Franklin Dean
The long part of a wedding gown is called the train. It flows behind the dress as the bride walks down the aisle, creating a grand appearance. The length of the train varies and is indicative of the formality of the wedding—the longer the train, the more formal the wedding. Trains date back to the Middle Ages when the length indicated societal rank. Today, the chapel and cathedral trains are considered the most formal and majestic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Train |
| Description | A long piece of fabric that extends onto the floor from the back of the skirt |
| Purpose | Trains date back to the Middle Ages when the length of the train indicated societal rank (longer train = higher rank). Today, longer trains are considered more formal and majestic. |
| Types | Chapel, Cathedral, Sweep, Court, Royal, Monarch |
| Length | Chapel: 1-4 yards; Sweep: barely touches the floor; Cathedral: up to 7.5 yards; Monarch: up to 8 feet; Royal: 10 feet or more |
| Formality | The longer the train, the more formal the wedding. |
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What You'll Learn
- Trains: A long piece of fabric extending from the back of the skirt, creating a grand appearance
- Bodices: The upper portion of a dress, from shoulder to waistline, with styles including corset, V-neck, and princess seam
- Sleeves: Long, cap, 3/4 length, or removable, they add personality and allow brides to decide their level of conservatism
- Waistlines: Basque, natural, drop, and empire waistlines create different effects, from enhancing curves to creating a slimming illusion
- Necklines: Sweetheart, semi-sweetheart, and V-neck are popular choices, with
Trains: A long piece of fabric extending from the back of the skirt, creating a grand appearance
The train of a wedding gown is a long piece of fabric that extends from the back of the skirt, creating a grand and elegant appearance. It is one of the most luxurious details designed for wedding gowns, adding a touch of glamour and drama. The train is a distinctive feature that can transform the look of the dress, giving the bride an undoubtedly bridal moment.
There are various styles of trains to choose from, each offering a different level of formality and sophistication. The length of the train is an important consideration, with longer trains being more formal and majestic. The chapel train, for instance, is a popular choice, typically measuring one to four yards and starting at the waist of the dress. For an even more dramatic effect, the cathedral train can measure up to 7.5 yards, providing an ultra-formal and luxurious look.
For those seeking an extravagant option, the French-inspired royal train extends ten feet or more from the waist, while the monarch train, used in royal weddings, is the longest option, reaching up to eight feet in length. On the other hand, shorter trains like the court train, which extends one to two feet, offer better manoeuvrability without compromising on elegance.
The train of a wedding gown is not just an aesthetic choice but also carries historical significance. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the length of the train indicated societal rank, with longer trains signifying higher status. Today, the train continues to be a symbol of grandeur and elegance, enhancing the bridal experience and leaving a lasting impression on the wedding guests.
To manage the long train during the wedding, some brides opt to have page boys as a special honour for younger family members, or they can detach the train or pin it up in a bustle for the reception.
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Bodices: The upper portion of a dress, from shoulder to waistline, with styles including corset, V-neck, and princess seam
The bodice is the upper portion of a dress, extending from the shoulder to the waistline. It is an important part of a wedding dress as it helps to create a specific shape and convey the bride's personal style. There are several types of bodices, including:
Corset
A corset bodice is characterised by its built-in boning and cups, providing structure, support, and shaping to the torso. The boned design typically extends from the bust to the waist or hips. Corsets may be visible from the outside of the dress or hidden as part of the inner construction of the gown.
V-Neck
A V-neck bodice features a V-shaped neckline with straps, which elongates the torso and offers a streamlined silhouette. This style of bodice is often chosen to make the torso appear longer, as the "V" shape leads the eye down the chest.
Princess Seam
A princess-seam bodice has long seams that add shape to the top portion of the dress. These seams typically run from the bust to the waist, or even down to the hem, creating a fitted yet elongated silhouette. This style can be particularly flattering for those seeking a princess-like or fairytale look.
Bodices can also be embellished with beading, lace, crystals, and other decorative elements to add glamour, uniqueness, and individuality to the gown. These embellishments can be glued or sewn onto the bodice, hems, or other elements of the dress.
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Sleeves: Long, cap, 3/4 length, or removable, they add personality and allow brides to decide their level of conservatism
Wedding gowns come in a variety of sleeve styles, allowing brides to showcase their personality and decide their level of conservatism. Sleeves can be long, cap-length, three-quarter length, or removable.
Long sleeves are a classic choice, offering both style and warmth for weddings during the cold season or in mountainous locations. They can be made of lightweight fabric, such as illusion lace, for a chic and sexy look, or they can be more covered up for a traditional feel. Long sleeves include the "Juliet" sleeve, which starts at the shoulder with a gathered or pleated puff of fabric that gradually narrows towards the elbow or mid-forearm, ending in a fitted cuff. This style of sleeve takes its name from Shakespeare's Juliet, who is often depicted wearing this romantic and dramatic style. Another type of long sleeve is the "poet" sleeve, which is fitted from the shoulder to the elbow and then flares out dramatically from the elbow to the wrist, often featuring ruffles on the cuffs.
