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A wedding dress train is an extra length of fabric that extends from the back of a wedding dress, creating a cascading effect as the wearer walks down the aisle. Trains can range from short and modern to long and dramatic, with the length depending on the bride's style preferences, the venue, and the level of formality. While a train adds elegance and flair to a wedding dress, it can also be cumbersome and get dirty or damaged after the ceremony. This is where a bustle comes in—a system of stitches, pins, and ties that gracefully secure the train to the back of the dress, making it easier for the bride to move and dance during the reception.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To add drama, flair, elegance, and style to the wedding dress; to create a poetic, cascading effect |
| Length | Can range from short and modern to long and dramatic; the shortest is the "brush train" or "sweep train," which barely grazes the floor, while the longest is the "cathedral train," which is very formal and extends 6-8 feet from the waist |
| Attachment | May be part of the skirt, a detachable piece, an overlay connected to the waist, or a Watteau style attached to the shoulders like a cape |
| Bustle | A system of stitches, pins, and ties to secure the train to the back of the dress, making it easier to move and preventing damage; can be done with buttons, hooks, or ribbons sewn on by a seamstress |
| Maid of Honor Duties | Keep the train off the ground, especially during the ceremony and processional; use subtle adjustments to keep it beautifully spread; check the train and veil before the bride walks down the aisle |
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What You'll Learn
The Maid of Honour's role in adjusting the bride's train
The Maid of Honour is the bride's right hand, and her role is to support the bride and help her prepare for her wedding. This includes planning bridal showers, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, sending invitations, and wedding day tasks like decorating and dressing.
After the ceremony, the Maid of Honour should help the bride bustle her train. A bustle uses a system of stitches, pins, and ties to gracefully secure the train to the back of the dress, making it easier for the bride to move and greet guests. It is a good idea to have a video of the seamstress demonstrating how to do this, as a reminder for the wedding day.
The Maid of Honour should also be prepared with extra safety pins to secure the dress if the bustle stitching comes undone. She may also need to help the bride with her dress in the restroom and hold her bouquet during the ceremony.
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How to bustle a gown
A wedding dress train is an extra length of fabric that extends behind the dress, adding elegance and flair to the gown. The train can be cumbersome and get dirty or damaged, so it needs to be bustled to gracefully secure it to the back of the dress. This allows the bride to move and dance freely at the reception.
There are several ways to bustle a gown, and the right one for you will depend on the style, fabric, shape, and silhouette of your dress. Before your wedding, consult a seamstress to determine the best type of bustle for your gown. You can then practice bustling the dress before the big day. Here is a step-by-step guide to three common types of bustles:
American Bustle
The American bustle, also known as an over-bustle, is a popular way to lift the train of your wedding dress. This style is suitable for most dresses but is not recommended for heavier gowns. To create an American bustle, follow these steps:
- Sew a loop to the back of the dress halfway up its length.
- Sew a button about a foot above the bride's knees. Stitch it four times and make two knots to secure it.
- Hook the loop over the button to lift the train off the floor.
French Bustle
The French bustle is a stronger option than the American bustle and is created by measuring and pinning the gown's train. Here's how to do it:
- Measure the center back seam of the train from the waist to the floor.
- Measure the distance from the edge of the train to the base of the dress.
- Mark the place between these two distances with a pin.
- Lift the center back seam at the pin mark and position it against the center of the waistline.
- Adjust the fold so the train is between 1.3 and 2 cm off the floor.
- Pin the train to the waistline seam.
- Lift the sides of the train off the floor and fold and pin along each side of the back seam.
- Continue folding and pinning the train as necessary between the seams to lift it off the floor.
One-Point Overbustle
This style is suitable for fitted formals with a slit down the left leg. To create a one-point overbustle, follow these steps:
- Make button loops using strong thread.
- Place a small piece of interfacing on the topside of the dress's train where you made a pin marking for a button loop.
- Insert the needle at the pin, next to the seam line, and pull it through the interfacing and train.
- Make a small backstitch from the right side of the train and pull the thread to create a loop.
- Secure the loop by running the needle and thread through it and make two knots.
- Attach a button about a foot above the bride's knees. You can also sew the button onto the waist of the dress and the loop onto the train.
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Different types of wedding dress trains
Wedding dress trains are defined by the extra fabric that attaches to the back of a wedding gown, usually extending from the waistline, for aesthetic purposes. Trains can be detachable, and they come in a variety of lengths, from short to long. The length of the train can impact the overall look and practicality of the dress, with longer trains often requiring assistance to manage and being more suitable for formal indoor weddings, while shorter trains offer more ease of movement and may be better suited for outdoor or casual weddings. Here are some of the different types of wedding dress trains:
Sweep Train
Also known as a brush train, the sweep train is the shortest length, usually extending less than a foot from the bottom hem of the gown. It barely brushes the floor, adding a touch of elegance without the hassle of a longer train. It is a sensible choice for brides who want a minimal look and plan to move around a lot or have an outdoor wedding, such as a beach or garden venue.
Court Train
The court train is the second-shortest length, extending about a foot out from the bottom of the gown. It provides a noticeable yet manageable length, adding sophistication without being too cumbersome. This train is a perfect shorter option for brides who want the look of a traditional wedding dress with a train without the hassle. It is suitable for both semi-formal and formal weddings and can complement both indoor and outdoor venues, especially historical estates or gardens with elegant surroundings.
Chapel Train
The chapel train is a traditional choice, creating a classic and romantic look. It extends about 3 to 4 feet from the waist, offering a happy medium between the simplicity of the shorter sweep and court trains and the formality of the longer cathedral and royal trains. It provides the dramatic appearance of a train without being unwieldy, and it can be either detached or made into a bustle.
