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A wedding dress bustle is a process of altering a bridal gown to function as if it had no train. This is done by fastening the train to the rest of the dress so that the bride can walk and dance freely without tripping over her dress. Wedding dresses can be bustled in a variety of ways, including the American bustle, French bustle, ballroom bustle, and bow style. The type of bustle chosen depends on the silhouette of the dress, the fabric, the length of the train, and personal style preferences. The bustling of the dress train is typically done by the maid of honor or a member of the bridal party before the first dance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To secure the extra fabric from the bottom of the gown to prevent it from dragging on the ground and allow the bride to move around freely |
| Types | American, Ballroom, French, Royal, Bow, Victorian, Over-bustle, Under-bustle |
| Cost | $75 to $250 on average |
| Who does it? | Maid of honour, bridal party, wedding coordinator, bridesmaid, parent, close friend |
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What You'll Learn
- The American bustle, or 'over bustle', is one of the most common types
- The ballroom bustle is flattering and hides the train without changing the look of the dress
- The French bustle, or 'under bustle', is the opposite of the American bustle
- The bride will need help from a designated person to bustle the dress
- Bustles can be expensive and may break during the reception
The American bustle, or 'over bustle', is one of the most common types
The American bustle, or over bustle, is one of the most common types of wedding dress bustles. It is a simple style for the seamstress to create and easy to attach on the wedding day. This bustle adds drama to the back by creating a cascading feel as the fabric folds flow over the rest of the skirt. Brides can choose whether they want one statement pickup or multiple pickup points for extra flair.
The American bustle is created by lifting the outside of the train and securing it over the back of the gown to the waistline. This is done using hooks or buttons at the waistline of the dress or at the start of the skirt flare on a fitted dress. These buttons or hooks are on the outside of the gown and are virtually invisible on an A-line or ball gown dress with a full skirt and intricate details.
The American bustle is best suited to dresses with fairly long trains. It is a versatile style that works with many types of bridal gown silhouettes, including A-line, ball gown, and mermaid, but it is especially beautiful on a gown with a cathedral train. This style can transform a dress silhouette from the back, making the train disappear.
The American bustle is the opposite of the French bustle, which tucks the train underneath the silhouette of the dress. The American bustle is also different from the ballroom bustle, which completely hides the train without changing the look of the dress.
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The ballroom bustle is flattering and hides the train without changing the look of the dress
A ballroom bustle is a type of wedding dress bustle that is flattering and hides the train without altering the overall look of the dress. It is a great option for brides who want to preserve the original look of their gown while still being able to move around freely.
The ballroom bustle is unique in that it completely hides the train, giving the illusion of an untouched, floor-length gown. This is achieved by adding several points under the dress for the train to attach to, resulting in a seamless and elegant finish. Unlike other bustle styles that may add volume or change the silhouette of the dress, the ballroom bustle maintains the original design and shape of the gown.
This type of bustle can be more challenging to execute and may require the expertise of an experienced seamstress. It is important to note that not all seamstresses offer this option, and it may come at an additional cost. However, with proper planning and communication, a ballroom bustle can be a beautiful solution for brides who want to maintain the integrity of their dress while still being able to dance and move comfortably during their reception.
Additionally, the ballroom bustle is versatile and can be used on a variety of dress silhouettes, including A-line and ballgown styles. It is a popular choice for brides who want to showcase the beautiful details of their train during the ceremony and then seamlessly transform their look for the reception.
Overall, the ballroom bustle is a flattering and functional option for brides who want to hide their train without compromising the original design of their wedding gown. With careful planning and execution, it can be a stunning detail that enhances the overall bridal look and experience.
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The French bustle, or 'under bustle', is the opposite of the American bustle
The French bustle, also known as the under-bustle or Victorian bustle, is a wedding dress style that is the opposite of the American bustle. It is perfect for gowns with embellishments near the waist, such as lace and satin dresses. This style is less suitable for dresses with intricate details near the hemline, as these details become less visible once the bustle is applied.
