Rhiannon Hendricks
The back of a wedding dress is an important feature, as it is one of the most prominent displays of the dress and can transform the entire look. The end of the wedding dress that extends onto the floor from the back of the skirt is called the train. The train is an ultra-formal style element that dates back to the Middle Ages, when its length indicated societal rank. Today, the length of the train is indicative of the formality of the wedding, with longer trains being reserved for very formal religious ceremonies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Train | The long portion at the back of the skirt that trails behind the bride when she walks. Trains come in different lengths, with some dresses featuring no train at all. The length of the train might indicate the formality of the wedding. The longer the train, the more formal the wedding. |
| Bustle | Buttons or hooks and eyes that gather the train on a dress. A bustle is done so that the bride can move around easily and not worry about guests stepping on her dress. |
| Detachable Train | A piece that hooks or buttons at the waist and provides a long and/or elaborate train that can be removed to reveal a more fitted dress underneath. |
| Hemline | The finished edge at the bottom of the fabric. It traditionally speaks more to the formality of the wedding than anything else. A gown that reaches the floor implies a more formal wedding, while a shorter gown is more informal. |
| Corset | Usually refers to a bodice that laces up in the back. A lace-up closure makes the dress more adjustable to the bride’s body, so it may mean fewer alterations are required. |
| Keyhole | A small circular or tear-shaped opening, usually at the back of a dress. Keyhole backs are common with high-necked gowns and lace illusion gowns. |
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What You'll Learn
- Trains: a long portion at the back of the skirt, available in varying lengths
- Hemlines: shorter in the front, longer in the back, indicating formality
- Corsets: a bodice that laces up in the back, providing adjustability
- Bustles: buttons/hooks that gather the train, allowing the bride to move freely
- Keyhole backs: a circular/tear-shaped opening, common with high-necked gowns
Trains: a long portion at the back of the skirt, available in varying lengths
The back of a wedding dress with a long portion at the bottom of the skirt is called a train. Trains come in varying lengths, from a few-inch sweep train to a seven-foot cathedral-length train, or even longer. The length of the train can indicate the formality of the wedding—the longer the train, the more formal the wedding. For example, chapel and cathedral-length trains are reserved for very formal religious ceremonies. A Watteau or court train, on the other hand, is less formal. It starts at the shoulders and falls like a waterfall. A detachable train is another option for a more informal look.
The ideal length for a wedding dress depends on the bride's style, the location, and the overall concept of the ceremony. While long wedding gowns that touch the floor are popular, some recommend that the dress should be a few millimetres shorter so that the bride can move around comfortably. A shorter dress is also more suitable for outdoor weddings or when a long dress is financially prohibitive.
A tea-length dress, which falls between the knee and the ankle, is a stylish, contemporary choice that adds a vintage-inspired feel. Knee-length dresses are perfect for formal and semi-formal weddings, while mini dresses that fall above the knee are a playful and flirtatious option for casual or seaside weddings. Midi dresses, which fall between the knee and the ankle, are a versatile choice for semi-formal or daytime weddings.
The royal train, as seen in royal weddings, is an ultra-formal style that extends ten feet or more from the waist. This dramatic style is certainly fit for a princess!
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Hemlines: shorter in the front, longer in the back, indicating formality
Wedding dresses are often customised to the wearer's preferences, with many brides opting for a hemline that is shorter in the front and longer in the back. This style choice is not just a matter of aesthetics, but it also indicates the formality of the wedding.
A gown that reaches the floor is generally associated with a more formal wedding, whereas a shorter gown implies a more relaxed, informal celebration. The length of the train, which is the part of the dress that trails behind, is also indicative of the formality of the occasion. Chapel and cathedral-length trains, for example, are traditionally reserved for very formal religious ceremonies. The "Monarch" train, which extends ten feet or more from the waist, is an ultra-formal style often seen in royal weddings.
Brides can also choose to add a detachable train to their gown, which can be removed after the ceremony for easy movement during the reception. This is a good option for brides who want to add a formal element to their dress without committing to a long train for the entire day.
The hemline of a wedding dress is not just a stylistic choice but can also be used to elongate the legs and enhance the overall silhouette. A dip hemline, for instance, is shorter in the front and longer in the back, creating an optical effect that lengthens the legs and flatters the figure. This style is particularly suitable for petite brides or those who want to create the illusion of longer legs.
