Wedding Gown Trains

Setting a wedding gown apart from the other dresses

Sunday morning I heard a sermon about Isaiah 6. The first verse speaks of “the train of his robe filled the temple.” The train in this verse is part of the symbolism of the Lord’s great wealth and helps to show how majestic He is on the throne. So I began to think, what do wedding gown trains symbolize?

History of Wedding Gown Trains

Wedding dress trains date back to the medieval times. The detail of the elaborate train was meant to impress wedding guests. The additional fabric, sewing, and decorative detail was a luxury that only wealthy families could afford. The longer the train, the higher the bride was in social circles.  

Famous Wedding Dress Train

We all know the most famous train: Princess Diana’s. The famous gown included a 25 foot long train. Some might say that this aligned to the medieval mindset of showing that she was in the ultimate upper class social circle. The train was even more than that though, it set the tone and made an impact. It was paired with an even longer veil that was truly fit for a princess.

Trains of Modern Wedding Gowns

Brides have so many choices on wedding gown trains. Almost all brides opt for some sort of train as this sets the wedding gown apart from any other special dress. Some brides want a short one that doesn’t get in their way during the wedding and festivities. Other brides like some length to their train. The big impact trains make quite a statement as the bride walks down the aisle during the ceremony.

Photo of Mr. and Mrs. Day during their church wedding by This Big Moment Photography.

Wedding Gown Bustle

Most brides will opt to bustle the train during the reception. This gets the bulk of the train off the floor so that you can move and dance. There are a few different styles of bustles which your seamstress can add to your gown. Get an idea of what you like but your seamstress will likely recommend the type of bustle that best suits your gown.

The American Bustle or over-bustle is where the fabric of the train is gathered on the outside of the gown. This type of bustle creates drama with a cascading feel on the back of the dress.

Photo of Joshua and Casey dancing to their first dance as a married couple with her gown bustled. Photo by Jayna Biery Photography.

The French Bustle or under-bustle gathers the extra fabric under the gown with multiple pickup points to add extra flair.

There are lots of variations of bustles to fit your desired look at the style of your dress.

Regardless of your wedding gown style, it is sure to be a special dress for a special occasion. I love to see how each bride looks uniquely beautiful on her wedding day. I love celebrating the start of new families and being a part of your day. If you are looking for a wedding venue for 2023, please reach out. I’d love to give you a tour. The Carriage House is a beautiful estate and could make your day feel extra special for both you as a couple and for your friends and family. If you already have your eye on a 2024 date, now is a great time to get on our calendar. We have already booked some key weekends for next year as well.

All my best,

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