Full-length
Best Fashion Forward: Mac Duggal Beaded Feather Detail One-Shoulder Mermaid Gown
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Enchanting, fabulous, and fashion-forward, this showstopping mermaid gown is adorned with all over beadwork and feathers for a glamorous effect. Crafted in a crystal blue colorway that plays into the mermaid energy, it features a one shoulder neckline with a sheer panel on the back and full length hemline. It comes in sizes 4-16 and fits true to size.
Price at time of publish: $998
Runs: True to Size | Size: 4-16 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Full-length
Best Convertible: Olivia Bottega 2in1 Wedding Dress Ornella
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This off-the-shoulder long sleeve mermaid dress is not only gorgeous in one style, it’s gorgeous in two! It comes with a detachable tulle, heavyweight skirt atop a beautiful lace number that shows off your curves. With boning for support, the intricate floral details make it feel dreamy and romantic and the added beading gives it that extra sparkle and shine.
Price at time of publish: $2,399
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-30, Custom | Materials: Satin, tulle, beaded lace | Length: Full-length
Best Bodice: Willowby by Watters Elynor Strapless Satin Mermaid Wedding Gown
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Featuring a draped, strapless bodice that comes to a soft point, this gorgeous stretch satin wedding gown has just enough detailing to make it feel special. It’s finished with satin-covered buttons following a low back that extends into a sweeping train. It’s also size inclusive, from 00-24W.
Price at time of publish: $1,495
Runs: True to Size | Size: 00-24W | Materials: Stretch satin | Length: Maxi
Best Beading: Mac Duggal Beaded Feather Trim Off the Shoulder Mermaid Gown
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Featuring 63 inches of feathers and glittering beadwork, this glitzy mermaid gown is for the bride who’s ready to make a statement entrance! It features an off-the-shoulder neck, short sleeves, and a soft and subtle lilac colorway. It has a small train to add to the glamor, and comes in sizes 2-20.
Price at time of publish: $998
Runs: True to Size | Size: 2-20 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor-length
Best Sweetheart-Neckline: Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Genny Embellished Mermaid Gown
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Crafted in Italy, the Chiara Boni La Petite Robe’s Genny gown is embellished with crystal detailing at the off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline for a little extra shine. It has a mermaid hem, unfinished edge, and curve-enhancing silhouette to show off your beautiful body.
Price at time of publish: $1,390
Runs: True to Size | Size: 2-16 | Materials: Polyamide/elastane | Length: Floor-length
Best Modern Lace: For Love & Lemons Temecula Maxi Dress
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With a plunging V-neckline, long sleeves, and a crochet waistband, this modern lace dress is romantic and whimsical with a bohemian feel. It’s fitted through the upper bodice with that mermaid-style flared skirt you love and lined with a nude bodysuit. The cut out on the back is simply to die for, and the lace detailing feels fresh and new.
Price at time of publish: $266
Runs: True to Size | Size: XXS-XL | Materials: Nylon, Polyester, Spandex, Rayon | Length: Maxi
Best Plus-Size: Jenny by Jenny Yoo Marnie Gown
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The Marnie bias-cut satin wedding gown is mermaid meets old Hollywood glamour meets timeless elegance. It features a v-neckline, delicate spaghetti strap, a low-scoop back, and a mermaid-inspired skirt to gentle drape over your curves. The court length fishtail train adds to the drama. Plus, it comes in sizes 0-26!
Price at time of publish: $1,150
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-26 | Materials: Polyester Satin | Length: Floor-length
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Best Modified Mermaid: Jenny by Jenny Yoo Bennett Fit & Flare Sweetheart Wedding Gown
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If you’re looking for a slightly looser fit than a traditional mermaid, this fit and flare wedding gown is fitted through the bodice and thighs and flows elegantly into a cathedral train. It’s crafted in a polyester matte crepe material, with a detachable chiffon watteau cape for regal flair.
Price at time of publish: $995
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-18 | Materials: Polyester matte crepe and chiffon; polyester lining | Length: Floor-length, cathedral train
Best Texture Play: Mac Duggal Beaded Strappy One Shoulder Petal Mermaid Gown
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Play with texture and silhouette in this asymmetric one-shoulder, embellished and embroidered elegant lace gown. It features an open back, hand-stitched floral petals along the bottom of the mermaid skirt, and heavy embroidery on the bodice. There’s lots happening, and it’s all working!
