Complete Guide to Long-Sleeve Mermaid Wedding Dresses

Your perfect wedding dress is out there. Even if it takes you a while to find it, your effort is going to pay off when you walk down the aisle. You can find a dress that fits you like a dream, accentuating your figure and drawing attention to your best features.

If you have a classic hourglass silhouette, you might want to consider wearing a mermaid dress on your big day. Mermaid wedding dresses are also a good fit for slender women who want to appear curvier, especially in the hip area.

A long-sleeve mermaid dress will make you feel regal and composed throughout the ceremony. But let’s look at everything you need to know about this dress before you make your purchase.

Mermaid Dress – the Basics

This dress design is extremely form-fitting and puts the emphasis on your waist and hips. It flatters the chest area, and it’s a great choice for brides who have a flat derriere. Mermaid dresses tend to have a deep cleavage with elaborate decorations.

For example, take this off-shoulder wedding gown from DHgate.

The delicate lace makes the bride’s bust stand out, and the bodice lends her body a classic hourglass look. This design displays the back and shoulders to great effect.

But form-fitting dresses are a dime a dozen, what makes mermaid dresses so special?

This dress remains narrow, following the line of your body to the calf or the mid-thigh. But near the bottom, this dress spreads out in a flare. You usually get a long train to go with it, which evokes the image of foam spreading around your feet. Some call it a fishtail dress or a trumpet-style dress because of the bottom of the skirt.

Mermaid Wedding Dress Features

What are the most distinctive features on a mermaid wedding dress?

• The Bodice

The most important part of this dress is the fitted bodice. It usually comes with delicate embroidery, and crystals are a possibility as well. This design from annapromdress showcases appliqué, embroidery, and beading.

• The “Fish Tail” Hem

To get the most romantic effect possible, it’s best to choose a dress with a fluted hem. The length is up to you, but we recommend one that trails after you on the floor. There’s something fairytale-like about a long train combined with the sexy curves you get from the bodice, as you can see on this beautiful wedding dress from DressAfford.

• A Variety of Necklines

Most mermaid wedding dresses have a deep V neckline that shows off your décolleté. In the case of sleeveless dresses, you can also find sweetheart necklines, which are a great choice for brides with a wider frame.

But you can occasionally come across gorgeous mermaid dresses that have a closed neckline. Here’s a fascinating example of a modest, restrained mermaid wedding dress, available at DHgate.

In this case, the bodice is covered by a layer of sheer lace. This creates a tantalizing contrast, but the overall effect remains chaste. The long, narrow sleeves and closed shoulders are an important part of the design.

Why Choose Long Sleeves?

Many mermaid dresses are strap and sleeveless. This is a striking look that will bring attention to your cleavage. However, the sleeveless version of this style of wedding dress is somewhat informal. It’s a good option for a summer wedding, and we also recommend it for glitzy receptions.

But what if you’re aiming for a refined, feminine, and formal look? Long sleeves would be the better choice. All of our examples are long-sleeved dresses, and they feature lace or beading that balanced out the bodice.

If you have the funds for it, you can also opt for more glamorous sleeve decorations. This Kleinfeld dress is covered in extravagant 3D floral decorations along the hemline, the neckline, and down the sleeves.

What Are the Pros and Cons of This Design?

The appeals of a long-sleeve mermaid wedding dress are obvious. No other design can give you this kind of refinement. And while it’s elegant, this is also great for brides who want to look sexy on their big day. Between the narrow skirt and skin-tight sleeves, this dress gives you a sleek, confident edge.

So what’s the downside of this?

Unfortunately, it’s not particularly easy to move in a fishtail dress. Once the initial excitement wears off, you might find close fit constraining and annoying. Brides who plan to dance the night away might want a wedding gown with a looser skirt. Additionally, the long train may be beautiful but it’s unpractical in certain locations.

In short, we definitely don’t recommend a mermaid gown for a casual outdoor affair. But if you want something that can fit the swankiest ballroom, this is the best dress for you.

Departing from White

Why not experiment with the color of your dress? If your heart isn’t set on white, there is a whole new world for you to explore.

You can opt for a pastel mermaid dress. While still undeniably attention-grabbing, pastel lace mermaid dresses have a girlish and delicate vibe, as seen in this dress from DHgate.

On the other hand, you can make use of the fact that the mermaid silhouette is a popular option for evening gowns. If you’re willing to consider a deep, rich jewel tone, you will have a wider variety of dresses at your disposal, and the price range will be lower too.

For example, this burgundy gown by Alamour is an excellent choice for winter or autumn weddings. The lace details give it a unique grandeur, and the color adds a dash of daring.

What About the Veil?

Here’s a piece of good news for the bride who prizes her comfort. You can choose any shoes to go with a mermaid wedding dress. Choose a pair that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

This isn’t a dress style that leaves a lot of space for accessories. With the long sleeves, there’s no need for jewelry and you won’t need to add a sash either.

However, you can wear a long-sleeved mermaid dress with a veil. Most types of veil can be appropriate here, but it’s better to avoid the elbow length. A cathedral-length veil with a train is especially fitting.

A Final Word

These gowns aren’t for every bride. But if you know a mermaid dress will fit you well, don’t hesitate. Explore different styles and colors until you find something that stands out. You can find breathtaking designs in every price range, as long as you’re ready to do some digging.