Deborah Chan
The bottom half of a wedding dress is called a skirt. Wedding dress skirts come in a variety of different shapes and silhouettes. One such silhouette is the mermaid style, which is fitted throughout the bodice and hips and flares out dramatically at or below the knee, resembling a mermaid's tail. The mermaid style is known for its glamorous and sensual appeal, accentuating the bride's curves. Another style with a dramatic tail-like feature is the ball gown, which usually features a fitted bodice and a full skirt that is often poufy with several layers of fabric. Wedding dresses can also feature trains of varying lengths, which extend beyond the skirt or hemline.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Part of dress | Skirt |
| Position | Bottom half of the dress |
| Description | May have a slit at the legs for easier walking. Can be floor-length, cocktail length, intermission length, knee-length, or tea-length. |
| Fabric | May be comprised of several layers of different lengths, usually three, but can be more depending on style. |
| Style | Can be form-fitting or voluminous. Styles include A-line, ball gown, sheath, and mermaid. |
| Pleats | Multiple pleats are called 'accordion style' and two larger pleats are called 'box style' |
| Train | A train is a separate feature of the dress that extends beyond the skirt. Trains can be 'sweep', 'chapel', 'cathedral', 'royal', or 'Watteau' in length. |
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What You'll Learn
- Trains are a type of tail that can be attached to a wedding dress
- Trains have different styles, such as the Watteau, Sweep, Chapel, and Cathedral
- Trains have been consistently used in ceremonial dresses
- Trains are usually bustled or detached after the wedding ceremony
- The tail of a wedding dress is also called a skirt
Trains are a type of tail that can be attached to a wedding dress
Wedding dresses come in a variety of styles, fabrics, and lengths. The bottom half of a wedding dress is called the skirt, and it can be form-fitting or voluminous. The end of a wedding dress is called the hem, and sometimes, the hem extends into a train.
- Sweep Train: This type of train barely sweeps the floor and extends only a few inches beyond the skirt. It can be suitable for outdoor or beach weddings as it is less likely to drag.
- Chapel Train: A chapel train is slightly longer than a sweep train and is typically between 12 and 18 inches long from the hem. It adds a formal touch to the wedding gown.
- Cathedral Train: This is a formal and dramatic train that extends to over 20 inches along the floor. Cathedral trains often need to be bustled or detached after the wedding ceremony.
- Royal Train: A very traditional and dramatic style, with the train extending to six feet or more from the waist.
- Watteau Train: This type of train attaches to the dress at the shoulders or waist and flows separately from the hem. It can be seen in formal dress requirements at royal courts, even during periods when shorter skirts were in fashion.
The choice of train depends on the desired look and feel of the wedding dress, as well as the venue and personal preference of the bride. Trains have been a part of ceremonial dress for a long time and continue to be a popular feature of wedding gowns, especially for those seeking a formal or traditional look.
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Trains have different styles, such as the Watteau, Sweep, Chapel, and Cathedral
The bottom half of a wedding dress is called the skirt, and the end of the dress is called the hem. Sometimes, the hem extends into a train. Wedding dresses with trains are available in various styles, such as the Watteau, Sweep, Chapel, and Cathedral.
A sweep train wedding dress is a romantic midpoint between floor-length and chapel-length trains, perfect for brides who want a dramatic, romantic look. Sweep trains lightly brush the ground, giving the feel of a train without the bulk of extra fabric. This style works well with modern A-line cuts, waist-defining bodices, and understated sheath cuts. Sweep trains are also a good option if you don't want to deal with bustling your gown, and they pair nicely with heavier satin fabrics. For a light and romantic look, consider chiffon and tulle designs. Sweep trains are also a good option for spring and summer weddings, as they provide the feel of a longer train without the hassle of keeping it clean.
Chapel trains are another option for wedding dresses. They are known for their elegance and ability to strike a balance between modern style and classic charm. A chapel train adds a touch of glamour and sophistication to your wedding look.
Cathedral trains are the longest, most luxurious, and dramatic option for a wedding dress train. They are designed to impress and are perfect for brides who want to make a statement and attract attention. This type of train is best suited for tall, slim brides as it can easily overwhelm a petite frame. Cathedral trains are also not known for being comfortable to walk in, so they may not be the best choice for brides who value comfort and ease of movement on their wedding day.