When deciding on the hemline of a wedding dress, it is essential to consider the height of the bride and the type of shoes she plans to wear. Brides of average height or shorter may need to have their dress hemmed to avoid tripping on the extra fabric. Additionally, the choice of shoes can impact the length of the dress, as a taller heel will affect the overall length and fit of the gown.
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Corsets: a bodice that laces up in the back, providing adjustability
The back of a wedding dress is called the bodice. More specifically, the bodice is the upper part of the dress that covers the chest and back.
A corset is a type of bodice that laces up in the back. Corsets are typically found in strapless gowns, where they help to hold the dress in place. The lace-up closure of a corset makes the dress more adjustable to the bride's body, which may mean fewer alterations are required.
Corsets are just one option for the back of a wedding dress. Some dresses feature a keyhole back, which is a small circular or tear-shaped opening, usually at the back of a dress. Keyhole backs are common with high-necked gowns and lace illusion gowns.
Another option for the back of a wedding dress is a tucker. A tucker is a piece of fabric, usually lace, that covers the chest and shoulders, tucking into the bodice. Brides may use tuckers to add modesty to a gown.
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Bustles: buttons/hooks that gather the train, allowing the bride to move freely
The back of the wedding dress is called the train. The train is the long portion at the back of the skirt that trails behind the bride when she walks. Trains come in different lengths, with some dresses featuring no train at all. The length of the train might indicate the formality of the wedding—the longer the train, the more formal the wedding.
A Watteau or court train is one that starts at the shoulders and is almost waterfall-like. These are not super formal. A detachable train is one that is easily removed following the wedding and is considered informal. A chapel train is one of the more popular train options, extending three to four feet from the waistline.
After the ceremony, trains are bustled to allow the bride to move around freely and not worry about guests stepping on her dress. A bustle is done using buttons or hooks and eyes that gather the train on a dress. The maid of honour, bridesmaids, or mother of the bride are usually responsible for helping the bride bustle her gown after the ceremony.
A bride can opt to bustle her skirt by pinning, buttoning, or attaching it with another means to the back of her skirt. This is called a bustle and adds depth and interest to the gown.
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Keyhole backs: a circular/tear-shaped opening, common with high-necked gowns
The back of a wedding dress is an important feature, with the ability to add drama and interest to the gown. One style of back detail is a keyhole back, which features a circular or tear-shaped opening, often paired with a high-necked gown.
Keyhole backs are a unique and romantic style, offering a blend of demure elegance and allure. They are a statement feature, drawing attention to the back of the dress and the bride's décolletage. This style of back detail can be paired with a variety of sleeve options, from long to short, and high-necked to low-cut. It can also be combined with other features, such as skirt slits, to create a truly eye-catching look.
The keyhole back is a versatile design, suitable for a range of wedding styles, from elopements to black-tie affairs. It adds a touch of personality and style to the gown, making it a perfect choice for brides who want to stand out. This style of back detail can also be enhanced with complex, spiralling lace appliques, adding an imaginative and elegant touch to the dress.
When considering the back detail of a wedding dress, it is important to also think about the train. The train can greatly impact the cost of the dress, and it can also indicate the formality of the wedding. A longer train suggests a more formal occasion, while a detachable train offers a more casual option that can be removed after the ceremony.
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Frequently asked questions
The back of a wedding dress is not referred to with a specific term, but there are several terms to describe the features of a wedding dress that are primarily located at the back.
A train is the long portion at the back of the skirt that trails behind the bride when she walks. Trains come in different lengths, with some dresses featuring no train at all. The length of the train indicates the formality of the wedding—the longer the train, the more formal the wedding.
A Watteau or court train starts at the shoulders and falls like a waterfall. They are less formal than chapel and cathedral-length trains, which are reserved for very formal religious ceremonies.
A bustle is created by buttons or hooks and eyes that gather the train on a dress, allowing the bride to move around easily without worrying about guests stepping on her dress.
A keyhole back refers to a small circular or tear-shaped opening, usually at the back of a dress. Keyhole backs are common with high-necked gowns and lace illusion gowns.
