Ball Gown vs Mermaid Wedding Dress
The ball gown and mermaid represent opposite ends of the bridal silhouette spectrum — maximum volume vs. maximum body-consciousness. Both make breathtaking statements, but in very different ways.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Ball Gown | Mermaid |
|---|
| Silhouette | Fitted bodice with a full, voluminous skirt from the waist down. | Figure-hugging throughout — flares at the knee or below. |
| Best Body Types | Creates an hourglass shape on any figure. Hides lower body concerns. | Celebrates natural curves — best on hourglass and athletic builds. |
| Venue | Grand ballrooms, cathedrals, and formal venue settings. | Glamorous hotels, rooftop venues, and formal settings. |
| Comfort | Surprisingly comfortable — the full skirt allows leg movement. | More restrictive — walking, sitting, and dancing require practice. |
| Impact | Fairy-tale princess presence that fills a room. | Confident, fashion-forward glamour that turns heads. |
| Train | Often features dramatic cathedral trains. | Sweep or chapel trains for a streamlined effect. |
Our Verdict
Choose a ball gown for fairy-tale grandeur and universal flattering. Choose a mermaid to celebrate your curves with confident, show-stopping glamour.
See all Ball Gown dresses · See all Mermaid dresses
Before you order: timing, delivery, payment and returns
What to know before you order a gown that is made for you.
- How long it takes
- Production takes 8–12 weeks for most gowns and 10–14 or 12–16 weeks for some; each gown's page shows its time. Delivery then takes 1–2 weeks. Order 4–6 months before your wedding. Need it sooner? On request, express production is possible from about 30 days from order to your door, worldwide, depending on the design and date: tell us your gown and your wedding date before you order, and a consultant will confirm whether express is possible for that design and date, and what it involves.
- Delivery
- Worldwide by DHL Express or UPS Priority. Delivery is free on Premium Collection gowns, US$79 on Prestige and US$99 on Value gowns. For EU delivery addresses, 21% VAT is added at checkout. Outside the EU, import duties or taxes in your country, if any, are paid by the customer and charged by the carrier on delivery. Delivery, Fit & Returns
- Payment
- Pay in full or in 3 interest-free monthly installments; with installments, your gown ships once the last one is paid. With Reserve & Measure Later you pay in full or the first installment today and send your measurements within 30 days, at the same price.
- Fit
- Made-to-measure gowns are cut from your 21 measurements, which our team reviews before production starts. They are delivered in those measurements within an allowance of up to 2.5 cm (1 in), as our Terms of Service (§5.1) state. A small local adjustment, such as a hem, may still be needed.
- Cancellation and returns
- You can cancel by email within 24 hours of ordering. Manufacturing defects reported within 15 days of receiving the gown are exchanged or refunded in full. Gowns made to your measurements or customised for you cannot be returned for a change of mind or a wrong size; standard-size gowns without customisation can be returned on request within 14 days, with a deduction. Value Collection gowns cannot be returned. Your statutory consumer rights are not affected. Terms of Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is heavier?
Ball gowns are typically heavier due to multiple layers of tulle or organza in the skirt. However, the weight is distributed around the waist, which many brides find comfortable.
Can I sit comfortably in a ball gown?
Yes! Ball gowns are actually easier to sit in than mermaids. The full skirt spreads naturally, while mermaids restrict hip and knee movement.
Which costs more?
Ball gowns usually cost more because the full skirt takes more fabric and layering. Every Devotion Dresses gown shows its own price on its product page, so you can compare ball gown and mermaid designs directly.
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