Cathedral Train
The cathedral train is a very formal option, extending 6 to 8 feet behind the bride from the waist. It is perfect for black-tie weddings, grand church ceremonies, and exquisite venues like estates or ballrooms. This long train length is popular for brides seeking a fairytale, Cinderella-inspired gown, but it will require assistance from the bridal party to keep it looking flawless.
Watteau Train
The Watteau train is a less common form, attaching to the wedding gown at the shoulders or upper back, creating a dramatic, regal, cape-like effect. It can vary in length, from short and floor-length to cathedral length, and it is a popular choice for detachable trains.
Monarch Train
Also known as a royal train, the monarch train is the longest length, flowing 10 to 12 feet or more behind the bride. It gets its name from regal figures like Princess Diana, who wore a 25-foot-long train. This dramatic length is sure to make a statement and is ideal for brides who want to feel like royalty on their wedding day.
Each type of wedding dress train offers a unique look and level of practicality, so brides can choose the one that best suits their style, venue, and overall vision for their wedding day.
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The history and symbolism of the wedding dress train
The wedding dress train has been a part of wedding traditions since medieval times. Trains were seen as incredibly luxurious and elevated, and only those in high society could afford them. The length of the train was thought to speak to the bride's social ranking and wealth—the longer the train, the higher the social status and wealth of the family.
The train is an extra length of fabric that extends from the back of a wedding dress, creating a cascading effect as it trails behind the bride. It can be attached to the gown or designed as a detachable piece, with various styles to choose from. The sweep train, for example, is the shortest and most common, typically extending only a few inches longer than the rest of the skirt. On the other hand, the cathedral train is a very formal option, extending 6 to 8 feet behind the bride, perfect for grand venues and black-tie weddings.
The wedding dress train adds drama and flair to the bridal look, making it stand out from other formal dresses. It is a unique detail that draws attention and makes a statement, synonymous with greatness and haute couture. In modern times, it continues to be a way to add high impact and elegance to a bride's style.
The Maid-of-Honor and bridesmaids play an important role in managing the train, ensuring it is beautifully spread and kept off the ground during the ceremony and photographs. After the ceremony, the train can be bustled, or gracefully secured to the back of the dress, to make it easier for the bride to move and dance during the reception.
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Practical considerations for the wedding dress train
Wedding dress trains are an iconic feature of bridal gowns, adding a touch of elegance, style, drama, flair, and romance to the overall look. While there are no rules for how long your dress train should be, there are some practical considerations to keep in mind when choosing and managing a wedding dress train.
Firstly, consider the venue and level of formality of your wedding. Long trains, such as the chapel or cathedral train, create a majestic silhouette and are ideal for formal settings, especially if there are stairs or long aisles. However, they can be cumbersome in tight, crowded spaces, and may not be suitable for outdoor or casual weddings. If you want the elegance of a train without the hassle, opt for a shorter train like the court or brush train, which offers grace and practicality, especially if you plan to move around a lot or have an outdoor wedding.
Secondly, the fabric and design of your train are important considerations. Durable fabrics can withstand more handling and are easier to clean, while intricate designs with lace, floral appliqués, or coloured trains can make a unique statement. Illusion trains made from sheer fabric offer an ethereal look without the weight of traditional materials. If you want the best of both worlds, a detachable train provides versatility, allowing you to transition from a dramatic ceremony entrance to a more manageable style for the reception.
Thirdly, maintenance and management of the train are crucial. Trains can easily get damaged, stained, or snagged, especially at outdoor weddings. A bustle is a popular solution, allowing you to pin up the train after the ceremony and prevent it from getting dirty or torn. American bustles, such as the one-point overbustle, are simple and affordable options that allow you to move freely and greet guests without worrying about your train. French bustles are also an option, providing a different look. Ensure your wedding planner or a bridesmaid knows how to manage the bustle for a smooth transition.
Lastly, consider your comfort throughout the day. While a train can make you feel like a bride, it can also be difficult to move in, especially during the reception when you want to dance and mingle. If you're concerned about mobility, opt for a shorter train or a detachable option, or consider changing into a second, reception-ready dress that allows you to dance the night away without sacrificing your dream of a dramatic entrance.
In conclusion, when considering a wedding dress train, think about venue space, formality, fabric choice, maintenance, and your desired level of comfort. With these practical considerations in mind, you can choose and manage your train with ease, ensuring a graceful and memorable bridal look.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding dress train is an extra length of fabric that extends from the back of your gown and trails behind you as you walk down the aisle. It adds drama, flair, elegance and style to your bridal look.
Wedding dress trains come in various lengths, from short and modern to long and dramatic. The shortest train length is the brush train, also called the sweep train, which barely grazes the floor. The court train is slightly longer, extending about a foot out from the bottom of the gown. The chapel train, extending 3 to 4 feet behind you, is one of the most popular lengths. The cathedral train is a very formal option, extending 6 to 8 feet behind you from the waist. The longest train is the monarch train, as seen on Kate Middleton and Princess Diana, which is a yard or more in length.
A bustle is a way to secure the train of your wedding dress after the ceremony to keep it from getting dirty or damaged. It uses a system of stitches, pins, and ties to gracefully secure the train to the back of the dress, making it easier to move and dance in.
There are a few different ways to bustle a wedding dress, including the American bustle and the French bustle. The simplest way is the one-point overbustle, where you sew a loop to the back of the dress and a button above it, about a foot above the bride's knees. Then, hook the loop over the button to lift the train off the floor.
The MOH should help keep the wedding dress train off the ground on the way to the ceremony and make sure it looks perfect before the bride walks down the aisle. During the ceremony, use subtle and refined adjustments to keep the train beautifully spread. After the ceremony, the MOH can help adjust the bustle so the bride can comfortably greet guests and dance.