The French bustle is often favoured by brides who prefer a natural waistline. This bustle style is created by tucking the train of the gown under itself, rather than over, to create an understated two-layer hem at the back. Seamstresses often add colour-coordinated ribbons or numbers underneath the gown to help secure the fabric. The French bustle is a good option for brides who want to showcase the details of their train during the ceremony and in photos, but still want to be able to move freely during the reception.
The American bustle, on the other hand, is also known as the over-bustle. This style is more suited to dresses with fairly long trains, as it involves lifting the outside of the train and securing it over the back of the gown at the waistline. It adds drama to the back of the dress by creating a cascading effect as the fabric folds flow over the rest of the skirt. This bustle style can transform the silhouette of the dress, making it appear more full and dramatic.
Both the French and American bustles are popular choices for brides who want to be able to move freely during their wedding reception. The French bustle is a good option for those who want to showcase the details of their train during the ceremony, while the American bustle adds drama and fullness to the skirt of the dress. Ultimately, the choice between the two styles depends on the specific features of the wedding dress and the bride's personal preferences.
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The bride will need help from a designated person to bustle the dress
The designated person should attend the final dress fitting so they can learn how to bustle the dress directly from the seamstress or stylist. They can also take notes, or even a video, to refer back to on the wedding day. The bride and her helper can also prepare an emergency kit with safety pins, a sewing needle, and clear fishing line in case the bustle breaks.
The bustle is usually done after the ceremony and before the reception, or before the bride's first dance. It is important to know which type of bustle the dress will need, as some are more complicated than others. The American or 'over' bustle, for example, involves hooks or buttons at the waistline or the start of the skirt flare, while the French or 'under' bustle is the reverse, with the train folded and tucked under the silhouette of the dress. The ballroom bustle is another option, which completely hides the train to give the illusion of a floor-length gown.
The bride's helper will need to know how to attach the series of hooks, buttons, ribbons, or ties that will secure the train to the rest of the dress, allowing the bride to move and dance freely.
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Bustles can be expensive and may break during the reception
Wedding dress bustles can be expensive, with the average cost ranging from $75 to $250. The price will depend on the number of bustle points and the type of bustle you need. For instance, the American bustle, also known as the over-bustle, may have one, three, or even five bustle pick-up points, which can add a dramatic effect to the back of the dress.
While bustles are important for securing the train of your dress and allowing you to move around freely, they may break during the reception. Wedding dresses can be heavy, and the delicate bustle points may not hold, especially while dancing, walking, and mingling. Thus, it is always good to prepare for this possibility by keeping safety pins, a sewing needle, and a clear fishing line in the bridal suite. If the ribbons come loose, a bridesmaid can sew the ribbon back into the dress with a clear fishing line. If the problem is more complicated, you can use a large safety pin to pin the dress together at the broken bustle point.
If you want to avoid the hassle and expense of a bustle, you could consider changing into a shorter dress for the reception. However, this will add to the overall cost of your wedding attire.
It is important to note that not all dresses require a bustle. If you are unsure whether your dress needs one, consult a seamstress or bridal stylist, who can advise on the best option for your gown. They can also guide you on the different types of bustles available and help you choose the most suitable one for your dress.
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Frequently asked questions
A bustle is a way to secure the train of a wedding dress so that it doesn't drag on the floor, allowing the bride to move around and dance freely.
There could be several reasons why you're unable to bustle your wedding dress. It may be that your dress doesn't have a bustle, as most wedding dresses don't come with one automatically. Another reason could be that you haven't assigned someone to help you with bustling your dress, as it's nearly impossible to do it alone.
There are several types of bustles, including the American bustle (or over bustle), French bustle (or under bustle), ballroom bustle, royal bustle, and bow bustle. The type of bustle chosen depends on the silhouette of the dress, the fabric, the length of the train, and personal style preferences.
Typically, the wedding dress is bustled after the ceremony and before the reception, often before the first dance.
The cost of adding a bustle can range from \$75 to \$250, depending on the number of bustle points and the type of bustle chosen.
