Wedding Gown Train Styles, Considerations & More 

Whether you want to create a grand entrance, or want something sweet and simple, for many a train is a must have detail when it comes to their wedding dress. 

A wedding dress train is defined by the extra fabric that attaches to the back of a wedding gown for aesthetic purposes. Brides can choose from multiple train options including short, long and detachable when shopping for a gown. 

Before getting your heart set on a specific gown, let's take a look at a few different styles of wedding dress trains available.

5 Wedding Dress Train Styles

There are many different train styles available, and we go over some of the most popular options below. 

Cathedral Train 

If you’re a bride that wants all eyes on you, then a cathedral train is your best bet. This style measures at about 6 to 7 feet long from the waistline and gives you a grand entrance every time you walk into a room. The style is ideally suited for a bride planning on saying “I do” inside a formal venue or at a black tie wedding. Due to this train's length, it will require some attention from your bridal party to keep it looking flawless.

Our style Gala is a cathedral illusion lace train wedding dress that will leave your guests in awe as you walk down the aisle. The train is decorated with a metallic corded lace that is scalloped along the hem to create a waterfall effect. The deep illusion back shows off your sun kissed skin and includes a trail of buttons just before the skirt flows into a grand cathedral train with a hem lace finish. Wherever you’re choosing to say “I do,” this train is the IT factor that will make your bridal look over the top.

Style Monaco features a unique illusion lace cathedral wedding train with a hem lace finish. The style of this train will leave your guests speechless the moment they see you. Crystals, pearls, rhinestones, and 3-D lace appliques trace along the gown and down to the cathedral train for that shimmery elegant glow, making you the star of the night.

Semi-Cathedral Train

If you don’t want to bother with the maintenance of having a full cathedral wedding train, opt for a semi-cathedral length. This style is the perfect balance of the chapel and cathedral styles, measuring around 5 feet from the waist, making it just long enough to make a statement without as much upkeep.

Style Oralee, is a sparkly A-line wedding dress with semi-cathedral train that will have you feeling like a fairy tale princess. Grand from the front and back, this beaded gown flows with  romance and will have you feeling like royalty as soon as you step in it. The dreamy skirt fans out into a semi-cathedral train that includes a wide horsehair trim hem finish.

If you are searching for a more fitted silhouette, Style Vienna is a perfect choice. This classic sweetheart mermaid wedding dress takes your look to the next level with its filigree accented illusion train. The train starts right under your behind creating a shapely figure before it flares out into a statement leaf shaped design.

Chapel Train

The chapel train is the style that fits “just right” for many brides. Not too short, not too long, a chapel wedding train measures at about 3 feet from the waistline, giving you details without weighing you down. This style fits just on the spectrum of short and long!

Lace, vintage and glamorous, style Mera holds all the details that a high-fashion vintage bride would want. This boho lace wedding dress with a scalloped chapel train pairs with a sexy low back and will make your walk down the aisle timeless. This style is great if you’re planning a beach or backyard wedding where you’ll want something lightweight and comfortable to move in. 

Style Madrid has captured our hearts! This full A-line lace wedding gown features embroidered lace appliques with sequins. The chapel train includes a horsehair trim hem finish, perfect for a bride that wants that fairy tale princess wedding day look.

Sweep Train

Though this may be the shortest wedding train, it’s still unforgettable. Also known as the “brush train”, this style reaches out a foot or less from where your skirt hits the floor. Beach and boho brides will love the laid back and casual look of this style, and the stress free feeling of wearing something light and accessible on their big day.

Style Lorelai is a cotton lace wedding dress with a sweep train. This gown features a charming tulle tie back and a dreamy leaf shaped lace train that will capture the hearts of your guests as you walk down the aisle. Perfect for a summer beach wedding, this dress is lightweight and easy to walk in along the sand.

Style Sunset will give you that bridal glow. This boho A-line wedding dress includes organic leaf and vine lace appliques that continue along its sweep train, creating the perfect rustic finishing detail. If you’re planning on tying the knot in a romantic outdoor wedding, then you’ll love the carefree design and off the shoulder swag sleeves.

