The Trail Of The Wedding Train: A Symbolic Journey

A wedding train is a long piece of fabric that extends from the back of a wedding dress, creating a trail behind the bride as they walk. Trains have traditionally been a part of ceremonial clothing in academic or court settings, and have now become a staple of wedding dress fashion, often associated with fairy tale weddings. Trains can be attached to the dress at the shoulders, creating a cape-like effect, or they can extend from the waist or the skirt of the dress. They can also be detachable, allowing for two different looks with one dress. The length of a train can vary from a few inches to several feet, with some royal trains even reaching 25 feet in length. The choice of train often depends on the venue and theme of the wedding, as well as the bride's personal style and comfort level.

History of wedding trains

The wedding dress train has been a part of wedding traditions since medieval times. Trains were used to impress wedding guests and to indicate the wealth of the bride's family—the longer the train, the wealthier the family was assumed to be. Trains were seen as an incredibly luxurious and elevated detail, only affordable to those in high society. The different styles of trains could also indicate how close the bride's family was to the royal family, as there were rules about which train styles non-royals were allowed to wear, depending on their rank in society.

In modern times, wedding dress trains are chosen for their decorative impact and to add a touch of elegance and style to the bridal look. Trains are no longer a symbol of wealth or status but are instead a way for a bride to express her personal style. They are considered one of the most iconic, defining elements of a bridal gown, adding drama and elegance to the overall look.

Today, there are many types of wedding dress trains available, from short trains that are only a few extra inches long to long trains that are over twenty feet in length. Trains can be a part of the skirt, a detachable piece, or an extension from the shoulders, and they are usually made from the same fabric as the rest of the bridal gown. They can be embellished with embroidery, beadwork, or sequins and come in a variety of fabrics such as tulle, satin, or lace.

While the functionality of trains has evolved over time, they continue to be a timeless favourite of many brides, adding a unique and memorable touch to their wedding day.

Wedding train lengths

Wedding trains can add elegance, style, and drama to your bridal look. They are the extra fabric that extends from the back of your gown, creating a cascading effect as you walk down the aisle. There are no rules for how long your dress train needs to be; it's up to you and your style preferences, the venue, and formality. Here is a breakdown of the different wedding train lengths, from shortest to longest:

Sweep Train

The sweep train is the shortest wedding train length, usually extending less than a foot beyond the hemline. It is a popular choice for lightweight slip dresses and brides seeking a minimal, practical, and versatile look. This train is ideal for outdoor weddings and brides who want to move around freely without the hassle of bustling.

Court Train

The court train is slightly longer than the sweep train, extending about one to two feet from the bottom of the gown. It is a good option for brides who want the look of a traditional wedding dress with a train without the bulk of extra fabric.

Chapel Train

The chapel train is one of the most popular lengths, extending about three to five feet from the waist. It adds a touch of drama while still being manageable and not too formal. This train is a great choice for semi-formal or formal dress codes and brides seeking a timeless, understated look.

Semi-Cathedral Train

The semi-cathedral train is slightly more formal than the chapel train, extending about four to five feet from the waist. It offers a dramatic effect without the weight and volume of a longer train.

Cathedral Train

The cathedral train is a very formal option, extending about six to eight feet from the waist. This train is perfect for black-tie weddings, grand church ceremonies, and extravagant venues. It is often associated with fairytale, Cinderella-inspired gowns. Due to its length, you may need assistance from your bridesmaids to carry the train as you walk.

Monarch Train (or Royal Train)

The monarch train, also known as the royal train, is the longest wedding train length, flowing ten feet or more from the waist. This regal train is named after the royal figures who have worn it, such as Princess Diana, whose train was 25 feet long.

Watteau Train

The Watteau train is unique as it attaches to the shoulders rather than the waist and can be any length. It creates a dramatic, regal, cape-like effect. It can be short and floor-length or extend to cathedral length, and it is a popular choice for detachable trains.

When choosing your wedding train length, consider factors such as comfort, functionality, the style of your dress, your body type, and the theme of your wedding. Longer trains may require a bustle to keep them off the ground during the reception, while detachable trains offer the versatility to switch between a dramatic and relaxed look throughout the day.

Bustles and other options

Once the ceremony is over, most brides have their trains pinned into a bustle so they can move and dance freely. However, if you don't like the look of a bustle, there are other options to consider, such as overskirts or wrist loops.

Bustles

A bustle is a method of fixing the back of the dress to prevent the bride from tripping over it during the reception. It allows for more movement and dancing without the fear of the dress being stepped on or damaged. There are several types of bustles:

• American Bustle (Over Bustle): The train is lifted and fixed to the waist of the dress to reduce its length and give it a full look. This is the most common type of bustle and is suitable for almost all styles of wedding gowns.
• French Bustle (Under Bustle): The train is brought up underneath the skirt and tied with ribbons or loops to hold the train in place. This type of bustle creates a formal, princess-like look without any visible tucks or ties from the outside. It is more expensive than the American Bustle but is very popular.
• Bowl Bustle: This bustle is suitable for trains that are a bit too long for dancing but short enough not to need a full-length bustle. The excess fabric is tucked inside itself at the bottom, creating a slight ballooning effect near the feet. It is moderately easy to apply and keeps the back of the dress looking the same as during the ceremony.

