Mermaid-Inspired Wedding Ideas for the Whimsical Bride

By Emily Platt
May 11, 2017
Elyse Hall Photography

Cool, stylish ways to fulfill your fantasy.

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Jon Cu
See More Mermaid Wedding Dresses

There's been a noticeable spike in interest in all-things fantastical, and among them, mermaid-inspired everything. From coffee drinks and breakfast toast to blue and glittery beauty looks, the whimsy of oceanic folklore has a lot of people (sea)starry-eyed. For wannabe-merpeople and water lovers alike, you may be cautious about extending the trend to your wedding. But fear not deep-blue fans, the fad doesn't have to be cheesy. Capture your passion in wedding-appropriate ways with these genius, playful, and downright-stylish ideas.

When you break down the craze, it's surprisingly nuptial-ready—beach and nautical are ever-popular wedding themes. Choose bits and pieces of the viral sensation to keep your wedding feeling timeless. Dreamy pinks and greens make beautiful colorscapes, and scale-like shimmer works wonderfully as an accent on everything from invitations to cakes. So start with the details you'll appreciate most and the rest is sure to go swimmingly. The wedding world is your oyster, and we've gone fishing for the pearls. Ahead, a sampling of mermaid-worthy ideas to help you bring your fantasy to fruition.

Mermaid Wedding Dress

Slip into the popular silhouette for your very own (land-proof) mermaid tail. We love the shape of this Lovella Bridal gown and the mermaid portrait it was hung against.  

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Mermaid-Inspired Wedding Cake

Alba Rose Photography
Get Beach Wedding Cake Inspiration

Get yourself a unique wedding cake with enchanting-but-inconspicuous accents. The colors in this The Butterfly Cake Factory confection made it beautifully (but not overwhelmingly) thematic. 

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Opal Wedding Ring

Ivy & Stone Photography
See More White Opal Options For Your Wedding

Opal is formed with the help of water and boasts a rainbow-like play-of-color. This Trumpet & Horn stone's whimsical appearance has a decidedly mermaid vibe.

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Sequined Wedding Dress

Twah Dougherty
Get the Best Wedding Dress Ideas

Shine in your own set of "scales" with a sequin-adorned ensemble. This bride's custom outfit looked breathtaking beside her equally-charming bridesmaids' dresses. 

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Iridescent Treats

Ether and Smith
Learn How French Macarons Became a Wedding Must-Have

Deck your day out in under-the-sea shimmer. These blue Bottega Louie macarons were dusted in glittery gold.

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Shell Ring Box

Elyse Hall Photography
Buy Your Own Seashell Ring Box (And Browse Other Ring Box Options)

What's more thematic than swapping a ring box for a seashell? Bonus points if you turn yours into re-usable storage (get it cleaned and add some man-made hinges). 

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Oceanic Favors

Eliza Claire
See More Great Wedding Favors

Shell-like meringues are absolutely captivating and make gorgeous jarred wedding favors. Illy Elizabeth Weddings styled these Jemima Cakes desserts.

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Seafood Appetizers

A Bryan Photo
Get the Best Wedding Food and Drink Ideas

Feed your guests staples from the sea for a classy mermaid touch. This raw oyster bar station certainly fit the bill. 

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Shell Boutonnières

Sara & Rocky Photography
See More Instagram-Worthy Boutonnieres

Not sold on flowers? Try seashells instead. These one-of-a-kind boutonnières are sure to make a splash. 

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Mermaid-Inspired Guest Attire

Tory Williams
Be a Best-Dressed Summer Wedding Guest

We're obsessed with this stylish guest's gown, which totally resembles the inside of an abalone shell. Dress your wedding party similarly (we're thinking your mom, your mother-in-law, or your bridesmaids) for a chic dose of ocean-inspired whimsy.

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Beach Wedding Portraits

Wendy Laurel Photography
Get Unique Couple Portrait Inspiration

Channel your inner sea goddess with a beachy photo shoot. The waves and the sand make beautiful backdrops—just ask Wendy Laurel Photography!

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Mermaid Stationery

Echard Wheeler Photography
See More Nautical Wedding Stationery

Nautical weddings call for on-theme stationery. The design on these quirky welcome cards by Austin DeBoer also graced the cups at this couple's welcome cookout. It depicts the newlyweds as—you guessed it—merpeople, but you can experiment with other artwork to match the formalness of your wedding.  

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Coral Centerpieces

KT Merry
Get More Beautiful Beach Wedding Ideas

Dreamy coral pieces made excellent additions to this oceanside reception tablescape. Also featured were florals like peonies and hydrangeas, seamlessly blending land and sea. 

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Mermaid-Inspired Crown

Kate Holstein Photographs
Find Gifts Your Flower Girl Will Love

Crown your flower girl in a mermaid-worthy headpiece, like this one from Elemental Child. The look is magical and she'll feel like an undersea princess. 

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