Price at time of publish: $598
Runs: True to Size | Size: 2-16 | Materials: Chiffon, Lace, Polyester | Length: Floor-length
Best Floral: Mestiza New York Gloria Off-The-Shoulder Gown
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Crafted from premium cotton and spandex for added stretch, this beautiful floral print gown is dramatic and feminine. It features a sweetheart neckline and oversized off-the-shoulder sleeves, a sexy mermaid silhouette that shows off your curves, and a nature-inspired allover print that’s perfect for a garden or outdoor wedding.
Price at time of publish: $1,025
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-14 | Materials: Cotton, Spandex | Length: Floor-length
Best Bow Detail: Alexia María Signature Collection Margaret Gown
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Made from gorgeous silk faille, this dramatic strapless and straight neck gown is simple and classic from the front, and bold from the back. It features a statement floor-length back bow sash that flows gently into a small train. It comes in sizes 0-14.
Price at time of publish: $1,625
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-14 | Materials: Silk faille | Length: Maxi
Best Asymmetrical Neckline: Showpo Put A Ring On it Gown
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The Put A Ring On it Gown is classic and timeless with a modern twist. It features an asymmetrical mesh shoulder detail with delicate fabric-covered buttons and rouleau loops on the left side. We love that it has internal boning throughout the front panel seams for added structure and shape, flaring out into a subtle train.
Price at time of publish: $240
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester, Spandex | Length: Floor-length
Best High Neck: Lulus Love Everlasting White Floral Lace Mermaid Maxi Dress
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Composed of sheer, floral lace over light nude lining, this high neckline mermaid dress is modest and elegant without being too full coverage. It features a princess-seamed bodice with crochet accents, a high fitted waist, and a front slit that extends into a long train with scalloped eyelash lace trim.
Price at time of publish: $129
Runs: True to Size | Size: XS-XL | Materials: Cotton, Nylon, Polyester | Length: Floor-length
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Best Petite: ASOS Vila Petite Bridal Satin Mermaid Maxi Dress
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This made for petite mermaids, V-neck maxi dress is simple, elegant, and timeless. It features a zip-side closure, thick tank style straps, a scoop back, and signature slim fit. It’s made from silky satin-style fabric that’s giving glossy, drapey and smooth!
Price at time of publish: $130
Runs: True to Size | Size: 2-12 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Maxi
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Best Back: Norma Kamali Low Back Slip Mermaid
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Simple, clean, and minimal, this mermaid dress is sexy and sophisticated without doing too much. It features crossover shoulder straps and an ultra low back for added sex appeal, with a bit of spandex for a comfortable, stretchy fit.
Price at time of publish: $350
Runs: True to Size | Size: XXS-XL | Materials: Polyester, Spandex | Length: Floor-length
Best Pink: Norma Kamali X REVOLVE Strapless Fishtail Gown
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For a bold pop of color, this pink mermaid gown makes a statement while still letting you be the star. It features a strapless neckline, spandex for a little bit of stretch, and fishtail hem for a little drama. It comes in sizes XXS-XL, and runs true to size.
Price at time of publish: $265
Runs: True to Size | Size: XXS-XL | Materials: 95% poly, 5% spandex | Length: Floor-length
Best Blue: NBD June Gown
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This figure hugging “something blue” dress shows off your curves in a classy and elegant way. It’s made from ponte jersey fabric with spandex for comfy stretch, and has a non-slip silicone grip lining to keep your strapless top in place. The front cut out shows a bit of abs for a little something extra.
Price at time of publish: $228
Runs: True to Size | Size: XXS-XL | Materials: Rayon, Nylon, Spandex | Length: Maxi
Best Long-Sleeves: Dreamers and Lovers Kate Fitted Elegant Wedding Dress
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Featuring a high-neck, open back, and 3/4 length sleeves, this modest meets boho dress feels elegant yet free spirited. It’s crafted from super soft cotton lace that feels like butter on the skin, and features sewn-in bra cups, boning support and a gorgeous train with both a wristlet, and a traditional bustle for convenience. You can also customize the look by choosing between ivory, nude, off-white, and vanilla liners.
Price at time of publish: $2,895
Runs: True to Size | Size: 2-18, Custom | Materials: Cotton, Polyester, Spandex | Length: Maxi
Upstudio Santa Rosa Mermaid Sequins Tulle Floor-Length Dress Champagne
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This sequin, color-contrasting mermaid dress is budget-friendly at less than $150! Featuring a bateau neckline, floor-length hem, short sleeves, and V backline, this champagne tulle dress is sophisticated and elegant at a great price point.
