Deborah Chan
The long part of a wedding dress that extends onto the floor from the back of the skirt is called the train. The length of the train varies, with longer trains being more formal and majestic. The train is considered the most transformative part of a wedding dress, giving the bride an undoubtedly bridal moment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Train |
| Description | A long piece of fabric that extends onto the floor from the back of the skirt |
| Length | Varying lengths, from 1-2 feet to 10+ feet |
| Formality | Longer trains are more formal |
| Style | Chapel, cathedral, Watteau, sweep, court, royal, detachable |
| Bustle | A bustle is added to pin up the train, e.g. English or French bustle |
| Attaches | At the waist, shoulders, or top of the back |
| Skirt | The bottom half of the wedding dress; comes in different shapes, sizes, and lengths |
| Silhouette | The shape of the dress, specifically the shape of the skirt |
| Sleeves | Long, cap, 3/4 length, sleeveless, short, one sleeve, fitted, bell, removable, etc. |
| Neckline | Sweetheart, V-neck, strapless, off-the-shoulder, jewel, bateau, mandarin, halter, portrait, one-shoulder, etc. |
| Bodice | The "shirt" part of the gown, from the shoulder to the waistline |
| Waistline | Natural, empire, drop, basque, or none |
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What You'll Learn
- Trains: the long part at the back of a wedding dress that extends onto the floor
- Sleeves: long, short, or no sleeves can be chosen to match the tone and season of the wedding
- Skirts: the shape, size, and length of the skirt vary and dictate the silhouette and aesthetic of the dress
- Necklines: the top of the dress, where the bodice ends, can be high and conservative or leave more skin visible
- Waistlines: the point where the bodice and skirt are sewn together, such as the natural waistline or empire waistline
Trains: the long part at the back of a wedding dress that extends onto the floor
The long part at the back of a wedding dress that extends onto the floor is called the train. It is the part of the dress that drags behind the wearer. The train is considered the most transformative part of a wedding dress, giving the bride an "undeniably bridal moment".
The train is an optional part of a wedding dress, but it is a feature that dates back to the Middle Ages, when the length of the train indicated the rank of the person wearing it (the longer the train, the higher the rank). Today, longer trains are still considered more formal, with the chapel and cathedral trains reserved for very formal religious ceremonies. The length of the train can also impact the cost of the dress.
There are several types of train, including:
- French: a very long train, often over 10 feet, that extends 6-8 feet behind the gown.
- Chapel: a formal to semi-formal style that extends 3-4 feet behind the gown.
- Court: a short and manoeuvrable train that extends 1-2 feet behind the gown. Also known as the 'Monarch' train, as it has been used in royal weddings.
- Royal: an ultra-formal style that extends ten feet or more.
- Watteau or sweep: shorter trains that barely graze the floor and are therefore less formal.
- Detachable: a train that can be any length and is easily removed for the reception.
The train is attached to the skirt, which is the bottom half of the wedding dress. The skirt can be any shape, size, or length, and is considered one of the most important parts of a wedding dress.
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Sleeves: long, short, or no sleeves can be chosen to match the tone and season of the wedding
The sleeves of a wedding dress are an important feature, with the ability to completely change the look and feel of the dress. The style of sleeve chosen can reflect the tone and season of the wedding, as well as the bride's personal style and level of comfort.
Long sleeves are a popular choice for winter weddings, offering a formal, regal-inspired look, and are often chosen for religious weddings to cover the arms and shoulders. Long sleeves can be fitted, with a puff at the shoulder, or loose-fitting, such as the bishop sleeve, which gathers at the wrist. For a more summery feel, butterfly sleeves are a great option, offering a lightweight, short and loose-flowing sleeve, often made with intricate lace patterns. They are a popular choice for a vintage or BoHo bride and can add drama to a dress without a veil.
For those who want the option to change their look throughout the day, detachable sleeves are a perfect choice. These can be added for a more conservative ceremony and removed for the reception to reveal a strapless or sleeveless style. Juliet sleeves, for example, are a romantic style with a fitted long sleeve and a puff at the shoulder, but can be removed to reveal a short-sleeved version, known as the puff sleeve.
Other sleeve options include the bell sleeve, a bohemian style that flares out at the forearm or wrist, and the poet sleeve, which is fitted to the upper arm and flares out from the elbow with long ruffles at the wrist. For a more modern look, off-the-shoulder sleeves can be a great choice, leaving the shoulders and upper arms bare, and can be paired with a full-length glove for added elegance.
