Will A Mermaid Style Dress Suit My Body Type? – Ask The Wedding Expert

Question from Taylor:

Hi, I was looking for some advice on a wedding dress. I was looking into more of a trumpet/mermaid type dress, since I like the shape it gives, but the only problem I have is i dont know if one of those types will compliment my body. I am 5′2 and 125 pounds. I have more of an hourglass shape but the problem is my breasts. They are very large (DD) and I was wondering If i’d be able to pull off a trumpet shape. I already know I don’t want to go strapless, but what kind of straps would work best? Thanks for your time.

Answer from Wedding Expert Angela:

Hi Taylor, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding.  It sounds like a trumpet style dress would look good on  your body type, but there is only one way to know for sure—-try it on.  Trumpet style dresses come with a variety of bodices that include a halter style, square neckline with cap sleeves, and v-neckline with halter or standard bodice.  Some have lace jackets with long sleeves which the bride will wear at the church, and then remove at the reception.

In fact, there is every kind of bodice you can think of.  For example, a strapless square bodice like the Allure Bridals 8301 actually makes a full bust look smaller because of the style of the bodice.  Good support is necessary and you could go strapless if you wanted to.  Many wedding dresses have built in support, while with other styles, good support can be supplied by appropriate undergarments.   Allure Bridals M402 wedding dress is a mermaid style with capped sleeves and a square neckline and the Alfred Angelo 2021 has a nice secure halter bodice.  You can find all these wedding dresses by following this link and clicking through any of the dresses you see.  Then, just type in the styles I’ve mentioned in the search box once you are there.

Being 5′ 2″, you want to ensure that your dress style does not make you look short and squat.  Avoid anything too heavy or busy on the bottom part of the dress.  The overall look should flow from top to bottom giving you a long silhouette.  You might consider an A-line style or Empire style with a fitted bodice with dropped waist (to the thighs).  Not a true mermaid style, but allows you to show off your shape and still get the length.  Allure Bridals 8612 or the Alfred Angelo 1145 with a basque waist gives you shape flattering contours and the length you need from A-line skirt.  Remember, not all A-line skirts are that ‘big and flowy’—you might prefer an a-line skirt with a slender silhouette.

The Alfred Angleo 1151 is a dropped waist with an A-line skirt allowing you to show off great curves, and keep the silhouette pretty simple.  I think for someone 5′ 2″ that skirt is a little too busy, and I would choose something simplier in style.  My sister-in-law is just over 5′ and wore a mermaid style dress at her wedding.  She looked stunning.  I think it will suit you, but try some on and see.  If you order on-line (less expensive than bridal salons) make sure you purchase a dress size based on your largest measurement.  Wedding dress sizing is weird (to say the least) so it is best to ignore it, and go by the measurements.  Parts can always be taken in—as long as it fits the largest part of you.

Have fun shopping, and feel free to email again!

Angela Fiebelkorn, wedding planner