Although less information is available on the Watteau train, it is a style offered by some wedding dress designers.
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Trains have been consistently used in ceremonial dresses
The use of trains in wedding dresses became popular in the Middle Ages when royalty would showcase their wealth through the dramatic effect of the train. Over time, this trend trickled down to non-royal brides, and it remains a popular choice for modern brides who want to make a statement.
The length of a train can vary from a few inches to several feet, and it can be made from the same fabric as the dress or a different, complementary fabric. Some popular train styles include the cathedral train, the royal train, the chapel train, and the sweep train. The choice of train style and length depends on factors such as the bride's height, the venue, and the level of formality.
Trains add weight to a dress, which can be a consideration for brides who want to be comfortable and dance the night away. Additionally, the extra fabric can be more expensive and more susceptible to damage or dirt. Despite these potential drawbacks, trains remain a timeless favourite for many brides due to their eye-catching and glamorous appeal.
For brides who want the option of two looks, detachable trains are a popular choice, providing a bold, dramatic style for the ceremony and a more comfortable, train-free style for the reception.
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Trains are usually bustled or detached after the wedding ceremony
The train of a wedding dress is a part of the dress that extends from the back, creating a dramatic effect as the bride walks down the aisle. It is often associated with traditional and formal wedding dresses, but modern bridal fashion offers a range of options without trains as well.
Trains can be detachable or bustled, and this is usually done after the wedding ceremony. A detachable train can be easily removed after the ceremony, providing flexibility for the bride to wear a train during the ceremony and remove it for the reception. This is a good option for brides who want the dramatic look of a train without the hassle of managing it during the reception.
Bustling, on the other hand, is an alteration that allows the train to be lifted or secured to the back of the dress, making it easier to move around and dance during the reception. There are different bustling methods, such as using hooks, buttons, or ribbons, and it is important to consult a professional seamstress to determine the best method for a specific dress.
Adding a train or bustling a dress can be expensive, especially for dresses with intricate designs or long trains. The longer the train, the heavier it will be, and this can make it difficult to move around during the wedding. Therefore, it is common to bustle or detach the train after the ceremony to provide more comfort and ease of movement for the bride during the reception.
In summary, trains on wedding dresses are often bustled or detached after the wedding ceremony to enhance the bride's comfort and mobility during the reception. It is a practical decision that allows the bride to enjoy her special day without the weight and hassle of a long train.
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The tail of a wedding dress is also called a skirt
The bottom half of a wedding dress is called a skirt. Wedding dress skirts come in a variety of shapes and silhouettes. Some are more form-fitting, like sheath and mermaid gowns, while others are more voluminous, like A-line and ball gowns.
Mermaid skirts are fitted throughout the bodice and hips and then flare out dramatically at or below the knee, resembling a mermaid's tail. This silhouette is glamorous and sensual, accentuating the bride's curves. Trumpet skirts are similar to mermaid skirts, with a fitted bodice and body, but they flare out at the bottom like a trumpet. A-line skirts, also known as princess-line skirts, resemble the letter "A". They follow the body closely in the bodice and then flow outwards from the waist without looking too bulky.
Ball gown skirts usually feature a full skirt with several layers of fabric, creating a dramatic, fairy tale princess look. Sheath skirts are form-fitting and follow the body's natural shape without being uncomfortable.
Skirts can also vary in length. Some common lengths include floor-length, cocktail length (which falls anywhere between the knees and ankles), and tea length (which ends at the knees).
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Frequently asked questions
The tail of a wedding dress is called a train.
A train is a feature of a dress that extends beyond the hem, often attached at the waist or the shoulders.
The length of a train varies. A sweep train barely touches the floor and extends a few inches beyond the skirt. A chapel train is typically between 12 and 18 inches long, while a cathedral train is a formal style that extends over 20 inches. A royal train is the longest and most dramatic, extending 6 feet or more from the waist.
Other styles of wedding dress include ball gowns, A-line dresses, sheath dresses, and mermaid dresses.
