Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding dress bustles are an important feature of a bridal gown, allowing the bride to move freely and comfortably during the reception. A bustle is a series of hooks, buttons, or ribbons used to lift and secure the train of a wedding dress, preventing it from dragging on the ground and getting in the way. While bustles are not mandatory, they are particularly useful for gowns with long trains. The cost of adding a bustle ranges from $75 to $250 on average, and the final price depends on the number of bustle points and the type of bustle chosen. It's important to note that not all wedding dresses can be bustled, especially those made of delicate materials. Additionally, some brides may prefer to carry the train of their dress using a wrist loop or let it drag behind them for a dramatic effect. Ultimately, the decision to bustle a wedding dress depends on the bride's vision, the style and design of the dress, and the expertise of the seamstress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To secure the train or any extra fabric of a wedding dress so that it doesn't drag on the floor, allowing the bride to move and dance freely. |
| Types | American/Over, Ballroom, French/Under/Victorian, Royal, Bow |
| Components | Hooks, buttons, ribbons, eyes, wrist loops |
| Cost | $75 to $250 on average |
| Considerations | The style, length, design, silhouette, fabric, and length of the train of the dress should be considered when choosing a bustle. |
| Who attaches it? | The maid of honor, a bridesmaid, the mother of the bride, or the wedding coordinator |
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What You'll Learn
Bustles are not one-size-fits-all
Wedding dress bustles are an important feature, allowing brides to move around freely and comfortably during their reception. However, one bustle does not fit all, and there are many different types to choose from. The right choice depends on the style, length, and design of the dress, as well as personal preferences.
The American bustle, also known as the over bustle, is a popular choice. It involves lifting the outside of the train and securing it over the back of the gown to the waistline with hooks or buttons. This style can add drama and fullness to the silhouette, especially with multiple pickup points. However, it may not be suitable for delicate materials or intricate lace designs that could be damaged by hooks.
The French bustle, or under bustle, is a good option for gowns with embellishments near the waist. It tucks the train under the silhouette, often using ribbons to connect and secure the fabric. This style may be preferred for intricate details near the hemline, as these will still be visible.
The ballroom bustle gives the illusion of no bustle at all, with the train flipping under the fabric and pinned into itself, creating a seamless transition to a shorter hemline. This style can also make the dress appear fuller, resembling a ball gown.
The royal bustle is perfect for gowns with a statement bow or sash at the back. The fabric is folded above the gown and secured with ties hidden under the bow, creating a symmetrical look. This style can be simple or elaborate, depending on the desired effect.
When deciding on a bustle, it is important to consult with an experienced seamstress who can assess the gown and discuss the most suitable options. They will consider factors such as the silhouette, fabric, length of the train, and personal style choices to determine the best bustle for the dress.
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Wrist loops are not a long-term solution
Wrist loops are a great option for brides who want to show off the beauty of their train, especially those with beautiful lace and beadwork. They are also useful for brides who want to be able to pick up their dress quickly when moving between locations for photos. However, wrist loops are not a long-term solution for managing a wedding dress train.
While wrist loops are a good option for the first dance, the weight of the train on the arm can get heavy very fast. This can cause pain and pressure on the wrist and become uncomfortable to hold up over time. Brides may also find that they want to have their hands free during the evening to reach over tables, hug guests, and cut the cake.
Additionally, wrist loops may not be practical for heavier dresses as they can cut into the wrist and cause the hem of the dress to flip over in an unattractive way. A single hook, eye, or button may not be enough to support the weight of a heavier dress, and a more robust solution like a French or ballroom bustle may be required.
For brides who dislike the look of bustles, a wrist loop can be a good option for the ceremony and photos, but it is advisable to have a bustle for the reception and dancing. This allows the bride to showcase the train during the ceremony and photos while still being able to move freely during the reception.
Overall, while wrist loops can be a nice option for certain parts of the wedding, they are not a practical long-term solution for managing a wedding dress train, especially for heavier dresses.
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American bustles are a popular choice
Wedding dress bustles are an important feature, allowing brides to move freely and comfortably during their reception. They are especially useful for gowns with long trains, preventing them from dragging on the floor and getting dirty. While wrist loops have become a popular alternative, bridal stylists do not recommend them as they hinder the bride's ability to move her arms freely.
