For women, the traditional wedding attire is a floor-length white or off-white dress, often in a ball gown style. For semi-formal daytime ceremonies, the dress may be ballerina length, which is just a few inches off the floor. A long train is optional. Chapel trains have 12 to 18 inches of material on the floor; cathedral trains are 22 inches or more. The veil is long, and is attached to a headpiece such as a wreath, comb, cap, or tiara. Shoes are chosen to match the gown. With a short-sleeved gown, long gloves are worn. Gloves are optional with a long-sleeved gown. Weddings after 6 pm are considered evening weddings; for ladies, the attire is the same as for daytime, but the fabric and trims may be more extravagant. Satin and silk are the most common bridal fabrics, but materials like chiffon, organza, lace, taffeta, and charmeuse (shar MOOSE) are also classic. It's customary to wear a garter under the gown; this is often blue, in the tradition of 'something borrowed, something blue.' Bridal departments or books can give you more information on traditional wedding attire; but remember, these days, you'll have many other options as well.
