Trains and How-to-Bustle Them

Trains have been a regal choice for royal brides since the Middle Ages. Today, modern brides can decide if they want to wear a train or not. Although trains are not ideal for outdoor locations, don’t let that deter you from choosing a chapel, court, or fishtail train. And if you have opted for a large indoor venue with a long aisle, go for the dramatic cathedral or royal train. 

A Chapel train is classically elegant and versatile, extending from the waist and trailing three to four feet behind you. This train is perfect for any venue and pairs beautifully with an A-line dress. 

A Court train is slightly less formal than the chapel style, it also extends from the waist and falls about a foot from the bottom of the skirt. This train can work with a broad number of styles like A-line or mermaid.  

A Fishtail train is the shortest train, its appeal comes from its unique flare from the knee. It trails about a foot behind you and is perfect for an outdoor wedding.  

 A Puddle or Sweep train is a similar length to the fishtail with a shape like the court style. This style is perfect for a more casual affair or a beachy venue. It goes great with a more fitted mermaid silhouette.  

A Cathedral train is long and formal, it falls from the waist and trails six to seven feet behind the bride. The cathedral train adds drama to your gown and will bode well in any indoor setting with a smooth aisle. To ensure it looks perfectly elegant, have your bridesmaids splay it out before walking down.  

A Watteau train is ultra-dramatic as it falls from the shoulders down to the floor, almost resembling a cape.  

A Royal or Monarch train is the most extravagant, it extends over twelve feet behind the dress. Royals or celebrities typically wear this train.  

Now that you have selected your train, you can decide to bustle it for the reception to make it easier to move around and dance with your loved ones. If the train is not detachable, you can have it altered to have a bustle at your fittings. There are two main styles of bustles: a standard bustle and a French bustle.  

A standard bustle is looped and hooked to be placed on the top of the skirt and is the simplest method. If you are choosing this style, make sure your hooks are reinforced so they don’t tear while you’re dancing.  

A French bustle is looped underneath the skirt and provides a cleaner look. Although its neater, it is more complex, and you will need help from a patient bridesmaid. This style is often more flattering and has a stronger hold.