SANS THE TRAIN . . .

Photo: LirettePhotography/

Though dresses with full and spread out trains are gorgeous in their own right, they aren't for everyone.  The good news is, you can go formal without pulling that train around all day?  So what are your options if you like a real formal look?  If the dress you have your heart set on has a train wear it bustled.  In fact, some brides love the bustling effect  (train tacked up and under) and prefer to keep that French 'Gigi' look going the whole day rather than letting it flow.  Another option is any formal to-the-floor dress, a full bell skirt without a train like the allover Chantilly lace above, a particularly beautiful choice. 

SE Photography and Imagining

Above: Formal length silk dupioni and Chantilly lace A-line has plenty of back interest and drama without bustling or train . . .

Photo: Dominic Colacchio Photography

Above: This full skirt could go formal or semi-formal depending on how accessories are used . . .here it's perfect for a garden wedding.  Versatile, take away the belt and full slip and it could go beachy or in a rustic/formal venue like a vineyard.

Photo by Stuart Lirette

Above is a side view of a bustled gown a la 1960s with a bell skirt. Go ahead and show off the beautiful effect of bustling all day long if you want . . .

 Photo by Stuart Lirette

Above: No train on this tea gown sporting a tulle overskirt in Chantilly lace

Photo by Piximage

Here's the perfect example of a bride who opted for a long and flowing cathedral-style veil to act as a train .  . . .                             

All gowns by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture