After you've decided on the style of wedding dress you want, with the perfect neckline and sleeve, the last piece to add is the train. One of the main determining factors in the length of your train is the formality of your wedding. The shorter trains are perfect for informal or semi-formal weddings. The longer, more elaborate trains are best suited for the formal and ultra-formal affairs.

The most informal train is the Brush Train, sometimes called the Sweep Train. It is just slightly longer in the back of the dress than in the front and just brushes the floor behind your dress. This train is perfect for that lovely beach wedding or the semi-formal ceremony and won't add a lot of volume to the back of your dress.

Slightly longer than the Brush Train is the Court Train. It travels about 3 feet from the waistline and adds a little more volume than the Brush Train to the back of the gown. It's also great for most ceremonies, formal and informal. It's not, however, recommended for your garden or beach weddings.

The Chapel Train has become a most popular train, due to the elegance it adds to the dress, while still allowing it to be appropriate for the semi-formal affair. This train extends approximately 4 feet from the waist and is very often used by Vera Wang on her designer creations with lovely embroidery appliques and beading. The more elaborate the embellishment of the train, the more formal the gown becomes.

A very formal addition to your wedding gown would be the Cathedral Train. The Cathedral Train trails 7 to 7 1/2 feet behind her waist and makes an incredible statement when the bride makes her entrance. Often, top bridal designers, such as Vera Wang, will design dresses with removable Cathedral Trains. That way, after the pictures and receiving line, the bride can have her train removed and enjoy the reception.

The Royal Train is absolutely breathtaking when seen trailing 9 to 10 feet behind a gorgeous designer wedding gown. You will be in the church while your train is still coming up the steps. Only the most formal of ceremonies is appropriate for the Royal Train, also known as the Monarch Train. The picture of Princess Di walking toward the alter is a perfect example of the regal Royal Train. Now picture it on your Vera Wang original with silk organza bodice and light ivory silk satin with an interlayer of lace leading to the train. But keep in mind, With this much added material, you'll need additional attendants to assist you.

The last train is unique and different from the others in the way it attaches to the dress. Not at the waist, but at the top of the dress; at the shoulders or the back, depending upon the way the top of the dress is cut. It can be any different length, from the same length as the dress to extending well beyond the back hemline. This is the one type of train, if made with a sheer fabric, that would be lovely on a Vera Wang sheath dress for a beach or garden wedding.