Cap sleeves are shorter, hugging the curve of the shoulder, and can be made from various materials. They offer a romantic and modest look, perfect for minimalist or bohemian-style weddings. Some gowns feature detachable cap sleeves, allowing the bride to change up their look throughout the day.
Three-quarter length sleeves include the "butterfly" sleeve, which starts under the shoulder and has a wide opening that resembles butterfly wings. This style is often made with intricate lace patterns and is perfect for a vintage or bohemian look. It adds drama and billows for a bride who doesn't want a veil.
Removable sleeves are a newer trend, allowing the bride to instantly change their look from formal to more relaxed. Off-the-shoulder sleeves are a popular choice, leaving the shoulders and upper arms bare, and can be made with lightweight illusion mesh, lace, or beading.
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Waistlines: Basque, natural, drop, and empire waistlines create different effects, from enhancing curves to creating a slimming illusion
The train of a wedding gown is the long part that extends onto the floor from the back of the skirt. The length of the train can transform the look of the dress and, historically, denoted societal rank.
Now, here is some information about waistlines:
Basque waistlines fall below the belly button in a V-shape, highlighting the hips and enhancing curves. This style is often seen on ball gowns and is a popular choice for brides seeking a princess-like look.
Natural waistlines sit just below the ribs, creating a traditional silhouette that skims over the lower body. This style is flattering for those with an hourglass figure or slender curves.
Drop waistlines fall lower than the natural waist, creating the illusion of a longer and leaner torso. This style was popular in the 1920s and is well-suited for those with a slight natural waistline, an hourglass figure, or wide hips.
Empire waistlines sit just under the bust, creating a high-waisted appearance. This style is favoured for its slimming properties and can help lengthen the body's appearance while disguising the stomach area. It is a good choice for shorter brides who wish to appear taller and those who want to minimise the appearance of a puffy tummy. However, it may not be the best option for those with a large bust as it draws attention to the chest area.
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Necklines: Sweetheart, semi-sweetheart, and V-neck are popular choices, with
The neckline of a wedding dress is often the first thing people notice when they look at the gown. It is also the part of the dress that highlights the bride's face. Sweetheart, semi-sweetheart, and V-neck are popular choices, with jewel, bateau, and mandarin being more conservative options. The sweetheart neckline accentuates the bust, giving a leaner appearance, and is said to be a classic, timeless, and romantic style that flatters all body types. The semi-sweetheart neckline is a perfect choice for women looking for a bit more modesty or who have a large bust, as it falls higher on the chest. The V-neck, on the other hand, elongates the torso and offers a streamlined silhouette. It is also said to make the torso appear longer as the "V" shape leads the eyes down the chest.
The waistline is another important feature of a wedding dress, as it dictates the silhouette and overall aesthetic of the gown. There are several types of waistlines, each with a different effect. For example, the V-shape of a Basque waist falls below the belly button, highlighting the hips and enhancing curves, making it perfect for a full ball gown. A natural waist, on the other hand, creates a more traditional effect as it skims over the lower body. Drop waists, popular in the 1920s, create the illusion of a longer torso, while empire waists are favoured for their slimming properties.
The length of the wedding dress is another significant factor. Floor-length gowns are considered the most formal, while styles that are knee-length or shorter are more informal, though they can be a chic option for elopements or receptions. The train, which is the long piece of fabric extending onto the floor from the back of the skirt, adds to the formality of the dress. The longer the train, the more formal the wedding. Chapel and cathedral-length trains are the most formal, while court trains are shorter and less formal. Detachable trains are a good option for adding drama to the ceremony while still allowing for ease of movement during the reception.
The bodice of a wedding dress is the upper portion, spanning from the shoulder to the waistline. It can be designed with a corset, beading, lace, and crystals. Sleeves are another way to add personality to the gown, with options ranging from long, cap, and three-quarter to removable. The choice of sleeve can also depend on the season and the tone of the wedding.
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Frequently asked questions
The long part of a wedding gown is called the train.
A train is a longer piece of fabric that extends onto the floor from the back of the skirt.
The length of a train varies. A sweep train is the shortest, barely touching the floor. A chapel train is typically one to four yards long, while a cathedral train can measure up to 7.5 yards. A monarch-length train is the longest, at up to eight feet.
A train adds a dramatic and formal touch to a wedding gown. It creates a grand appearance as the bride walks down the aisle.
A bustle is a sewn-in ribbon or hooks that lift and secure the train to the back of the dress, making it shorter and easier to move and dance in during the reception.
