Image by Dallas & Sabrina. See more of this real wedding here.

There are dozens of ways to infuse your wedding day fashion with personality and one of the most fun ways to do it is by adding a wedding train to your outfit. With dozens of different lengths, styles, and materials, hunting down your dream train might not be as straightforward as it seems. 

Whether you’re trying to decide if a wedding train is for you or need help picking a style, you’ve come to the right place. Keep scrolling for wedding train 101, packed with everything you need to know about picking the wedding train of your dreams. 

What Is A Wedding Train? 

In this wedding train guide, we’re starting with the basics. So, what exactly is a train? A wedding train is the extra, eye-catching material that extends the length of your gown. It’s a traditional fashion detail that follows you down the aisle, adding elegance to any and every wedding day look—regardless of whether you’re in a jumpsuit, gown, or extravagant two piece ensemble. 

Image by Jackie Rangel Photo. See more of this styled-shoot here.

Attached Versus Detached 

You’ve decided you want to rock a train on your big day. Now what? Before jumping right into the styles of train, you have to decide if you want an attached or detached train. This might sound like a small decision, but you should know this answer before you go dress shopping with your crew. 

An attached wedding train means the train is part of your actual wedding dress. A detachable wedding train still adds that wow  factor to your dress but can be removed when it comes time to celebrate at the reception. Once you pick between these two options you can get to the fun part—wedding train styles! 

Wedding Dress Train Lengths And Styles 

Every person’s style is different, which means every wedding dress will be too—including your train. There are a variety of different styles to choose from when it comes to the length and cut. To help save you from aimlessly scrolling, we’ve compiled all the note-worthy train styles fit for every wedding. 

1. Sweep 

This is the shortest train style. A sweep train is perfect for simple, laid-back looks  to add a subtle flair to their outfits. If that sounds like you, consider extending your dress about six inches with a sweep-styled train. 

Perfect For: Backyard boho weddings and adventurous elopements 

Image by Arte Magna. See more of this real wedding here.

2. Chapel 

A chapel train is the most common style that extends the dress three-and-a-half to four-and-a-half feet from the waistline. It’s the perfect happy-medium for those who want to add a wow detail without going over the top. It’s show-stopping but still manageable. 

Perfect For: Traditional celebrations 

Image by Magdalena Studios. See more of this styled-shoot here.

3. Cathedral 

A cathedral train will have your guests’ eyes following you all the way down the aisle. This dramatic touch extends the dress six to seven-and-half feet from the waistline. It’s ideal for an elegant, over-the-top celebration. 

Perfect For: Formal, elegant celebrations in an over-the-top venue 

Image by Salt Atelier. See more of this real wedding here.

4. Watteau Train

Weddings are all about celebrating your love in a unique and authentic way. And if you’re dreaming of a train, but want to steer away from tradition then a watteau train is calling your name. Attached to the shoulders, this unconventional train option creates a stylish draping affect that’ll look stunning in person and in pictures. 

Perfect For: Non-traditional celebrations where fashion is the main event 

Image by Fox and Film Photography. See more of this real wedding here.

Bustle Your Train For The Reception 

You’ve walked down the aisle, you’ve made your grand reception entrance, and the first dance is complete. Now it’s time to celebrate, chat with guests, and hit the dance floor. And the last thing you want is for your long train to get in the way. 

If you’ve picked a detachable train you can simply remove it. For those that have selected an attached train, this is when the bustle comes in. A bustle is a button on the back of your dress that secures your train, making it floor length in an instant—talk about the best of both worlds. 

Image by Nikk Nguyen Photo. See more of this styled-shoot here.

Wedding Train Alternatives 

If you love the drama of a long wedding train, but don’t want to worry about that extra fabric,  there are a variety of alternatives you can choose from. Consider adding an overskirt with a longer train or a detachable cape for a bold option. 

Wedding trains aren’t the only unique way to spice up your wedding attire. From show-stopping veils to bold capes, check out these wedding day accessories that’ll transform your look and act as the cherry on top of the beautiful wedding sundae. 

Image by Kaylee Chelsea Photography. See more of this real wedding here.