Franklin Dean
Wedding dresses come in a variety of styles, lengths, and silhouettes. The bottom half of a wedding dress is called a skirt, and it can be form-fitting or voluminous. The end of a wedding dress is called a hem, and it sometimes extends into a train or dress tail. A train is an extension of the skirt from the hem, waist, or shoulders, and it typically trails behind the wearer as they walk down the aisle. Trains can be detachable or sewn into the dress, and they range in length from several inches to up to 12 feet or more.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Wedding dress train |
| Definition | An extension of the skirt from the hem, waist, or shoulders |
| Purpose | To create a dramatic effect as the wearer walks down the aisle |
| Length | Can vary from a few inches to 10-12 feet or more |
| Styles | Sweep, chapel, semi-cathedral, cathedral, monarch/royal, Watteau, court |
| Customization | Detachable trains are available, or the length can be customized |
| Bustling | The process of pinning up the train to the skirt using buttons, loops, ribbons, or hooks |
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What You'll Learn
Trains can be detached
A wedding dress train is an extension of fabric that trails behind the skirt or waist of the dress, creating a dramatic effect as the wearer walks down the aisle. Trains can also extend from the shoulders, like the Watteau train, which can vary in length.
Trains are typically bustled (folded into the dress) after the ceremony to allow the wearer to move and dance more easily during the reception. However, bustling a long train can be challenging, and some brides may prefer to detach their train entirely to achieve a more comfortable look for the reception. Detachable trains are a popular choice as they provide two looks in one. They can be attached to the gown with invisible snaps, hooks and eyes, or a belt around the waist.
The weight and length of a train can also be a factor in a bride's decision to detach it. Longer trains, such as the cathedral and monarch trains, can be heavy and difficult to move around in, especially during a destination wedding or a wedding with a less formal atmosphere. Detaching the train can alleviate some of the weight and allow the bride to dance and move around with ease.
Additionally, the venue and formality of the wedding can influence the decision to detach the train. While a long train may be suitable for a church wedding or a grand ballroom, it may not be practical for a beach or outdoor wedding. Detaching the train can provide a more comfortable and functional option for the bride.
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Trains can be bustled
The train of a wedding dress is the part that extends from the back of the gown, creating a cascading effect as the bride walks down the aisle. Trains can range in length from several inches to up to 12 feet or more. While a long train can add elegance and style to a bridal look, it can also be cumbersome and get in the way of the bride's movement on the dance floor.
This is where the wedding dress bustle comes in. Bustling a wedding dress involves fastening the train to the rest of the dress so that it is lifted off the floor and secured at the back, allowing the bride to move and dance more easily. There are several different types of bustles, including the American (or over) bustle, the ballroom bustle, the French bustle, the royal bustle, and the bow bustle. The type of bustle that is best suited to a particular dress will depend on the silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, and the desired look.
The American bustle, for example, involves lifting the outside of the train and securing it over the back of the gown at the waistline, creating a dramatic look with one, three, or even five bustle pick-up points. On the other hand, the ballroom bustle gives the illusion that the dress was always a floor-length gown, with multiple bustle points sewn around the bodice, allowing the fabric to fold into itself delicately.
To bustle a wedding dress, hooks, ties, or buttons are typically sewn onto the back of the dress by a seamstress. The task of bustling the dress on the wedding day is usually delegated to a trusted individual, such as a bridesmaid or family member, who should attend the final alterations appointment to learn how to achieve the desired bustle.
In summary, trains on wedding dresses can be bustled to create a shorter hemline and allow the bride to move and dance more freely. The process of bustling involves securing the train off the ground and into the back of the dress, and there are several different types of bustles to choose from depending on the style of the gown and the desired look.
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Trains vary in length
The extension of fabric at the back of a wedding dress is called the train. Trains vary in length, with shorter trains like the Watteau and sweep trains, which barely graze the floor, and longer trains like the chapel and cathedral trains, which are considered the most formal and majestic. The length of the train is ultimately up to the bride's style preferences, the venue, and the formality of the wedding.
The Watteau train, which attaches at the shoulders, can vary in length from short, floor-length options to cathedral length. The cathedral train, a very formal option, extends 6 to 8 feet behind the bride from the waist. The royal train, another ultra-formal style, extends 10 feet or more from the waist. The semi-formal to formal chapel train falls in between, with a length of 5-7 feet.
