Trumpet vs. Mermaid Wedding Dresses – What’s the Difference?

Dresses with a fitted top and flared skirts have been trending for over two decades, and we’re not surprised – they look amazing on a wide range of body types! They’re a high-fashion staple in the bridal industry and requested by many brides-to-be. From mermaid wedding dresses to fit-and-flare gowns to trumpet styles, there’s a flared wedding dress in every cut, fabric, and style you can imagine.

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Trumpet vs. Mermaid: What’s the Difference?

It’s all in the flared skirt! Trumpet wedding dresses flare at the thigh to elongate the legs. Mermaid wedding dresses flare at or below the knee, making for an even more dramatic silhouette and highlighting the torso with a long bodice.

What is a Fit-and-Flare Wedding Dress?

The term “fit-and-flare” encompasses a wide variety of gowns with a fitted bodice and flared skirt. Fit-and-flare wedding gowns have the least dramatic flare of any flared dress style. Following your natural curves, the flare begins just below the hip and gradually widens into a full, flowy skirt.

For a bold luxurious look, we love Essence of Austrailia Style D3263. A formal, sophisticated take on sexy style, Style D3263 from Essense of Australia is truly stunning. A completely matte yet textured style, this gown evolves the fit-and-flare silhouette into the future of fashion. Special stitching really highlights the overall patterns, while contour seaming and thoughtfully placed laces structure and flatter the shape–maintaining the formality and chic simplicity of the style. The laces then pop over the deeply angled side cutouts to enhance your hourglass shape. The low open back pulls the look together with a thin multi-strap feature, sheer paneling and a layered train with scalloped edging and artful lace finishes.

Style D3263 from Essense of Australia

Calla Blanche Style Lilia

This gorgeous sparkly fit and flare gown features 3D Ivory lace, a romantic sweetheart neckline, removable off-the-shoulder floral staps, exposed boning, and a dramatic cascading train. Our sample in store is in all ivory.

Style Calla Blanche Lilia

Allure Style 9751

A Symmetrical lace appliques and beadwork adorn the clean lines of this form fitting, off-the-shoulder gown.

Style Allure Style 9751

Stella York Style 7118

Hot off the runway and ready for the aisle, this wedding gown from Stella York is the best of both worlds. A sexy plunging V-neckline and open V-back with thin, beaded straps echo classic beauty—while gorgeous graphic lace appliques shower over the clean silhouette of soft crepe for texture and dimension. Deep sheer side panels with lace underlay draw closely into the waistline, and extend into a sheer lace back detail. Reaching over the waistline just slightly for a cleaner look in front, the laces continue over the hips and down the sides of the skirt creating godet-style panels The combination of crepe and lace is simply exquisite throughout this fit-and-flare silhouette, as the laces finish the look in the form of scalloped edging along the train. Classic fabric-covered buttons cascade from the base of the back throughout the hemline for a touch of traditional inspiration and chich, modern style.

Style Stella York Style 7118

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What is a Mermaid Wedding Dress?

Mermaid is just another silhouette that features a flared skirt. Flaring out at or below the knees, this style has a prominent, full skirt. In search of an ultra-modern gown for your wedding day? We recommend Essense of Australia Style D3066, this gown from Essense of Australia was made to help show off your natural shine on your big day. A sultry silhouette smooths over the curves gracefully with a plunging V-neckline and whisper-thin straps, bedecked in gorgeous beading for a dazzling effect. The deep side cutouts mirror the neckline and open V-back, while a combination of glitter tulle and honeycomb tulle creates a mix of textural shine throughout the lacy silhouette. Organically placed laces along the hem create a uniquely scalloped train for the grand finale.

Style Essense of Australia Style D3066

Pronovias Style Monroe

This divine crepe and lace gown features a spectacular royal train, plunge back, sweetheart neckline and corset-style bodice made of handmade lace.