The mermaid wedding dress is a classic silhouette that’s all about the curves! It’s whimsical and romantic, with a name to match the mythical sea-dwelling creature. A fitted gown with a skirt or “tail,” mermaid wedding dresses are for all body types and all styles, from chic to modern to boho.
Today we’re breaking the mermaid gown down into popular categories, with dresses that prominently feature lace, long sleeves, and low backs.
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What is a mermaid wedding dress?
A mermaid wedding dress is a gown fitted through the bodice, waist, and hips, before flaring out into a full skirt at or below the knee. There is some nuance between the mermaid and the trumpet style of gown, which flares around the thigh. But they both fall into the category of “fit-and-flare” dresses, where the key is creating form-flattering silhouettes in the bodice and the hips.
For the purposes of this roundup, we’re including any dress that we find stunning that follows the general mermaid-like silhouette of fitted up top and flared somewhere below the waist, as the aesthetic appeal of trumpet and mermaid wedding dresses is quite similar.
Are mermaid wedding dresses uncomfortable?
It’s no secret that mermaid wedding dresses have a more restricted and form-fitting silhouette, but that doesn’t have to mean they’re uncomfortable! It’s simply a matter of perspective. When choosing a silhouette, whether mermaid or anything else, you’ll want to think about how much you’ll be moving around on the wedding day.
It’s true, mermaid wedding dresses will result in less mobility than you’d have with a flowy skirt, but that’s part of how it achieves that lovely aesthetic. Fret not if you’re concerned about comfort. If you want something that you can wear for hours on end, look for a mermaid gown that’s lighter in weight, which’ll make moving around your wedding venue that much easier. You’ll also want to think about your fabric choices, too. Some fabrics are more inherently comfy than others.
All of that said, the silhouette of the mermaid wedding dress is only one of many factors that impacts whether or not a dress is comfortable.
Lace Mermaid Wedding Dresses
Lace mermaid wedding dresses combine the whimsy of lace with the form-flattering figure of the mermaid silhouette. It’s the perfect type of gown to create either a boho or an elevated, elegant aesthetic. Opt for bold lace patterns on your mermaid wedding dress for a more modern look, or go floral for something more classic.
1: Halter Dress With Embroidery Detail
The Daisy gown embodies all the elegance of its namesake, literary heroine Daisy Buchanan. The high-neck top of this mermaid wedding dress elevates the design, and the lace patterns exude an elevated, feminine aesthetic.
2: Notch-Neck Lace Corset Dress
Baroque lace is layered into a tiered skirt on this gorgeous mermaid wedding gown, and we love that fun + modern neckline. The lace detailing on this mermaid dress is vibrantly floral, giving us all the springtime vibes.
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3: Lace + Tulle Mermaid Gown
Could there be a more classic combination than tulle and lace?! This strapless mermaid wedding dress features a plunging sweetheart neckline in the most subtle and perfect blush. And the little belt detail truly emphasizes the form-flattering silhouette of this mermaid gown.
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There’s no denying how gorgeous blush wedding dresses are. So naturally, we found the best.
4: Flare Sleeve Lace Mermaid Dress
So. Much. Lace! This romantic dress features long flare sleeves and a gorgeous train. The punchy and bold lace pattern truly takes this mermaid style wedding dress to the next level. And the sheer sleeve design keeps the fabric from looking too heavy.
shop the flare sleeve mermaid gown
5: Lace Boho Mermaid Wedding Dress
If you’re looking for an ethereal mermaid style, this dress, with its floral pattern and delicate spaghetti straps, is boho perfection! And the fited bodice with sheer details is sure to show off your figure in the best ways.
shop the spaghetti strap mermaid dress
6: Floral Illusion Lace Mermaid Wedding Dress
This whimsical floral illusion lace mermaid wedding dress is perfect for an ultra romantic wedding day aesthetic. The bodice feels delicate and ethereal, in an utterly timeless sort of way.
shop floral illusion mermaid dress
7: Mermaid Dress With Modern Graphic Lace
The Rafia mermaid gown highlights your curves in all the right places. From the high neck to the graphic boho lace to the dreamy train, we’re obsessed! The unique pattern on this gown breaks from mermaid dress tradition and adds a new spin to a classic look.
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8: Cap Sleeve Lace Mermaid Dress
It’s all about the lace and that slight flare at the knees. Perfect for an understated mermaid gown! If you like a more subtle look, but still want to incorporate a mermaid-like silhouette, this is the gown for you. And the pattern is oh so elegant!
shop the cap sleeve mermaid gown
9: Glamorous Trumpet Gown
From understated to GLAM! A wow-worthy gown with a trending corsetted top, floral appliques, and shimmer from top to bottom. You’ll notice here the drama of the trumpet silhouette, where the gown flares out around mid-thigh.
shop the glamorous trumpet wedding dress
Loving lace as much as us? You NEED to see our roundup of the best lace wedding gowns.
