The Train
The bridal train traces its origins to a long-standing tradition across many cultures: the use of luxurious, trailing fabric to signal power, prestige, and privilege.
In medieval Europe, trains weren't just for brides. Aristocratic women, and on ceremonial occasions, elite men, wore them to display wealth and rank. At times, the fabric swept not only behind but also in front, requiring the wearer to tuck the excess fabric under their belt or hold it in their arms. The length of the train was strictly regulated by hierarchy: The longer the train, the higher the status. Today, it's less about class and more about the personality, and the statement the bride would like to make.
In front of you is a chronological procession of bridal gowns, each distinguished by its unique train, spanning from the 1890s to the 1990s. Beaded, embroidered, sculptural, or plain, together they capture a century of elegance, whimsy, and drama, a true field of dreams in silk, lace, and beads. As styles shifted across the decades, so do the shapes and adornments of the train, each one complementing the gown's silhouette and embodying the spirit of its time.
At either end of the platform, two richly embellished gowns, one from the 1890s, the other from the 1990s, bookend the display of the bridal trains. The 1890s gown features a cuff and train edged with tiny silk roses and buds, while the 1990s version glitters with lace appliqués and beading. Also gracing the platform is a 1920s dress with a skirt that unfurls into a train of tiered, fabric strips; a long-sleeved 1940s gown with a modest train alternating panels of lace and fabric, and a white trapunto-embroidered 1960s gown with a matching design on its train. The showstopper is a form fitting 1930s dress, its body skimming silhouette graced with an overpowering cascade of ivory silk, dotted with fabric flowers.
Unforgettable!
Types of Bridal Train
Let's be honest, there are very few moments in life when you get to wear a train. Being a bride is one of them, so why not go all out? Pick your favorite!
Sweep Train
Also called a brush train, this is the shortest style, just long enough to gently trail behind the gown without getting in the way.
Chapel Train
A popular mid-length option, the chapel train extends about one yard or a little more. It balances formality and practicality, adding a classic look, without necessarily requiring a full bustle.
Cathedral Train
For maximum "wow" factor, the cathedral train extends two or more yards behind the bride. Often seen in formal ceremonies, or in large venues, it's the go-to for high-drama entrances and timeless bridal glamour.
Royal or Monarch Train
Fit for a queen, this train can stretch three yards or more, famously worn by royals and celebrities alike. It requires careful choreography and maybe an entourage, but the effect is unforgettable. Bustling is a must!