Detachable Wedding Dress Trains

Don’t want to commit to just one look on your wedding day? An option that can transform your bridal look is a detachable train. Not only will this add versatile detail to your gown, but it will give you multiple bridal styles. Detachable trains can be clipped on the side of your waist or slipped on as an overskirt. Both styles are easy to put on.

A top choice among Val Stefani brides, Style Zia is a sparkly lace mermaid wedding dress with detachable train. With a quick hook onto either side of the waist, this dress transforms from a mermaid silhouette into a full skirt wedding gown with a charming chapel tulle train. For an even more luxurious finish, beaded lace appliques are placed beautifully on the train.

Additional Considerations 

When it comes to choosing your wedding gown train style, there are some other items to consider beyond personal preference. 

Venue

• Outdoor Backyard Venue: If you’re a bride planning a backyard wedding and want something a little more intimate, having a dress with a shorter train might be easier for you to maneuver in. The sweep style is just the right fit for you as it’s the shortest option and gives comfort all around. 

• Grand Cathedral Hall: A venue with so much art and history calls for something a little more drastic. A cathedral or semi-cathedral train will make for a beautiful and dramatic entrance the moment the doors open in front of you.

• Classic City Hall: Planning a city hall wedding calls for a train that is as classic as the venue. Choose between either a chapel or detachable style to make your look complete. The chapel train gives you just enough fabric to make a statement but allows for easy movement. The detachable train on the other hand, gives you two looks in the form of one. 

Season

• Winter Weddings: There’s nothing more magical than having a wedding during the winter season. A cathedral or semi-cathedral train will add to the majestic and romantic feel of the season, and will also add some warmth. 

• Summer and Spring Weddings: A fresh breeze of summer air and the blossoming spring flowers make having a chapel or sweep train the perfect match for your wedding dress design. You’ll appreciate not having to drag the fabric around in the hot sun or along the sand.

• Fall Weddings: Fall is the season that most brides tie the knot in! Having a fall wedding lets you play around with some more options, depending on where you’re getting married. That’s why we suggest having a detachable wedding train for this season. If you’re still in between styles and aren’t sure if you want something dramatic or simple, why not get both? 

Silhouette

• Ball Gowns and A-Line Wedding Dresses : Ball gowns have a little more fluff and volume so this type of silhouette works great for brides that have a pear shaped or lean body type. Cathedral trains are perfect for this silhouette and will give you that princess bridal look you’ve been searching for. On the other hand, A-line silhouettes pair well with any type of train, making it flattering for all brides.

• Mermaid Wedding Dresses: A little more form-fitting, we love the way semi-cathedral, chapel or even sweep trains pair with this wedding dress type. Because the skirt on this gown style flares out at the knees, having a long train only adds more dramatic details to your look.

Bridal Gown Train FAQs

Curious to learn a little more about wedding gown trains before you decide? Here are some common questions about this dress feature. 

Why Do Wedding Dresses Have Trains?

Wedding dress trains date back to the times of monarchs. Brides would use the dramatic lengths of their dresses to display their status in royal society. The thought process was that the longer the train, the more wealth the family possessed. 

Today, trains are used as beautiful statement pieces that add another layer to an already beautiful bridal look. 

Can You Add a Train to a Wedding Dress?

Most wedding dress seamstresses can make any alteration a bride wants including sleeves, embellishments and of course, dress trains! Another option you have when trying on a dress at the bridal boutique is to ask your consultant to add one to your dress when they order it. However, adding more materials and customizations to your dress will increase the final price of the dress.

Who Carries the Train of a Wedding Dress?

Typically the only trains that need to be carried are long cathedral or semi-cathedral styles. They will need to be fluffed and positioned at the altar or for wedding photos. Typically it’s the maid of honor or a chosen bridesmaid that will have the honor of managing the train. Some brides may also opt for a family member in order to include them in the wedding ceremony.

No matter what type of train you choose, you’re sure to look like the goddess bride you are! If you’re ready to start dress shopping, find your nearest local bridal boutique and consult with your stylist about which Val Stefani wedding gown is the perfect match for you.