Long Sleeve Mermaid Wedding Dresses
There’s no denying that long sleeve mermaid wedding dresses are having a serious comeback. Sleeves do SO MUCH to flatter the arms, and flattery is at the core of what mermaid wedding gowns are all about. So mermaid gowns with a dramatic sleeve are kind of a no-brainer.
10: Long Billow Sleeve Mermaid Wedding Dress
An ultimate choice for a boho vibe, this voluminous mermaid gown comes together beautifully with embroidery and crinkle-cut chiffon. And the sleeves have a puff-like effect, which is super on-trend at the moment (who can deny that romantic aesthetic?!).
shop the long puff sleeved mermaid gown
Need more puff sleeve dress magic?! You’re gonna want to see our list. These gowns are unreal.
11: Layered Lace Long-Sleeve Mermaid Gown
You’ll look every bit the princess in this romantic number! The illusion lace creates a stunning peek-a-boo effect on the arms that makes the dress design feel lightweight and elegant, even though it has long sleeves. We love that delicate balance!
shop the layered lace mermaid gown
12: Ultra Simple Long Sleeve Mermaid Wedding Dress
Keep it simple and comfortable with this gorgeous, minimalist mermaid wedding dress. It features a clean, form-flattering silhouette that’s perfect for anyone looking for a no-fuss wedding day look.
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13: Illusion Long Sleeve Mermaid Wedding Dress
This illusion graphic embroidered lace mermaid dress comes in three different slip colors, so you can opt for a more peachy color or something more ivory. The intricate lace detailing incorporates a more traditional mermaid aesthetic that’s perfect for anyone who loves a classic look.
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14: Mermaid Dress with Removable Puff Shoulder Sleeves
We’re obsessed with the sleeves on this gown! They’re trending and chic AND removable for a 2-in-1 look! And can we talk about that subtle white belt around the waist? Such an elegant, understated touch that vibes perfectly with the clean and modern fabric of this mermaid wedding dress.
shop the removable puff sleeve mermaid gown
15: Long Sleeve Mermaid Dress with Floral Emrboidery
Beading and flowers from head to toe? This plunge-neck mermaid gown stuns in the best ways! It’s a lightweight, springy design that reminds us of warm days and fresh floral blooms.
shop the floral embroidered mermaid gown
16: Boho Bell Sleeve Lace Dress
This sexy, sheer dress is just made for a beach elopement, don’t you think? The intricate bell sleeves are such a unique and unexpected touch. Perfect for a laid-back, bohemian wedding day look.
shop the bell sleeve mermaid gown
Beach vibe caught your eye?! We have the perfect roundup for you: our favorite beach wedding gowns.
17: Long Sleeve Mermaid Gown with Fringe
Calling all boho cowgirls! This fringed mermaid gown is perfect for a little southern flare. And it also incorporates influences of 1920’s Art Deco fashion, too. The most beautiful blend of eras and fashion styles.
Satin Mermaid Wedding Dresses
Satin mermaid wedding dresses are perfect for anyone who loves a more modern, clean-cut aesthetic. This lovely fabric cuts out the fuss and the frills, opting for a look that’s simple and stunning.
18: Chic and Simple Satin Mermaid Wedding Dress
Does it get anymore chic than this silhouette?! The plunging neckline is beyond gorgeous, especially when paired with the luxuriously silky satin fabric on this mermaid wedding dress. Add a veil and you’re golden!
shop the chic satin mermaid gown
19: Plunge Neck Mermaid Satin Dress
This look is SO classic. The satin fabric truly accentuates the form-flattering features of the mermaid wedding dress style. This is such a timeless design that’s sure to impress.
shop the plunging neckline satin mermaid gown
20: Best-Selling Satin Mermaid Wedding Dress
This Amazon mermaid wedding dress find is BELOVED in the comments. Comb through all the photos IRL and tell us you aren’t convinced enough to at least give it a shot. And, if you can believe it, it actually comes in at under $100. Affordability and stellar reviews? You can’t beat that.
shop the best-selling Amazon mermaid dress
21: Full Mermaid Skirt with Sweetheart Neckline
The ruffle skirt paired with the sweetheart neckline make this one of the most romantic options in our roundup of the best mermaid wedding dresses! The pairing of the structured bodice with the flowing flare gives this mermaid gown a dynamic appeal that can’t be beat.
shop the ruffle skirt mermaid gown
22: Statement Bow Satin Mermaid Wedding Dress
Where do we even begin with this satin mermaid wedding dress?! Bows are trending hard right now and this giant back bow is ALL class. We love the way the strings of the bow essentially function as an additional train to the gown. A truly unique design.
shop the statement bow satin mermaid gown
23: Satin Mermaid Gown with Scoop Neckline
This simple yet stunning gown drapes beautifully and still hints at that mermaid wedding dress silhouette. And if you’re not into wearing an all-white gown, this beauty is in the prettiest champagne color.
shop the scoop neck satin mermaid gown
Strapless Mermaid Wedding Dresses
Show off those shoulders and that neckline with these gorgeous strapless mermaid wedding dresses. We love the way the strapless design flatters the upper body and draws attention to unique neckline details.
