Wedding Gown Glossary

TRAINS

Bustle: For a wedding dress train that is not detachable. The Standard Bustle is hooked, looped or buttoned to rest on top of the skirt. The French Bustle is looped under the skirt, creating a cleaner look, and holds up better than the Standard bustle.

Cathedral train: Long and formal, it falls from the waist and typically trains 6-7 feet.

Chapel train: Extends from the waist, trails 3-4 feet; popular for its combination of elegance and versatility.

Court train: Starts from waist and trails only about a foot.

Fishtail train: Shortest train, trails around a foot behind the wearer but it flares out seamlessly from the knee. Most commonly seen with mermaid-shaped gowns, but not exclusively.

Royal train: Reversed for the most formal of affairs, this train typically requires the assistance of others carrying it.

Watteau train: panel of fabric that falls from below the shoulder blades to the floor. Usually made of a sheer fabric like chiffon.

Fabrics >>