An Introduction to Wedding Trains
When choosing the right length of train for your wedding dress, the most important factor to consider is the formality of the wedding. A very short train may not be dramatic enough for an over-the-top wedding, while a twenty-foot train would look odd at a casual celebration. You may also want to think about how active you would like to be at your reception, and if you have enough attendants in your wedding party to manage a large train.
Short Trains
The brush train is the shortest type of wedding train, extending approximately one foot behind the bride. It should barely sweep the floor, which is why this style is sometimes referred to as a sweep train. This style is a great option for almost any wedding, and looks a bit more polished than a dress without a train. The next longest train is the court train, which is approximately two feet long. This makes a more dramatic statement than the brush train, but is still very easy to manage. Short trains are the best choice for casual weddings, but are also great for brides that want a sleek, simple look. The short train we featured comes from the Virginia gown.
Long Trains
The chapel train is approximately four to five feet long, which makes it appropriate for formal events, as well as more casual affairs. This length of train can usually be managed without attendants, but it still very eye-catching, so it is easy to see why the chapel train (pictured) is the most popular choice among brides. The cathedral train is seven to eight feet long, and is usually reserved for formal weddings. Due to the length of the train, help is usually needed to keep the train off of the ground. Because of this, a cathedral train is best suited to an indoor wedding.
Most trains can be bustled after the wedding ceremony so the bride can feel free to dance and enjoy the reception. A bustle is a set of hooks, loops, or ties that gather the train and lift it off of the floor. Bustling is generally done by a tailor, and there a many different bustle styles to choose from. In some cases, brides choose to sew a loop onto the train and wear the loop over a finger to keep the train off of the ground. If you are thinking of choosing a longer train, finding a dress with a detachable train may be a smart move. A detachable train is usually attached to the dress with a set of hooks, and is simply removed before the reception begins.
For many brides, the train length is determined by the dress itself. If you fall in love with a dress that has a train longer than five feet, make sure that it is appropriate for the formality of your wedding. When in doubt, a good bridal consultant can help you find the perfect style of dress and train to match both your wedding and personal style.
Posted by Anna K.
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