Lyla Dejesus
Fishtail wedding dresses, also known as mermaid wedding dresses, are a popular choice for brides who want to make a statement on their big day. The style is known for its fitted bodice and dramatic flare from the knee, resembling a fish's tail. This article will explore the benefits of choosing a fishtail wedding dress, offer tips on how to style your look, and provide a step-by-step guide to making your own fishtail wedding dress, including how to alter a dress to achieve the desired shape.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Style | Feminine, glamorous, figure-hugging, tight-fitting upper part, flared skirt, seductive |
| Fabric | Guipure, lace, organza, mesh, tapestry, crepe |
| Details | Corset, voluminous jewellery, long veil, train, deep neckline, thin straps, sleeves, belt, buttons |
| Hair and Makeup | Hair tied up, natural makeup with focus on eyes or lips, flowers for decoration |
| Shoes | Open sandals (summer), closed shoes (winter) |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the fabric: lace, organza, mesh, crepe, etc
Fabric is a key consideration when making a fishtail wedding dress, as it is central to the overall look and feel of the dress. Fishtail wedding dresses, also known as mermaid wedding dresses, are known for their distinctive silhouette, with a tight fit to the knees and a skirt that expands downwards, resembling a mermaid tail. This style of dress is highly feminine and glamorous, evoking an old-school Hollywood glamour look or a modern red-carpet vibe.
Lace is a popular fabric choice for fishtail wedding dresses, offering a feminine touch with its intricate designs. It can be used as an overlay on another fabric or as the main fabric. Lace comes in a variety of styles, including French Chantilly lace, Italian Embroidered Tulle, and Far Eastern Guipure or Raschel lace. It can also be found in various themes such as bohemian, floral, geometric, traditional, and modern, and diverse tones like ivory, purple, silver, and gold. Embellishments like beads, glitter, and sequins can further enhance the look of lace.
Organza is another trendy fabric option for fishtail wedding dresses. It is a fine, lightweight, sheer fabric with a crisp handle, well-suited for creating structure and volume in a dress. Organza is often used for voluminous sleeves, blouses, and full dresses. It can be tailored into custom designs due to its stiffness and can also drape beautifully in large quantities. Organza is available in various colours, including ivory, black, pink, blue, red, and green.
Crepe is a versatile and elegant fabric choice for modern brides. It is known for its stretch, comfort, and soft, fluid drape, creating a graceful silhouette that celebrates the body. Crepe fabric is sourced carefully and is used to design minimalistic gowns with clean lines that accentuate the body's natural curves.
Mesh fabric is also used in fishtail wedding dresses, often paired with other fabrics like silk. It adds a unique, high-fashion element to the dress, and can be found in various styles, including geometric patterns and sequined designs.
Ultimately, the choice of fabric for a fishtail wedding dress depends on the desired look and feel of the dress, as well as the level of comfort and structure required. Combining different materials, such as using one fabric for the upper part and another for the skirt, is also a popular option.
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Sewing the dress: one-piece or cutting style
Sewing a fishtail wedding dress requires careful planning and execution to achieve the signature mermaid silhouette. This silhouette is achieved by a tight-fitting upper part that extends to the knees, followed by a skirt that expands dramatically downwards, resembling a fish's tail. Here is some information on the one-piece and cutting styles:
One-Piece Style
The one-piece style is the first and main version of the fishtail dress. It is constructed using one-piece wedges, with the number and width of these wedges influencing the overall shape and width of the tail. This style typically features an open back, showcasing the back of the skirt. The one-piece construction creates a seamless and continuous flow from the fitted upper part to the flared skirt.
Cutting Style
The cutting style, on the other hand, involves two distinct parts: the top and the bottom. The top is form-fitting, often designed like a case, while the bottom is a separate, sewn-on voluminous flounced skirt. This style allows for more variation in the design and can include features like an open back, deep neckline, thin straps, or sleeves. The cutting style provides more flexibility in terms of combining different materials for the upper and lower parts of the dress.
Fabric and Sewing Considerations
When sewing a fishtail wedding dress, the choice of fabric is crucial. Fabrics such as guipure, lace, organza, mesh, tapestry, crepe, and others are commonly used. Combining different materials for the upper and lower parts of the dress is also a popular choice. The fabric for the top should be stretchy and form-fitting to accentuate the body's shape. Additionally, consider the level of difficulty in sewing and altering fishtail dresses. Alterations to the length or shape of the dress can be complex due to the need to preserve the distinctive fishtail silhouette.
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Embellishments: beading, belts, buttons, etc
Embellishments can add a unique touch to your fishtail wedding dress, making it stand out and reflect your personality. Here are some ideas for embellishments to consider:
Beading
Beading can add a touch of elegance and sparkle to your fishtail wedding dress. You can use beads of various sizes and colours to create depth and movement, or sew them along the seams to accentuate the dress's structure. Beads can also be used to draw attention to specific parts of the dress, such as the neckline or waist, enhancing the overall look.