The American bustle, also known as the over bustle, is a popular choice for brides. This style has several hooks scattered throughout the waistline of the dress, enabling the train to be lifted and hooked over the top of the gown. Brides can choose to have one, three, or even five bustle pick-up points for a dramatic look. This style tends to transform the silhouette of the dress from the back, making the train disappear. It is a simple bustle for the seamstress to create and easy to attach on the wedding day.
The American bustle is best suited to dresses with fairly long trains. It is a versatile option, working with many types of bridal gown silhouettes, including A-line, ball gown, and mermaid styles. It is particularly beautiful on a gown with a cathedral train, adding drama to the back with a cascading effect.
The number of bustle points and the type of bustle will impact the final price. On average, adding a bustle to a wedding dress ranges from $75 to $250. It is important to note that there is always a possibility of the bustle breaking during the reception, so it is recommended to have safety pins, a sewing needle, and a clear fishing line on hand for quick repairs.
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French bustles are best for minimal trains
A bustle is a tailoring technique that lifts the train of a wedding dress off the floor, fastening it securely to the gown's back. This allows the bride to walk and dance freely without tripping over her dress. While some brides opt to forgo the bustle and carry their trains by hand, this can be cumbersome and restrict movement.
There are several types of bustles, each with its own distinct style and functionality. The French bustle, also known as the under bustle, is ideal for gowns with minimal trains. This is because the French bustle tucks the train underneath the dress, creating a cascading, layered effect. This style is also perfect for dresses with embellishments near the waist, as it draws attention to this area.
The French bustle is more challenging to implement than other styles, such as the American bustle, which simply lifts and secures the train over the back of the gown. It requires multiple fastening points and is best installed by a skilled seamstress to ensure durability. Ribbons are often attached to French bustles to connect and secure the fabric, and these can be tied in a variety of ways to create different looks.
When choosing a bustle style, it's important to consider the silhouette of your gown and your personal preferences. If you have a gown with a minimal train and want to create a cascading effect, the French bustle is an excellent option. Be sure to consult with your seamstress early on in the process to determine the best bustle style for your dress and to allow for any necessary alterations.
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Royal bustles can be simple or elaborate
A royal bustle can be simple or elaborate, depending on the desired look. If a bride wants a single pickup point at the back of her dress, a simple royal bustle can be created with just one hook and eyelet to lift the train. This is a good option for brides who want to be able to move around freely and avoid their dress dragging on the ground.
However, for brides who want a more dramatic and elaborate look, a royal bustle can be created with multiple pickup points down and across the back. This style is often referred to as a Victorian bustle as it adds dimension and drama to the silhouette, reminiscent of Victorian gowns. The folds of fabric created by the multiple pickup points add interest and elegance to the back of the gown.
The type of bustle chosen will depend on the specific dress and the bride's personal preference. For example, a royal bustle can work well with gowns that have a statement bow or sash at the back, as the fabric can be folded above the gown and secured with ties hidden under the bow. This creates a symmetrical and elegant look.
It's important to note that a dress bustle is not mandatory, and there are alternative options such as wrist loops that can be considered. Additionally, the cost of adding a bustle should be considered, as it can range from $75 to $250 or more for more intricate designs. Ultimately, the decision of whether to add a royal bustle, and the level of elaborateness, should be guided by what the bride envisions for her wedding day look.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding dress bustle is a series of hooks, buttons, or ribbons used to lift and secure the train of a wedding dress, allowing the bride to move more freely and comfortably.
A bustle can help secure the fabric of your gown's train, giving you the freedom to move around with ease. It also helps to showcase the beautiful details of the train and the back of the dress.
Some popular types of wedding dress bustles include the American bustle (or over bustle), French bustle (or under bustle), Ballroom bustle, and Royal bustle. Each of these styles offers a unique look and can be chosen based on the silhouette, fabric, and length of the train, as well as personal style preferences.
Yes, one alternative is to use a wrist loop to carry the train of the dress. This option is simple and allows you to twirl and move around without the bulk of the train dragging on the floor. However, it may not be as comfortable for greeting guests and can be cumbersome for certain dress styles.
While most wedding dresses can be bustled, there may be exceptions. For example, dresses with delicate materials or intricate lace details may not be suitable for certain types of bustles to avoid potential damage or tearing. It is important to consult with an experienced seamstress who can assess your gown and determine the most suitable options for your specific dress.
