If you’ve searched for your perfect wedding dress but aren’t sure about trains — you’ve home to the right place. 

Trains have been used for weddings for centuries. And like anything else, they have a rich history. We’ve gathered all the information you need about wedding dress trains, including some that will help you answer the question —  Do I want one?

The History of Wedding Dress Trains

Wedding traditions we observe today (including trains) began in the middle ages. Marriages were arranged between princes and princesses of different countries, and the union of the two kingdoms was important both financially and politically. The visibility of wealth at weddings symbolized power and stability. To that end, this led to the use of expensive fabrics, including satins, silks, and furs, to highlight that level of opulence. 

In the same way, celebrities set our trends today. As we do now with celebrities, nobles, merchants, and other community members began copying the trends of the wealthy, including the trains that princesses wore in their weddings. 

Today, weddings are so diverse that train trends vary widely as well. Many trains today are smaller and easier to care for, but more classic options are still available. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular styles of trains.

Wedding Dress Train Lengths and Styles

Before you get started on the styles of wedding dress trains, there are a few terms you should know. 

Panel Train

This train is a separate panel of fabric, about one foot wide, attached at the waist, usually with hooks. Anny Lin creates some gorgeous designs with panel trains.

Watteau Train

This is a train that attaches at the upper back or shoulder of a strapless gown. It flows out higher for a more Grecian style. This style is typically a single panel and may be as short, so it only touches the floor in the back. It can also extend much further out to add drama to the look.

Sweep Train

This train barely touches the floor, sweeping behind the bride. It’s also known as a brush train. This style is often an excellent choice for outdoor weddings. It sits perfectly with a mermaid or fishtail gown. 

Court Train

This is also known as a puddle train. It extends about three feet long. This style and the sweep train are often used in less formal weddings. 

Chapel Train

This style has the same look as a full train but is typically shorter, making it suitable for most wedding venues. This is the most popular style because of how easy it is to work with. 

Cathedral

For large venues, you’ll get the most impact out of this train. It has a full skirt, and the train extends from 6.5 feet to 7.5 feet long. This train is heavy and thus will make moving around harder. The beautiful photographs you will take will help make up for the discomfort, though. Aire Barcelona has some beautiful dresses with cathedral trains to choose from. 

Monarch Train

This is the largest style of train. You often see these at royal weddings. The train extends over 8 feet long. Princess Diana had a 25-foot monarch train, making hers the longest train to date. 

Detachable Trains

If you want the best of both worlds, detachable trains maybe your best option. Your train can be matched to the fabric of your wedding dress so that it blends well. You can also choose a tulle or organza train. These trains are gorgeous and give you more movement and flexibility. These can be great for destination weddings, where heavy fabric is a bit much. 

How Do I Choose a Wedding Dress Train?

There are several factors to consider when choosing a train for your dress. You should ask yourself some questions. Some of these include the following. 

Where are You Getting Married? 

The setting of your wedding should play a significant part in what kind of train you’re using. If you’re getting married indoors, longer trains work better indoors. For outdoor weddings, you may prefer a shorter style to prevent it from dragging on the ground. 

Will It Need to Be Bustled?

With long trains, you may need to bustle it up to get it out of the way for the reception. We can help you find the proper bustle for your dress. 

Does It Work With My Body Type?

Most trains are going to look great on just about anybody. But, like most clothing choices, some are more flattering than others. This reason is why you should try on multiple styles. It’s not just about your weight, either. Your shoulder size, leg length, and many other factors play a role in how you can choose the right train. 

Let Us Help You Get The Right Dress

Hello Beautiful!

Let’s Find Your Dream Dress.

At Sposa Mia Bridal, our hand-curated collection of Bridal Gowns will steal your heart, with a mixture of price point and styles we provide a unique selection of gowns and accessories that is elegant, timeless and romantic.

To schedule your visit, please give us a call at the boutique or take a moment to complete our appointment request form. We will get back to you as quickly as possible to confirm the details!