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PHOTO BY ASHLYN CATHEY PHOTOGRAPHY
A feeling of old-world Hollywood glamour is back in 2022 (thank you Adele and Zendaya!) and if you’re looking to rock a wedding style that is totally red-carpet worthy, a mermaid wedding dress is a perfect choice. Dress designer Ines Di Santo shares she’s had a life-long love affair with the mermaid silhouette and says the style is one that always features in her bi-annual collections. “I love the drama of an exaggerated flared skirt,” reveals Di Santo. “This dress style is perfect for a confident bride who wants to shine and show off her beautiful curves—I love the hourglass shape it creates on the body.”
Meet the Expert
Ines Di Santo is the founder and designer of her namesake bridalwear company, Ines Di Santo. Following it’s initial launch in 1998, Di Santo now has two lines, Ines Di Santo Couture and Ines by Ines Di Santo, both of which feature romantic and incredibly fashion-forward designs.
Di Santo defines the mermaid silhouette as one that tightly hugs the body, cinching in at the waist, and flaring out dramatically at the knees. She says the style is incredibly flattering because it elongates the body, but what separates this look from the rest is the importance placed on the impeccable fit and flawless tailoring.
Today, you can luckily find a mermaid wedding dress everywhere as it’s a favorite among those newly engaged—and even for celebs like Eva Longoria, who chose a sleek design by her friend Victoria Beckham; and Kim Kardashian, who wore a romantic lace gown by Ricardo Tisci for Givenchy.
To help you find the mermaid wedding dress of your dreams, here are our favorites that will appeal to every style from minimalist to maximalist.
Best Lace: Maggie Sottero Keeva Dress
Courtesy of Maggie Sottero
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-28 | Materials: Lace | Length: Floor-length
The statement lace on the bodice of this dress is a standout and this gown scores bonus points for carrying over the lace detailing down to the tulle skirt. Drop cap sleeves, a sweetheart neckline, and an illusion V-back make this look an ultra-romantic choice.
Best Ruffles: Oleg Cassini for David’s Bridal Scroll Lace Trumpet Dress
Courtesy of David’s Bridal
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-12 | Materials: Lace and tulle | Length: Floor-length
If you’re looking for a graceful gown that boasts a mega-swoosh factor this is a perfect pick. The pairing of scrolled lace with tiers of tulle is a showstopping combo.
Best Details: BHLDN Daisy Gown
Courtesy of BHLDN
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-16 | Materials: Tulle and sequin embroidery | Length: Floor-length
This dress is for the maximalist who wants it all: Lace, illusion, tulle, and all-over embroidery. The final detail that takes this dramatic dress over the top is the high neckline and romantic train.
Best Statement Style: Randy Fenoli Charo Dress
Courtesy of Randy Fenoli
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-30 | Materials: Taffeta and tulle | Length: Floor-length
The impeccably tailored bodice of this mermaid wedding dress gives a beautiful, elongated shape to the body. A dazzling added touch that makes this dress extra special is the jewel detailing at the waistline.
Best Minimalist: Pronovias Premiere Collection June Dress
Courtesy of Pronovias
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-28 | Materials: Mikado | Length: Floor-length
If Meghan Markle had chosen a mermaid wedding dress for her Royal wedding day, it would have likely been a minimalist take on the trend—like this striking architectural gown. Simple, refined, and absolutely statement-making!
Most Fashion-Forward: Vera Wang Bride Lucille Dress
Courtesy of Vera Wang
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-28 | Materials: Mikado | Length: Floor-length
Vera Wang’s signature pleating on the bodice of this impeccably tailored dress makes it a fashion lover’s dream. The sculpted fishtail skirt adds just the right amount of understated volume.
Best Convertible: Pronovias Premiere Collection Clara Dress
Courtesy of Pronovias
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-28 | Materials: Crepe | Length: Floor-length
Sleeves are the accessory of the moment, and this spaghetti strap dress comes with dramatic elbow-length puffed ones which are fully detachable. This is a perfect choice if you want a dress that delivers two different looks.
Best Boho: DB Studio Strapless Stretch Lace Tall Plus Wedding Dress
Courtesy of David’s Bridal
Runs: True to Size | Size: 16W-30W | Materials: Lace | Length: Floor-length
If you want your gown to have the mermaid silhouette, but be a little less formal, this romantic lace dress ticks all the boxes. Wear it for a breezy summer garden or beach wedding.
Best Bodice: Paloma Blanca Style 4975
Courtesy of Paloma Blanca
Runs: True to Size | Size: 4-22 | Materials: Crepe | Length: Floor-length
The draped tunic bodice of this dress is an absolute style standout. The flattering sweetheart neckline and crepe flared skirt create an air of timeless elegance and modernity.
