George Boyle
If you're wondering whether your wedding dress needs a bustle, it's likely that it does. A bustle is a fastener or a set of fasteners attached to your gown to secure the extra fabric from the bottom of your dress to prevent it from dragging on the ground and getting dirty. This is especially useful for gowns with long trains, as they allow the bride to move more freely and comfortably during the reception. There are several different types of bustles, but they can be broadly categorized into two main types: the under bustle and the over bustle. The type of bustle you choose will depend on your height and personal style, the silhouette of your wedding gown, the fabric, and the wedding location.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To secure the extra fabric from the bottom of a wedding gown to prevent it from dragging on the ground and getting dirty |
| Installation | Hooks, ties, buttons, loops, eyes, or ribbons are sewn into the wedding dress train to create a uniformed hemline |
| Cost | Between $75 to $250 on average |
| Timing | Done after pictures but before the reception, usually at the beginning of cocktail hour |
| Who does it? | A trusted friend or family member, often a bridesmaid or the mother of the bride |
| Types | American/Over, French/Under, and Illusion |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Why you might need a bustle
A bustle is a fastener or a set of fasteners attached to your gown. While historically bustles were added to gowns to accentuate the womanly figure, modern bustles are primarily used to shorten the length of your wedding dress train so that the front and back hemlines are kept uniform. This is especially useful for wedding gowns with a long train, as it keeps the hemline of your dress from getting dirty and allows ease of movement.
If you have chosen a wedding dress style with any kind of train, you might want to consider adding a bustle. Bustles are particularly useful for brides with cathedral-length trains that will be a hindrance during dinner and dancing. They can also help to create the illusion of wearing two separate dresses on your wedding day and reception.
There are several different types of bustles, but they can be broadly categorized into two main types: the underbustle and the overbustle. The underbustle is made up of fasteners attached to the train in such a way that the train is attached to the underside of the gown, while the overbustle is made up of fasteners attached to the top of the train to allow the train to drape over the gown. The American bustle, for example, has several hooks scattered throughout the waistline of a dress that enables the train to be lifted and hooked over the top of the gown. This gives the back of the skirt a cascading look as the extra fabric flows down the skirt.
Adding a bustle to your wedding dress is not a permanent alteration and can be easily undone after your wedding day. However, bustling a wedding dress can be complicated, and it is nearly impossible to do it yourself, so you will need to enlist the help of your maid of honour, a bridesmaid, your mother, or your mother-in-law. It is important that whoever helps you knows how to do it, and it is recommended that they attend your final fitting and learn how to alter your ensemble directly from your seamstress.
Bustling Wedding Dresses: A Bride's Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Types of bustles
A bustle is an alteration made to the back of a wedding dress to lift and secure the train, allowing the bride to move around and dance freely. There are several types of bustles, and the right one for you will depend on the silhouette of your gown, the amount of fabric, and your personal preference. Here are some of the most common types of bustles:
- Traditional or Over Bustle: This classic style is one of the most popular choices among brides. The outside of the train is secured near the waistline, creating an ultra-dramatic look with multiple bustle points.
- American Bustle: Also known as an over bustle, this style has several hooks scattered around the waistline of the dress, allowing the train to be lifted and hooked over the top of the gown. This option is perfect for dresses with fairly long trains.
- French Bustle: Also known as the under bustle, this style is ideal for gowns with embellishments near the waist. It tucks the train underneath instead of over, so it is less suitable if you have intricate details near the hemline.
- Royal Bustle: This elaborate, vintage-inspired look adds instant drama to your wedding gown. It involves gathering the train and affixing it to the dress at several points, creating dramatic folds. This style pairs well with A-line and ball gown silhouettes.
- Ballroom Bustle: This style makes it look like you are wearing two separate dresses. It creates the illusion of a shorter hemline by making the train visually disappear, giving a playful and flirty look. The multiple bustle points sewn around the bodice allow the fabric to fold delicately into itself.
It is important to work with your seamstress to determine the best type of bustle for your wedding dress. They can advise you on the most suitable style and ensure it is correctly applied.
Renting a Wedding Dress: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to bustle a wedding dress
A wedding dress bustle is a way to secure the train or any extra fabric of your gown off the ground and into the back of the dress to prevent it from dragging across the floor. This gives you the freedom to move around with ease.
- Trust the seamstress to recommend the best type of bustle for the silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, and how you plan to wear your dress.
- Choose a designated person, such as a bridesmaid or your mom, to help you with bustling your dress prior to the reception. This person should attend your final alterations appointment to get hands-on practice before the big day.
- Set a plan and ensure you've given yourself enough time between the ceremony and reception to bustle your dress.