Price at time of publish: $139
Runs: True to Size | Size: 2-14 | Materials: Tulle | Length: Floor-length
Best Spaghetti Straps: Azazie Maldive Mermaid Lace Floor-Length Dress Mist
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This size and budget-inclusive dress will make you feel like a pastel princess. It comes in several colors, including pastel blue, pink, purple, and green, and features an all over lace design with a V-neckline, spaghetti straps that criss-cross at the low back, and an empire waist. It comes in at just over $100 and is available in sizes 0-30 (or custom!).
Price at time of publish: $109
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-30, Custom | Materials: Lace | Length: Floor-length
Meet the Expert
Elizabeth Kosich is a certified image stylist offering head-to-toe wardrobe consulting to men and women, and commercial styling to brands. She holds credentials from FIT and AICI, and founded Elizabeth Kosich Styling in 2019.
What to Look For in a Mermaid Wedding Dress
Season
Pay attention to the weather and season of your wedding when deciding factors such as neckline, sleeve length, fabric, and hemline. “Consider a long-sleeved mermaid dresses in winter, or to add extra drama with a statement sleeve and low, open back,” says Kosich.We love Shona Joy's Backless Maxi Dress for a winter wedding.
For spring and summer weddings, Kosich recommends sweetheart and strapless styles.
Fabric
Fabric plays a key role in the overall aesthetic of your dress, as well as comfort and fit. “For formal events, dramatic styles with more volume and fabric are appropriate. Think materials like lace, taffeta and satin, with accents like tulle, crystals and appliqués,” Kosich explains. Covered in beads and feathers, Mac Duggal Mermaid Gown is fit for a formal affair.
For a more relaxed affair, look for materials like crepe, silk, and polyester for fluid styles with more movement, but the same show-stopping silhouette. "The clean, minimalist lines are sophisticated, timeless and still deliver on drama,” says Kosich. Made from embellishment-free satin, Willowby by Watters Elynor Strapless Satin Mermaid Wedding Gown shines in simplicity.
Venue
“There are mermaid dresses for every occasion from black tie to beach weddings,” says Kosich. “The more formal the venue, the more ornate the dress, so don’t hold back on a statement train or beaded, crystal, or lace embellishments for urban weddings or stately, grand destination venues." Thanks to its boho aesthetic, For Love and Lemons Temecula Dress looks right at home on the beach.
FAQ
Are mermaid dresses easy to move around in?
Due to the fit and fabric, mermaid dresses can be difficult to walk in but certain fabrics may give more stretch and movement. “Less ornate but just as gorgeous, crepe and knit jersey (poly/spandex) mermaid dresses are easier to move in and a great alternative for more relaxed, understated events," says Kosich. "Their clean lines, smooth fabric and sophisticated simplicity make for a sleek, modern look.”
What's the benefit of a mermaid silhoutte vs A-line?
“If you’ve got it, flaunt it!,” says Kosich. “Mermaid silhouettes are for curvy, confident brides who want to make an entrance. The fitted, elongating shape shows off your sexy curves while the dramatic flare adds a touch of feminine whimsy. It’s a statement-making shape that is meant to turn heads.”
If you’d like a more subtle approach but still want the classic, feminine silhouette, A-line dresses are a great alternative. “[A-line dresses] taper to the waist only, then gently drape to the floor with moderate skirt volume. The shape is less restrictive which allows more movement, plus it’s camouflaging for brides who have unbalanced proportions top and bottom. Both are elegant, timeless options that are equally as gorgeous, they just suit different shapes,” she explains.
Do mermaid dresses flatter all figures?
“If you’re an hourglass shape, this is your silhouette,” says Kosich. “Mermaid dresses put everything on display so if you have equal proportions top and bottom and a bold personality, this style is for you.”
While we encourage every bride to find the dress she loves and feels most confident in regardless of rules, Kosich says a mermaid silhouette might not be the most desirable choice if your shape is more “unbalanced above or below the waist.”
“Remember the ‘perfect’ wedding dress is the one that flatters your shape best, so keep trying until you find it!,” says Kosich.
Why Trust Brides
Chelsea Frank has been a comedy and lifestyle writer for nearly 10 years. She’s contributed to dozens of online publications, researching and writing on a number of topics from clean beauty and fashion to travel and wellness.
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