Most wedding dresses will be relatively easy to move in with a comfortable sized step. Others will be a little more difficult and require a little pre-planning before the big day. Here is a list of the most common styles of wedding dresses and tips on how to best move in them.

1. Soft and Subtle – With soft flowing material that falls effortlessly, the only obstacle you may encounter with this style would be excess length in the dress. Whilst this adds to the beautiful effect of the dress, the excess material can be easily stepped on as you take a step backwards or as the man steps towards you. To avoid this make sure you and your beau are practising your steps without lifting your feet up off the floor. You want to aim for a light tracing movement from one step to the next rather than a clumpy stomp.
2. A-Line – This style of dress is generally easy to take a comfortably sized step in. Having a train on the back of the dress is the only element that may pose a problem due to the excess material making it easy to step on. To avoid this make sure that you arrange for your dress to have bustle to hook the train up to whilst you are dancing or simply pick up the excess material and hold it in your left hand.
3. Princess – This style of dress is generally easy to take a comfortably sized step in. Having a train on the back of the dress is the only element that may pose a problem due to the excess material making it easy to step on. To avoid this make sure that you arrange for your dress to have bustle to hook the train up to whilst you are dancing or simply pick up the excess material and hold it in your left hand.
4. Sheath – There are a variety of adaptations of this style and so it is important to mention the two main elements that may pose a problem for your dance. First is the fit of the dress around your hips and the size step it allows you to take. If it is quite snug then you will need to reduce your step size to suit and make sure your partner matches the step size you feel will suit when you practise. Most guys naturally take a larger step than a woman and if you don’t make sure he is aware of your restricted step he will most likely trip you over with steps that are far too big for you to dance with. Secondly is any excess length the dress may have. Whilst this adds to this beautiful effect of the dress the excess material can be easily stepped on as you take a step backwards or as the man steps towards you. To avoid this make sure you and your beau are practising your steps without lifting your feet up off the floor. You want to aim for a light tracing movement from one step to the next rather than a clumpy stomp.
5. Ball Gown – Wearing a hoop and a lot of extra fabric will feel very different to dancing in clothes you have most likely be practising in. It will also mean that you will need to dance a little further apart as your dress will be in the way. If you have the opportunity it would be very helpful to have at least one practise in your hoop to give you an idea of the space that you will need between you and your partner. Having a train on the back of the dress is the only other element that may pose a problem due to the excess material making it easy to step on. To avoid this make sure that you arrange for your dress to have a bustle to hook the train up to whilst you are dancing or simply pick up the excess material and hold it in your left hand.
6. Fishtail or Mermaid – Due to its tight fit to the knee and restricted movement you will need to make sure that your steps are kept quite small to allow you to dance comfortably. Make sure your partner is aware of your restricted step size and practise with this smaller step to ensure you match each others step size on the day. Most guys naturally take a larger step than a woman and if you don’t make sure he is aware of your restricted step he will most likely trip you over with steps that are far too big for you to dance with. The only other obstacle you may encounter with this style would be excess length in the dress. Whilst this adds to the beautiful effect of the dress the excess material can be easily stepped on as you take a step backwards or as the man steps towards you. To avoid this make sure you and your beau are practising your steps without lifting your feet up off the floor. You want to aim for a light tracing movement from one step to the next rather than a clumpy stomp. If there is a train on the back of your dress make sure that you arrange for your dress to have bustle to hook the train up to whilst you are dancing or simply pick up the excess material and hold it in your left hand.