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Skirts: the shape, size, and length of the skirt vary and dictate the silhouette and aesthetic of the dress
The bottom half of a wedding dress is called the skirt, and it can influence the overall look of the dress. Skirts can vary in shape, size, and length, and they dictate the silhouette and aesthetic of the dress.
Skirt shapes include the voluminous A-line and ball gown, the form-fitting sheath and mermaid, and the trumpet and column styles. The A-line gown is universally flattering as it complements all body types, while the empire silhouette, with its elongated skirt, is a good choice for petite brides. Trumpet gowns are popular among those with slender or hourglass frames, and column dresses are often chosen by brides with athletic frames. The sheath is considered elegant and classic, while the ball gown is dramatic and romantic. Mermaid gowns are typically sexier and more fun, and the fit-and-flare silhouette is a toned-down version of the trumpet and mermaid styles.
Skirt sizes vary, but most wedding dress skirts will have more than one layer of fabric, even if the skirt is slim or form-fitting. The number of layers can vary, and the skirt may be slim or full, with or without pleats. The length of the skirt can also vary, from micro-mini to full length, and it is often relative to the wearer's height and weight. Tea-length skirts are formal and hang just above the ankle, while maxi skirts finish at the ankle or on the ground. Full-length skirts are popular for weddings but can be harder to walk in and may require high heels.
The skirt is an important part of a wedding dress, and its shape, size, and length can be chosen to flatter the bride's figure and suit the style of the wedding.
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Necklines: the top of the dress, where the bodice ends, can be high and conservative or leave more skin visible
The train of a wedding dress is the long part that extends from the waist or shoulders, and its length can determine the formality of the wedding. For instance, a French-inspired train is very long, often over 10 feet, and is reserved for ultra-formal weddings.
Now, onto the necklines:
The neckline of a wedding dress is an important feature as it frames the face and can draw attention to certain features. For a more conservative look, a high neckline is a good option. The jewel, bateau, and mandarin styles are high-necked and full-coverage, leaving little skin exposed. A square neckline is another chic and modern option that provides more coverage and creates the illusion of a longer neck. A cowl neckline, which was first introduced in the 1920s, is also making a comeback and is perfect for brides who want the focus to be on their face.
For brides who want to show more skin, there are several neckline options available. A V-neck is a popular choice as it is flattering, comfortable, and can be as daring or modest as desired. A plunging V-neck is a low-cut, accentuated V-shape that is perfect for bold brides. The sweetheart neckline is also a popular choice as it accentuates the décolletage and gives a longer and leaner appearance. For brides who want to show off their arms, shoulders, and back, a halter neckline is a great option. The off-the-shoulder neckline is another option that gracefully frames the face and highlights the shoulders and collarbones.
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Waistlines: the point where the bodice and skirt are sewn together, such as the natural waistline or empire waistline
The waistline of a wedding dress is the horizontal seam that joins the bodice and the skirt. It is an important feature as it provides balance to the dress and signals to guests where to look. The waistline also plays a crucial role in shaping the bride's silhouette.
There are several types of waistlines, each creating a different silhouette. A natural waistline sits at the narrowest part of the torso, usually just above the belly button, and is the most common waistline. It is popular because it tends to emphasise the smallest part of the bride's body, creating a balanced and proportionate look. An empire waistline sits just below the bust, with the skirt flowing loosely beneath it. This type of waistline can help to elongate the torso and is a good choice for small-chested brides as it emphasises the bust. However, it is not the best choice for large-chested brides. A basque waistline, which is slightly lower than a natural waistline, features a light v-shape that comes to a point at the centre front of the bodice. This style is often seen on ball gowns and A-line dresses and is considered romantic as it elongates the bride's silhouette for an ultra-feminine appearance. A dropped waist sits several inches below the natural waistline, creating the illusion of a longer torso. This style can achieve a balanced look for those who are short-waisted but may not be flattering for those with a long waist or who are extremely petite.
The skirt is the bottom half of the wedding dress and can influence the overall look of the ensemble. It can vary in shape, size and length. The skirt may be straight and extend to the floor or feature a slit at the side to allow for movement. It may also consist of several overlapping layers of different lengths, with the fabric wrapping at the waist.
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Frequently asked questions
The long part of a wedding dress that extends onto the floor from the back of the skirt is called the train. Trains come in many different lengths, with longer trains being more formal.
Chapel and cathedral trains are very formal, while Watteau and sweep trains are shorter and less formal. A court train is also known as a 'Monarch' train and is short and manoeuvrable.
The train is the part of the wedding dress that can transform your look and give you a bridal moment. It is also practical, as it can be bustled or pinned up to allow for easy movement and dancing at the reception.