Best Colour Contrast: Moonlight Couture Style H1478 Dress
Courtesy of Moonlight Couture
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-28W | Materials: Lace and tulle | Length: Floor-length
The black wedding dress is having a moment, but if you’re not ready to go all-in with the trend, this dress is a beautiful alternative. It mixes white and black lace together for a look that’s ultra-impactful.
Best Beading: Lee Petra Grebenau Kelly Dress
Courtesy of Lee Petra Grebenau
Runs: True to Size | Size: Made to order | Materials: Chiffon | Length: Floor-length
If you are looking to champion the 2022 Pinterest-approved Pearlcore trend, this delicate off-the-shoulder dress is a living embodiment. Detailed with all-over pearl inlay embellishments, this is a design that dazzles.
Best Off-The Shoulder: Rita Vinieris for Rivini Isla Dress
Courtesy of Rita Vinieris for Rivini
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-22 | Materials: Silk Magnolia | Length: Floor-length
The draped portrait collar on this striking silk magnolia gown is everything. The backline is equally jaw-dropping, featuring a plunging sheer open back and a magnificent, pleated train.
Most Curve-Enhancing: Allure Bridals Style MJ558
Courtesy of Allure Bridals
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-30 | Materials: Mikado | Length: Floor-length
Make a showstopping appearance on the aisle with this dress from Allure Bridals. It boasts a beautiful statuesque silhouette, created with a shapely fitted bodice, and is paired with an exquisite petal-inspired overlap train.
Best Sweetheart Neckline: Essence of Australia Style D3371
Courtesy of Essence of Australia
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-30 | Materials: Lace, tulle, and organza | Length: Floor-length
The sweetheart neckline is loved not only for its romantic-inspired shape, but for its flattering effect on fuller bustlines. When incorporated with lace and tulle, like on this gown by Essence of Australia, the effect is ultra-chic.
Best Modern Lace: Anne Barge Noelle Dress
Courtesy of Anne Barge
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-22 | Materials: Chantilly lace | Length: Floor-length
The oversize floral Chantilly lace of this gown makes it an ideal choice if you want a traditional bridal fabric, with an of-the-moment twist. The alluring notched deep V-neckline is another modern detail of this gown to love.
Prettiest Pastel: Ines Di Santo Camelia Dress
Courtesy of Ines Di Santo
Runs: True to Size | Size: Contact retailer | Materials: Contact retailer | Length: Floor-length
Make this gown your something blue. This dress gets its drama not only from the grand silhouette, but from the incredible oversized rosette detail at the waistline.
Most Daring: Galia Lahav Couture Edna Dress
Courtesy of Galia Lahav
Runs: True to Size | Size: Contact retailer | Materials: Contact retailer | Length: Floor-length
This shimmery beaded lace gown features an elongated waist corset, creating a super-sleek appearance. Mod design details like side panel cutouts and a chapel train make this mermaid dress feel super fresh.
Best Long Sleeves: Stella York Style 7491
Courtesy of Stella York
Runs: True to Size | Size: 2-34 | Materials: Lace, tulle, organza | Length: Floor-length
Bracelet length illusion tulle and lace sleeves give this dramatic skirted gown an elegant flair. We also love how it sparkles and shimmers, thanks to micro-sequins sewn throughout the graphic floral lace pattern.
Best Modified Mermaid: Mikaella by Paloma Blanca Style 2350
Courtesy of Mikaella by Paloma Blanca
Runs: True to Size | Size: 4-22 | Materials: Crepe | Length: Floor-length
If you don’t want the mega-drama of a true mermaid silhouette, a fit and flare dress is the perfect option because it gives the shape, but less volume. This minimalist crepe gown with cap sleeves is perfection.
Prettiest Texture Play: Tara Keely Milan Dress
Courtesy of JLM Couture
Runs: True to Size | Size: 2-24 | Materials: Organza | Length: Floor-length
This organza gown combines multi-textures to create an unforgettable design. A strapless, draped bodice teams up with a layered skirt made from a tumbling tier of rosettes.
FAQ
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Absolutely! It’s all about that waist break. Always remember that in order to give the illusion of elongation, the skirt needs to hit in just the right spot.
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Heels aren’t necessary, but a little heel height will help flatter the long and lean silhouette of a mermaid gown. When shopping for your final accessories, you can always ask your bridal style pro to advise on the best shoe for your specific dress.
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Mermaid wedding dresses can be a bit cumbersome due to all the fabric and volume at the bottom of the gown. However, if you want a style that’s less bulky, find a dress made from chiffon and lace.
About the Author
Alison McGill is an award-winning editor, writer, creative producer, media personality, and brand strategist. She was the Editor-in-Chief of Weddingbells for two decades, a role which also included being the Editorial Director of Weddingbells’ sister publication Mariage Quebec. Her work has appeared in The Kit, Fashion, Hello! Canada, The Toronto Star, and more.
