Junior Rasmussen
The bottom half of a wedding dress is called the skirt, and its end is called the hem. Sometimes, the hem of a wedding dress extends into a train or a dress tail. Trains can range in length from several inches to up to 12 feet and can be part of the skirt, a detachable piece, or an overlay connected to the waist or shoulders. A wedding dress with a fitted bodice that flares out at the waist is often described as having a mermaid silhouette, resembling a mermaid's tail.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Part of dress | The bottom half of a wedding dress |
| Names | Train, dress tail, skirt |
| Length | Trains can range in length from several inches to up to 12 feet |
| Style | Trains can be part of the skirt, a detachable piece, or overlay that connects to the waist, or a Watteau style that attaches to the shoulders like a cape |
| Fabric | Fabric depends on the venue, weather, design, and personal preference. Lighter fabrics are used for summer weddings, while heavier fabrics are used for winter weddings |
| Function | Trains can add drama to the dress and make a statement |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress trains are back in fashion
Wedding dress trains have been a part of wedding traditions since medieval times. Back then, the length of the train was used to indicate wealth and social status; the longer the train, the wealthier the family. In modern times, wedding dress trains are purely decorative, but they are considered one of the most iconic elements of a bridal gown. Trains can be found on all types of bridal designs, regardless of silhouette or fabric. They are also versatile for all body types.
Wedding dress trains come in a variety of styles and lengths and are a timeless favorite of many brides. Trains can be short, only a few extra inches, or long, over twenty feet. They can be a part of the skirt, a detachable piece, or an extension from the shoulders. When choosing a long train, consider your venue's space and surface. Long trains are stunning on the stairs and long aisles but can be cumbersome in tight, crowded spaces. Short trains, such as the court or brush train, offer elegance without overwhelming the bride's movements, making them perfect for outdoor or casual weddings.
If you're looking for a bridal look that's timeless yet understated, a chapel train wedding dress is a great choice. Extending 4 to 5 feet from the waist, a semi-cathedral train is slightly more formal and gives you the same dramatic effect of a long wedding dress train without the maintenance. The cathedral train is a very formal option that extends 6 to 8 feet behind you from the waist. This long train length is popular for black-tie weddings, grand church ceremonies, and exquisite estates or ballroom venues.
Current trends in wedding trains include intricate lace detailing, floral appliqués, and even colored trains that depart from traditional white. Designers are also experimenting with illusion trains made from sheer fabric that offers a stunning, ethereal look without the weight of traditional materials.
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Trains can be detachable or part of the skirt
The end of a wedding dress is called a hem. Sometimes, the hem extends into a train or a dress tail. Trains can range in length from several inches to up to 12 feet. They can be detachable or be a part of the skirt.
Trains have been a part of ceremonial dresses for a long time. Even when trains were not fashionable, they were still a must-have for formal dress in most royal courts. For instance, photos from 1926 show Madame Tatakimi Mitsui in British court dress with a train, despite that period being known for shorter skirts and simpler looks.
The bottom half of a wedding dress is called the skirt, and it can influence the overall look of the ensemble. The shape, size, and length of the skirt vary from dress to dress. Most wedding dress skirts will have more than one layer of fabric, even if the skirt is slim or form-fitting. The skirt can be slim or form-fitting, or it can be a full, floor-length skirt with lots of volume for a more formal and traditional bridal look.
The train of a wedding dress is the extra length of fabric that extends from the back of the dress and trails behind as the wearer walks. It can be detachable or be a part of the skirt. Trains can be attached at the waist or shoulders, or they can be a separate piece. The length of the train can vary from a few inches to several feet, depending on the style and formality of the wedding.
There are different types of trains, such as the chapel train, cathedral train, and monarch train. The chapel train is a formal to semi-formal style that attaches at the waist and extends 3-4 feet behind the gown. Cathedral trains are totally formal and are often used for black-tie weddings in dramatic venues. They can be as long as a yard or more and may require the assistance of flower girls to manage. The monarch train is the longest type of train and is often chosen for ultra-formal weddings. It can be over 10 feet long, such as the train worn by Princess Diana, which was 25 feet in length.
