While both mermaid and trumpet wedding dresses are designed to highlight your curves, the key difference lies in where the flare begins. In a mermaid dress, the flare typically starts at or below the knee, giving it a dramatic, fishtail effect—perfect for that splashy entrance! In a trumpet dress, the flare starts mid-thigh, offering a subtler transition from fitted to flared. It's like comparing a full ocean wave (mermaid) to a gentler ripple (trumpet). Each style has its own charm, so it's all about what vibe you're going for.