Latest Wedding Dress Skirt and Train Styles 2010

The variety of wedding dresses found online and in shops can be overwhelming. However, designers use certain style elements that a bride can hone in on for a look that flatters both her body and her personal style. Once she determines the style and details that she likes, the process of shopping can be more focused.

Wedding Gown Skirt Lengths

    * Ballerina – This is a full skirt that comes just above the ankles.
    * Full length or floor length – With this length, make certain that the toes of the shoes show. The back hem should be short enough that the heel of a shoe won’t get caught when stepping backwards.
    * High-low or intermission – The skirt is hemmed short in front, usually mid-calf, and angles to floor length in the back.
    * Mini – This skirt ends right above the knee (or shorter).
    * Street length – The hemline of this skirt covers the knees.
    * Tea length – Longer than street length, this ends a few inches below the knee or right above the ankle.

Bridal Dress Train Lengths

    * Sweep or brush – This train just brushes the floor or the top of the shoes. This doesn’t bustle well, a consideration for the reception and dancing.
    * Chapel – This train extends 3 ½ to 4 ½ feet from the hemline. The longer the train, the more embellishments may be called for.
    * Cathedral – The train extends nine feet from the waist.
    * Court – This train attaches at the shoulders with a separate piece of fabric and falls to the floor.
    * Detachable – This extra fabric attaches with hooks either around the waist, creating the feel of a long dress over a short dress, or it attaches at one point at the back.
    * Royal cathedral or monarch – Measured from the waist, this train can reach lengths up to 25 feet long.
    * Watteau – The additional fabric of the train attaches at the shoulders with pleated fabric that sweep into a train.

Wedding Dress Bustles

The bustle gives a new look to the dress at the reception. This can make the dress heavy to move in when dancing.

    * Floor length – The train is hidden underneath the dress creating an even hemline.
    * French – The hemline is picked up and attached to several ties, creating a two-layered scalloped effect.
    * Traditional – Symmetrical layers are formed in the back as the hem is brought up and attached to loops on the dress.
    * Wristband – Difficult to manage for hours at the reception, the train is attached to a loop that becomes a bracelet around one wrist.

Skirt Details

Have some details to the back of the dress because this is where guests’ attention will be focused during the ceremony. Consider bodices with details such as a halter neckline, a scooped back, or a strapless gown to add interest to the back of the skirt.

    * Bustle – See above.
    * Draping – Fullness is added to a slim skirt with extra fabric that is gathered at the side or back seam.
    * Flounce – This is a wide ruffle around the bottom of the skirt.
    * Petal – This is an overskirt in a different fabric.
    * Pleats – Fabric in an accordion-fold over all or part of the skirt.
    * Streamers – Strings or ties trailing down the back of the gown.
    * Tails – These panels extend behind the dress like a train.
    * Tiered – This skirt consists of fabric layers of various lengths.

Although the skirt (and train) of a wedding gown can provide the most dramatic detail at the ceremony, the bride should also consider the ease of movement she’ll have when it comes to moving around the reception hall, greeting guests, and dancing. Select a dress and veil that will be comfortable and easy to move in for several hours.