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Trains can be short or long, with the longest being over 25 feet
The end of a wedding dress is called the hem. Sometimes, the hem extends into a train or a dress tail. Trains can be short or long, with the longest being over 25 feet.
Trains are an extra length of fabric that extend from the back of the dress and trail behind the wearer as they walk. They can be part of the skirt, a detachable piece, or an overlay that connects at the waist or shoulders. The length of a train can vary from a few inches to 12 feet or even longer.
There are several types of trains, including the sweep, fishtail, and monarch styles. The length of the train often depends on the formality of the wedding, with longer trains being more formal. For example, cathedral trains are totally formal and are often seen at black-tie weddings. They typically extend a yard or more on the floor and may require the assistance of flower girls to manage.
The monarch train is another formal option, with Princess Diana's train reaching 25 feet in length. Shorter trains may have a few buttons or ties to tuck up the extra fabric, while longer trains like the cathedral and monarch styles have intricate bustles that ensure each layer is properly folded and fluffed.
The shape and size of the skirt also play a role in the overall look of the wedding dress. Skirts can be slim or form-fitting, or they can be full and dramatic like a ball gown. The length of the skirt can vary from floor-length to calf-length, depending on the formality of the occasion.
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Trains can be bustled, with buttons or ties to manage the fabric
The end of a wedding dress is called a hem, and sometimes this hem extends into a train or a dress tail. Trains can range in length from several inches to up to 12 feet. The train is an extra length of fabric that extends from the back of the dress, trailing behind the wearer as they walk. It can be part of the skirt, a detachable piece, or an overlay that connects to the waist or shoulders.
The style of the wedding dress is called its silhouette, and the train can be a dramatic feature of this. Trains can be sweep, fishtail, or statement-making monarch styles. A chapel train, for instance, is formal to semi-formal, attaching at the waist and extending 3-4 feet behind the gown. A French-inspired train is very long, often over 10 feet, and is attached at the waist. A cathedral train is totally formal, usually paired with a black-tie wedding at a dramatic venue, and is at least 22 inches long.
The bottom half of the wedding dress is called the skirt, and the shape, size, and length of the skirt vary from dress to dress. The skirt may have a slit at the legs for easier walking, and it usually has more than one layer of fabric.
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Trains can be made from various fabrics, depending on the venue and weather
The train of a wedding dress is a long piece of fabric that extends from the back of the gown, pooling out onto the floor. Trains can be made from various fabrics, depending on the venue and weather. For instance, lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, organza, dotted swiss, taffeta, and charmeuse are perfect for summer weddings. Chiffon is sheer and lightweight, while still holding a structured silhouette, making it ideal for warm-weather weddings. Organza is traditionally woven from silk and has a lustrous finish and a crisp drape, making it perfect for whimsical, frothy dresses. Moire, a fabric made from polyester or heavy silk taffeta, is another option for summer weddings, as it gives the illusion of glistening water when seen in the light.
For winter weddings, heavier fabrics such as silk, brocade, velvet, and satin are more suitable. For a dramatic silhouette, dupioni, a full-bodied silk, is a good option. It has a structured, ribbed finish with a crosswise rib effect, allowing it to hold its shape. Gazar, made from wool or silk, has a smooth and crisp look, similar to organza.
The style of the wedding dress and the desired silhouette will also influence the choice of fabric. Some materials are better suited for structured designs, while others work well for flowing, light looks or larger-than-life ball gowns. For example, tulle and charmeuse are great for flowy dresses, while satin, taffeta, and organza are ideal for embellished and heavy dresses.
The length of the train is another important consideration, with sweep trains being the shortest, followed by court trains, chapel trains, cathedral trains, and finally, monarch trains, which are the longest. The venue and desired level of formality will play a role in determining the ideal train length. For instance, sweep trains are perfect for outdoor weddings, while cathedral trains are more suitable for formal black-tie weddings at grand venues.
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Frequently asked questions
The tail of a wedding dress is called a train. Trains can range in length from several inches to up to 12 feet.
Some wedding dress styles include ball gowns, A-line dresses, sheath dresses, and mermaid dresses.
The bottom half of a wedding dress is called the skirt.
A train on a wedding dress can add drama and formality to the overall look.