24: Strapless Mermaid Wedding Dress with Corset Bodice
Fitted where it counts and flowing at the knee. This flawless lace strapless mermaid wedding dress is just teeming with romance! The delicate off-the-shoulder moment feels summery and whimsical, and we can’t get enough of it.
shop the floral strapless mermaid gown
25: Sequined Strapless Mermaid Wedding Dress
Catch the light—and plenty of eyes—with this shimmery strapless mermaid wedding gown. The sequins on this dress are oh so glamorous and such a fun and playful touch to this classic silhouette.
26: Feather Cape Strapless Mermaid Gown
The feather details on this off-shoulder strapless mermaid wedding dress are so fun and unique! They give off an angel-like appearance, and who wouldn’t want that on their wedding day?! The glitter tulle skirt is also giving us some serious princess vibes.
shop the feather cape strapless mermaid gown
27: Strapless Mermaid Wedding Dress with Puff Sleeves
This affordable mermaid dress curves SO beautifully and features one of our favorite current trends: puff sleeves. The fit and flare on this mermaid gown is subtle, achieving a very modern and clean aesthetic.
shop the off shoulder puff mermaid gown
28: Bandeau Mermaid Wedding Dress
The bandeau top puts a unique spin on this flattering mermaid silhouette. This mermaid wedding dress is made from a stretchy fabric, so it’ll have more give and flex. If comfort and movement is your goal, you are going to love this beauty.
shop the bandeau top strapless mermaid gown
29: Strapless Mermaid Gown with Cascading Train
Is it the skirt or the bodice or the shape that we love so much? Let’s be honest, it’s all of them. This modern take on the mermaid wedding dress is certainly a siren call! The pointed edges on the neckline are also seriously to-die-for. Such a distinct and interesting touch for this Sarah Seven Florence gown.
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Backless Mermaid Wedding Dresses
Backless mermaid dresses are the ULTIMATE when it comes to a form-flattering design. We love the open back look for its sexy yet sophisticated aesthetic. It’s the perfect frame, and pairs beautifully with the already striking mermaid silhouette.
30: Square Neck Backless Mermaid Wedding Dress with Lace Detail
Look closely on this fitted crepe gown and you’ll notice the dreamiest floral detail on the train. It blends in, but that’s what we love about it. This backless mermaid wedding dress is full of subtle sophistication that’s detail-oriented, without being overdone.
shop the square neckline backless mermaid gown
31: Backless Mermaid Dress with Ruffled Organza
The feedback from shoppers is this: this backless mermaid wedding dress looks a lot more expensive than it actually is. We love to see it! Chic on top, party on the bottom! We’re loving the ruffled skirt and sleek alternative at the bodice.
shop the ruffled skirt backless mermaid gown
32: Backless Mermaid Dress with Floral Lace
This boho dream of a backless mermaid wedding dress hugs in all the right places and comes highly recommend in the reviews! The delicate train is truly otherworldly, and the little slit on the skirt makes movement easy, while still maintaining that classic mermaid look.
shop the floral backless mermaid gown
33: Modern + Romantic Backless Mermaid Wedding Dress
Buttons from here all the way to there! The crepe skirt on this backless mermaid gown is a modern classic beneath sheer sleeves and lace. We love the v-shape of the open back and the leading lines from the seams and buttons pointing to it. It’s the perfect frame, if you ask us.
shop the romantic backless mermaid gown
34: Sexy Backless Mermaid Wedding Dress
It’s the OG Katie May gown that took “backless” to a whole new level. Delicate French lace with the lowest back you can imagine. It’s pretty much the mermaid wedding dress of dreams; a figure hugging look we can’t get enough of.
shop the ultra backless mermaid gown
Need More Wedding Gown Inspiration?
We get it, finding the perfect wedding gown can be a REAL process! Which is exactly why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to write guides on all our favorite styles.
Curious about the best places to buy a wedding dress online? We’ve covered all the bases, with epic shops from around the world.
Smitten with the drama and flare of the puff sleeve trend? Us too, and we’ve narrowed down our favorites. Or perhaps you’re more interested in simple and modern dress styles?
Searching for the best of the best when it comes to plus size gowns? These styles are SERIOUSLY stunning.
Planning a beachside ceremony. You need a beachy gown to match. Or even one of these gorgeous lacy numbers.
If your number 1 goal on the big day is to look like a total princess, these princess style dresses are basically made for you.
And if stunning with a moody and unexpected shade is more your vibe, our roundup for the most jaw-dropping black wedding gowns is going to sweep you off your feet.
