Will you go lavish and long? Chic and short? Or somewhere in between? Before you got engaged you’d probably never given wedding dress train lengths a second thought. However, the style you choose says a lot about your personality and the feel of your special day.

In medieval times, a long train was an indication of wealth and status. Today, it’s still one of the defining elements of a wedding dress and adds an air of elegance and style. It also beautifully extends your gown and leaves a lasting impression on your guests as you make your entrance. Most importantly, this is possibly the only time you’ll ever wear a train, so make sure you have fun with it!

There are no rules about wedding dress train lengths, so make your choice based on your personal style, the formality of your day and how easy it is to wear. And, to help you choose, we’ve put together our expert guide to the different wedding dress train lengths below… 

Common train styles include…

Puddle train

Wedding dresses featured: Leo by Sofia Cruz & Erika by MiaValenca

A small puddle train (or court train), is often found on sheath style dresses. This train extends about 12 inches/one foot from the bottom of the gown, forming a small ‘puddle’ of material. It’s very easy-to-wear and a great choice for city or beach celebrations or a relaxed informal setting.

Puddle trains look great made from sleek stretch crepe, which hugs the figure before flaring out gently. Simple, stylish and elegant, it’s a great way to give a nod to bridal tradition but in a very up to date way. 

Chapel train

Wedding dresses featured: Farren and Jemma by Viva Bride

A chapel train is one of our most popular lengths. It extends about 70 inches(measuring from the waist) or 23 inches from where the skirt hits the floor and gives that classic, wow factor bridal look while still being very easy to wear. You’ll be able to move, mingle and dance with ease, which is why brides love them!

Chapel trains work well on lots of different styles of dress. Everything from a sparkly princess design with head-to-toe lace to a classic organza skirt looks great with a mid-length train like this one. It can also look cool and contemporary when paired with luxurious Mikado and minimal detailing.

Cathedral train 

Wedding dress featured: Palermo by Anna Sorrano

Alternatively, if you feel like this is your one chance to wear a really breathtaking train, then cathedral length is the one for you! Cathedral length trains can extend up to eight feet from the waist (the longest train at wed2b is 100 inches!). It creates that magical Cinderella look many brides dream of. Popular for black tie weddings, grand church ceremonies or majestic ballrooms, this is a train that makes a real statement. The length and extra fabric mean this style is a touch heavier and will need a little more attention than shorter trains. Consider bustling it up (see below) too, before you hit the dance floor.

Frequently asked questions…

How do I wear a train?

This is your moment, so wear it with confidence and enjoy it! You won’t need to think too much about a puddle train. For anything longer, ask one of your maids to keep an eye on it. Ideally they’ll make sure it’s fanned out beautifully before you walk down the aisle and also quickly arrange it again once you get to the top.

What do I do with it afterwards?

Enjoy your day to the full. And, if this means your train gets a little dirty while you’re chatting to guests, running along the beach, mingling in a magical woodland or strolling city streets, so be it. That’s what wedding dress cleaners are for!

How do I bustle my train?

That said, if you’d like to keep a longer train out of the way after the ceremony, add a bustle. A wedding dress bustle includes a series of hidden hooks, buttons or ribbons that are sewn into your dress by your seamstress. Your train can then be folded or pleated to blend in with the rest of the skirt, so it’s no longer dragging behind you and you can move or dance freely.

There are a few different ways to create a bustle, so ask your seamstress for the best style for your dress. (You can find great local seamstresses here) You also won’t be able to bustle your dress yourself once you’re wearing it. So, designate one of your maids as your 'Bustle Bestie' and have a practice with her before the big day, too.

A clean sweep

Well, we hope you’ve enjoyed our wedding dress train lengths guide and you have a good idea which style suits your day and your personality. If not, why not drop into your nearest store and try some on? Our brilliant bridal experts can also help (both online and instore) too. So, tell them about your dream dress and train and they’ll find it for you!

Click here to check out all our wedding dress train lengths, then try on your favourites at your nearest wed2b store. Here’s what to expect when you visit, too. Lastly, for more inspiration, check out our Instagram, Facebook or TikTok accounts.