Other Options

• Wrist loops: The train is attached to the wrist, allowing the fabric to drape gracefully beside the bride. This option is suitable for fit-and-flare gowns with court or chapel-length trains. It provides ease of movement and can be used during the ceremony or cocktail hour, followed by bustling for dancing.
• Detachable trains: You can opt for a detachable train that can be removed during the reception, eliminating the need for bustling. Detachable trains can be attached at the shoulder or the back of the dress and offer the advantage of two looks in one dress.
• Overskirts: If you love the drama of a long train but don't want to deal with the fabric during the reception, consider adding a detachable overskirt with a longer train. This gives you two looks with one dress.
• Detachable capes: For a bold and edgy look, you can add a detachable cape to your wedding dress. These capes can be floor-length or cropped and are worn over the shoulders.

Choosing the right train for your venue

When it comes to choosing the right train for your wedding dress, the venue is a key factor to consider. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect train for your special day:

Outdoor or Beach Weddings

If you're planning an outdoor wedding in a grassy field or a beach wedding, a shorter train is generally more practical. A sweep train, which extends less than a foot beyond the hemline, is a popular choice for brides who want a touch of glamour without the hassle of managing a long train. It's also a good option for those who want to move around freely and avoid tripping. A court train, which is slightly longer at one to two feet, can be a great choice for traditional weddings as it adds elegance and formality without being too cumbersome.

Ballroom or Formal Venues

For a ballroom or a formal venue, a chapel train can be an excellent choice. With a length of three to four feet, it adds just the right amount of drama to your gown without being too fussy. If you're looking for a more dramatic and formal option, consider a cathedral train. This type of train is six to eight feet long and is perfect for black-tie weddings or grand venues. However, keep in mind that cathedral trains are usually heavier and require a more complicated bustle.

Grand Cathedral or Royal Venues

If you're getting married in a grand cathedral or a venue fit for royalty, you might want to consider an even longer train to match the grandeur of your surroundings. A royal or monarch train, with a length of up to 15 feet or more, will certainly make a memorable entrance and provide a focal point that shorter trains cannot achieve.

City Hall Weddings

For a classic city hall wedding, a chapel train or a detachable train can be a perfect choice. A chapel train provides just enough fabric to make a statement while still allowing for easy movement. On the other hand, a detachable train gives you the option of two different looks—a dramatic entrance with the train and then a more relaxed style for the reception.

Other Considerations

When choosing the right train, it's not just about the venue. You should also consider the style of your dress, your comfort and functionality, and the overall theme of your wedding. For example, a ball gown or an A-line dress can usually accommodate a longer train, while a sheath or mermaid dress may not be able to support the weight. Additionally, the fabric of your dress is important—lighter fabrics like chiffon or crepe may be better suited for smaller trains, while heavier fabrics are ideal for creating a dramatic effect.

Trains and body type

Wedding dress trains come in a variety of lengths and styles, and can be adapted to suit all body types.

The sweep train is the shortest option, typically extending less than a foot from the bottom hem of the gown. This style is a good choice for brides who want a simple, understated look, or for those who plan to be moving around a lot on their wedding day. It is well-suited to outdoor weddings, such as beach or backyard ceremonies.

The court train is the same length as the sweep train, but it extends from the waist rather than the hem of the dress, creating a more formal silhouette. This style works well with trumpet, mermaid, A-line, and column/sheath gowns.

The Watteau train is an unconventional choice, attaching to the shoulders or upper back of the dress and creating a whimsical, cape-like effect. It can be adjusted to any length and is often detachable, making it a good option for brides who want to change up their look for the reception.

The chapel train is one of the most popular lengths, extending 3 to 4 feet from the waist. This style is timeless and understated, adding a touch of drama without being too fussy. It is well-suited to semi-formal or formal dress codes and looks beautiful in a ballroom setting.

The semi-cathedral train is a happy medium between the chapel and cathedral trains, extending 4 to 5 feet from the waist. It offers a more dramatic effect than the chapel train without the maintenance of a longer train.

The cathedral train is a very formal option, extending 6 to 8 feet from the waist. This style is ideal for black-tie weddings, grand church ceremonies, and formal venues. Due to the length and volume of fabric, brides may need assistance from their bridesmaids to carry the train.

The monarch train is the longest and most regal option, extending 10 to 12 feet or more from the waist. As the name suggests, this style is fit for royalty and is typically reserved for extravagant weddings.

When choosing a train, it's important to consider the setting and formality of your wedding, as well as your own personal style and comfort. For outdoor or destination weddings, shorter train styles or detachable trains are often more practical. For formal indoor weddings, longer and more elaborate trains can make a grand statement. Ultimately, the decision is up to the bride and there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to train length and body type.

Frequently asked questions