- Prepare for the worst-case scenario by having safety pins, a sewing needle, and a clear fishing line on hand. If one of the ribbons comes loose, for example, a bridesmaid can sew the ribbon back into the dress with a clear fishing line.
There are several popular types of bustles to choose from, including:
- The American bustle (also known as an over bustle): This involves lifting the outside of the train and securing it over the back of the gown to the waistline. It adds drama to the back by creating a cascading feel as the fabric folds flow over the rest of the skirt.
- The French bustle: This involves tucking the train underneath the skirt to create a billowing effect, giving the back of the gown more fullness. This bustle is created by hooking the back of the dress at several different points, creating a series of dramatic folds.
Renting a Wedding Dress: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$14.59
Choosing a designated person to help
First, it's essential to select someone who will be dedicated to this task and not preoccupied with other wedding duties. A bridesmaid, your maid of honour, mother, or mother-in-law are often good choices. Choose someone who is reliable and preferably has some basic sewing skills. It's also a good idea to select someone who will be with you throughout the day, as they may need to help you with the bustle more than once, especially if you plan to remove it for photos or your first dance.
Next, ensure your chosen helper attends your final dress fitting so they can learn directly from your seamstress. Every dress is unique, and bustling can be complicated, so it's important they understand the specifics of your dress. They should also be prepared with a bridal emergency kit, including safety pins, a sewing needle, and clear fishing line or strong thread, in case any minor repairs are needed.
Practise sessions are key. Have your helper practise bustling your gown ahead of the wedding day to ensure they are comfortable with the process and can do it efficiently. On your big day, you want the transition from full train to bustle to be seamless and timely.
Finally, consider creating a schedule for bustling. Discuss with your helper when you plan to have your train bustled and ensure they are available at that time. The beginning of cocktail hour is a popular time to bustle the dress, but some brides may prefer to keep their train down for photos or their first dance.
By choosing a dedicated helper, providing them with knowledge and tools, and scheduling practise sessions and bustling times, you can ensure your wedding dress bustle is one less thing to worry about on your special day.
DIY Wedding Dress Belt: Embellish Your Gown
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Preparing an emergency kit
A wedding dress bustle is a handy way to secure the train, or any extra fabric, off the ground and into the back of the dress to keep it from dragging across the floor. It is especially useful if your wedding involves a lot of movement, such as dancing. If you plan to have a bustle, it is important to prepare an emergency kit to fix any issues that may arise with it. Here are some tips for preparing an emergency kit for your wedding dress, with a focus on the bustle:
- Choose the right bustle for your gown: Before deciding on the type of bustle, consider the silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, and how you plan to wear your dress. Consult a skilled seamstress who can recommend the best option for your dress. Common types of bustles include the American bustle (or over bustle) and the French bustle.
- Delegate the task of bustling: Assign a trusted individual, such as a bridesmaid or family member, to be responsible for bustling your dress. Ensure they attend your final alterations appointment to learn directly from your seamstress and get hands-on practice before the wedding.
- Prepare an emergency kit: Stock your emergency kit with items that can address any issues that may arise with your bustle. Include safety pins, a sewing needle, and clear fishing line. These items can be used to quickly fix any loose ribbons or broken bustle points.
- Practice bustling: Before the wedding, practice bustling your gown with your designated helper. This will ensure a seamless transition when it's time to bustle the train on your wedding day.
- Other emergency kit essentials: In addition to bustle-specific items, there are several other essentials for your wedding dress emergency kit. These include a small sewing kit with needles and threads that match your dress color, dress weights to combat windy conditions, a steamer to remove wrinkles, a lint roller for last-minute dust or pet hair removal, and makeup erasers for any smudges or touch-ups.
- Prepare in advance: Start packing your emergency kit weeks in advance to reduce stress and ensure you have everything you need. This will also allow you to use the kit for other wedding events, such as the rehearsal dinner and farewell brunch.
By following these tips and preparing an emergency kit, you can ensure that any issues with your wedding dress bustle can be swiftly addressed, allowing you to fully enjoy your special day.
Tights Under Wedding Dress: To Wear or Not?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A bustle is a fastener or a set of fasteners attached to your gown. It is used to secure the extra fabric from the bottom of your gown to prevent it from dragging on the ground and getting dirty.
A bustle is important if you want to move around and dance freely on your wedding day, especially if your dress has a long train. It also helps create the illusion of wearing two separate dresses on your wedding day and reception.
There are several different types of bustles, but they can be broadly categorized into two main types – the under bustle and the over bustle. The right bustle for your dress will depend on your height and personal style, the silhouette and fabric of your wedding gown, and the wedding location. A seamstress can help you determine which type of bustle will work best with your gown.