Belts
A beaded belt or sash can be a beautiful addition to your fishtail wedding dress. It can help define your waist and add a touch of sparkle or detail to the gown. Sashes can be tied, buttoned, or hooked into place and are often removable, allowing you to customise your look.
Buttons
Buttons are a timeless and popular embellishment. They can be functional, used to fasten the back of the gown or the cuffs of sleeves, or purely decorative, such as down the back of a dress with a train. You can also add buttons to the sleeves for a customised detail. Fancy buttons, such as ornate vintage or pearl designs, can truly elevate your bridal look.
Embroidery
Embroidery is a decorative technique that can be done by hand or machine. It can be used to add intricate details, such as floral lace appliqués, or to incorporate personal elements, like family heirlooms or symbols that represent your relationship.
Sequins, Crystals, and Pearls
These embellishments can add a hint of shimmer or a luxurious sparkle to your fishtail wedding dress. They can be used sparingly for a subtle effect or more generously for a bolder statement. Combining pearls, crystals, and feathers can also create an unexpected, personalised touch.
Remember, when adding embellishments, it's important to consider the structure and fabric of your dress to ensure a harmonious balance. You don't want to overwhelm the gown with too many details, but rather enhance its beauty and make it your own.
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Hair and makeup: up-do hairstyles and natural makeup
For hair and makeup, an up-do hairstyle is a popular choice for brides, especially those with long hair. Updos are elegant, timeless, and convenient, keeping hair off the neck and shoulders, which can help prevent frizziness. There are endless options for up-dos, from low buns to high buns, slicked-back buns, and ponytails, which can be tailored to the style and cut of the dress and the bride's hair texture. Braids can also be incorporated into a low bun for a refined look, or a high bun can showcase the natural texture of the hair.
For makeup, a natural look is a popular choice for brides, focusing on a radiant and flawless complexion using minimal products. This can be achieved through a good skincare routine, a glowy moisturizer, and a full-coverage base with a lightweight formula. To enhance features, a bold brow, dewy base, rosy cheeks, soft pink lipstick, and light mascara can be used. For a pop of colour, a bold lip in red, purple, or pink can be added, while still keeping the overall look natural. Monochromatic makeup, where eyes, lips, and cheeks are matched, is another way to achieve a natural yet cool bridal look.
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Accessories: veils, shoes, and bouquets
The fishtail wedding dress is a glamorous and feminine choice that will ensure you are the centre of attention. To complete the look, here are some accessory options to consider:
Veils
A veil of any style suits a fishtail dress, so you can experiment with different lengths and designs. For a classic look, a long veil complements the dress's dramatic silhouette, but you can also try a shorter veil for a more modern feel.
Shoes
The type of shoe you choose will depend on the season. For a summer wedding, open sandals are a good option, while closed shoes are more suitable for winter.
Bouquets
When it comes to the bouquet, opt for a cascading arrangement of flowing flowers. This style will enhance the elegance of the fishtail dress and create a romantic, ethereal effect.
Jewellery
Fishtail wedding dresses look beautiful with voluminous jewellery, such as a statement necklace or earrings that emphasise the neckline. You can also choose bracelets and rings that complement your chosen jewellery style.
Hair and Makeup
An updo hairstyle pairs well with the fishtail dress, showcasing the intricate details of the dress's bodice and skirt. For makeup, a natural look is best, with a focus on either the eyes or lips to accentuate your features.
Additional Accessories
Depending on the season and your personal style, you may want to incorporate additional accessories. For a winter wedding, a warm coat or cape will provide both elegance and functionality. You can also consider decorative belts, which help emphasise the waist and hips, especially if they are adorned with beads, pearls, or crystals.
The versatility of the fishtail wedding dress allows you to customise your look with various accessories, ensuring you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
A fishtail wedding dress, also known as a mermaid wedding dress, is a style of dress that features a fitted bodice that has a dropped waist to the knee. At the knee, the dress flares out with volume all the way through to the hem, resembling a fish's tail.
When designing a fishtail wedding dress, consider the following:
- The number of wedges will affect the shape and width of the tail.
- The top of the dress can be in the form of a case, while the lower part can be a sewn voluminous flounced skirt.
- Combine different materials for the upper and lower parts of the dress.
- Use fabrics such as guipure, lace, organza, mesh, tapestry, or crepe.
- Decorate the bodice with pearls.
To style a fishtail wedding dress, consider the following:
- Wear your hair in an updo to show off the dress's details.
- Experiment with different veil styles to find one that complements the dress.
- Keep your makeup natural, focusing on either the eyes or lips.
- Choose flowing flowers arranged in a cascade for your bouquet.
- Wear open sandals in the summer or closed shoes in the winter.
Shortening a fishtail wedding dress can be a complex process, and it is recommended to seek professional help. Some possible alterations include shortening the straps, bodice, or skirt, and removing and reinserting the zipper.