The train is a defining element of a bridal gown, adding a touch of elegance and style to the bride's look. It dates back to medieval times when the length of the train indicated wealth and social status. Today, the train is purely decorative, but it still has the ability to transform the bride's look and create a dramatic effect.
To make it easier for the bride to walk and dance during the reception, the train can be bustled, or folded into itself, and secured with hooks, buttons, or ribbons. Detachable trains are also an option, allowing for more freedom of movement during the reception.
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Trains can be made from different fabrics
The train of a wedding dress is an extension of fabric that trails behind the wearer as they walk down the aisle. Trains can be made from different fabrics and vary in length and style, each bringing a different level of drama and elegance to the bride's look. The length and style of the train can be customised to suit the bride's preferences, the venue, and the level of formality of the event.
One popular fabric for wedding dress trains is silk. Silk is a smooth and crisp fabric that can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the bridal look. It is often used in structured designs and romantic, full-skirted styles, such as ball gowns. Silk is also a popular choice for sheer and lightweight trains, such as those made from organza or georgette, which are perfect for creating a whimsical and ethereal effect.
Another option for wedding dress trains is polyester. Polyester is a lightweight and transparent fabric that is often used as an overlay or veil. It is a popular choice for warm-weather weddings, as it is soft and breathable. Brocade, which can be made from silk or synthetic fibres, is another fabric option for trains. Brocade is characterised by raised designs woven into the fabric and is ideal for structured gowns worn at formal fall or winter weddings.
For a unique and romantic look, dotted Swiss is a lightweight and breathable fabric made from muslin that features evenly dispersed dotted motifs. This fabric is perfect for spring or summer outdoor weddings, especially for those who want a sweet and ladylike celebration. Damask is another fabric option that is similar to brocade but with a lighter weight and dull jacquard pattern. It is suitable for more formal and constructed styles.
The choice of fabric for a wedding dress train depends on the bride's personal style, the theme of the wedding, and the level of formality desired. Trains can be made from a variety of fabrics, each offering a unique look and feel to the overall bridal ensemble.
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Trains can be attached at the shoulders, waist or hem
Trains are an extension of the skirt of a wedding dress, which typically trail behind the wearer as they walk down the aisle. Trains can be attached at the shoulders, waist, or hem, and they come in a variety of lengths and shapes. The length of the train can range from a few inches to 12 feet or more, depending on the style and formality of the wedding.
Shoulder-attached trains, also known as Watteau trains, can vary in length from short and floor-length to cathedral length. They are a popular choice for detachable trains, which offer two looks in one and are a good option for brides who want to dance comfortably at their reception. Detachable trains can be attached with invisible snaps, hooks and eyes, or a belt around the waist.
Waist-attached trains include the chapel train, which extends 3 to 4 feet and is suitable for semi-formal or formal dress codes. The semi-cathedral train is a slightly more formal option, extending 4 to 5 feet from the waist. The longest waist-attached train is the cathedral train, which is a very formal option that extends 6 to 8 feet and is popular for black-tie weddings and grand venues.
Hem-attached trains include the sweep train, which extends only 6 inches and provides a dramatic effect without hindering movement. The court train is another option that extends from the hem, trailing between one and two and a half feet on the ground for a dramatic and voluminous look.
The choice of train length and attachment point depends on the bride's personal style, the venue, and the level of formality desired. It is important to consider the practicality of the train, as longer trains can be heavier and more challenging to bustle, while shorter trains offer more ease of movement.
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Frequently asked questions
An extension on a wedding dress is called a train.
A train is a part of the wedding dress that extends from the back of the gown, creating a cascading effect. It is typically left to trail behind the wearer as they walk down the aisle.
Trains can range in length from several inches to up to 12 feet or more. There are various types of trains with different lengths, including the sweep train, chapel train, semi-cathedral train, cathedral train, and monarch train. The choice of train length depends on factors such as the type of wedding, venue, and level of formality.
Yes, some wedding dresses feature detachable trains, providing two looks in one. Detachable trains are attached to the gown using invisible snaps, hooks and eyes, or a belt around the waist. They offer versatility and can be removed to create a more comfortable look for the reception and dancing.
