Junior Rasmussen
A 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 during the reception. Most wedding dresses do not come with bustles, but they can be added during the alterations process. Brides will typically bustle their dresses after the ceremony and before the reception, with the help of a bridesmaid, parent, or close friend. There are several styles of bustles, including the American bustle, French bustle, and Ballroom bustle, each with its own unique way of lifting and securing the train.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is a bustle? | 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 during the reception. |
| Do wedding dresses come with bustles? | Most wedding dresses do not come with bustles already on the dress. |
| When is a bustle needed? | If your dress has any kind of train, you will likely need a bustle to dance and move around comfortably during your reception. |
| When is a bustle added? | A bustle is typically added during the alterations process based on the style, length, and design of the dress. |
| Who adds a bustle? | A professional seamstress or tailor who has experience with wedding dress alterations. |
| Who bustles the dress on the wedding day? | A maid of honour, bridesmaid, parent, or close friend. |
| How is a bustle chosen? | The seamstress will recommend the best type of bustle for the silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, and how the bride plans to wear her dress. |
| How does bustling work? | The train tucks up and under as each hook is matched with its pair, creating a streamlined fold. |
| How much does a bustle cost? | It is recommended to allow extra money in your alterations budget for a bustle, especially if you want a more dramatic option with lots of pick-up points. |
| How long does bustling take? | On average, it can take anywhere from 5-15 minutes to properly secure the bustle, depending on the skill of the person doing the bustling and the complexity of the chosen style. |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dresses rarely come with a bustle
The American bustle, also known as an over bustle, has several hooks scattered throughout the waistline of the dress that enables the train to be lifted and hooked over the top of the gown. This style can have one, three, or even five bustle pick-up points for a more dramatic look. The French bustle, also known as a Victorian bustle or under bustle, is the reverse of the American bustle. Hooks pick up the train of the gown as they tuck it under the silhouette itself, and ribbons are often attached to connect and secure the fabric. The Ballroom bustle is ideal for full, voluminous gowns and creates an evenly draped effect by lifting the train in multiple places and securing it with hooks or buttons. The Royal bustle is a more elaborate version of the French bustle, with more pick-up points for a dramatic look.
When choosing a bustle, it is important to consider the style, length, and design of your dress. It is recommended to consult with a professional seamstress or tailor who has experience with wedding dress alterations. They will be able to provide guidance on the best bustle option for your dress and demonstrate how to secure it properly. It is also a good idea to bring someone you trust to your final alterations appointment so they can learn how to bustle your dress. Bustling a wedding dress can be complicated, and it is nearly impossible to do it yourself while wearing it.
Although wedding dresses rarely come with a bustle, most full-length gowns have hooks, ties, or buttons sewn into the train to create a uniform hemline after the ceremony. These can be used to attach the bustle, which can be made of hooks, ribbons, or buttons. It is important to choose locking hooks for the bustle to ensure that it stays secure during the wedding.
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Types of bustle: American, French, Ballroom, and Royal
To bustle a wedding dress is to alter it so that it appears to have no train, allowing brides to move freely without tripping over their dresses. There are several types of bustles to choose from, including the American, French, Ballroom, and Royal bustle.
American Bustle
The American bustle, also known as the over-bustle, is one of the most popular and versatile types of bustles. It works by hooking the train up and over the outside of the dress, creating a stunning cascade illusion with the fabric. This can be done at one point for a simple look or multiple points for a more dramatic, layered, and elaborate effect. Its versatility makes it suitable for a variety of dress styles, from classic sheaths to voluminous ball gowns.
French Bustle
The French bustle, also known as the under-bustle, gives a more subtle, vintage feel. The train is neatly tucked and lifted under the dress, creating a romantic, puff-like effect. This type of bustle pairs beautifully with dresses that have more volume or intricate detailing on the skirt, such as ball gowns and trumpet silhouettes. It is perfect for dresses with heavier fabrics or shorter trains.
Ballroom Bustle
The ballroom bustle is perfect for brides who want the drama of a long train during the ceremony but prefer the appearance of a train-less gown during the reception. It gives the illusion that the dress was always floor-length, completely hiding the train without changing the look of the dress. Multiple bustle points are sewn around the bodice, allowing the fabric to fold into itself delicately. This style is typically the most expensive due to the number of bustle points required.
Royal Bustle
The royal bustle, also known as the Victorian or Cathedral bustle, is the grandest of all. It is perfect for dresses with long, dramatic trains and creates a multi-tiered effect, often resembling a cascading waterfall. This style usually has multiple pickup points added down and across the back, adding more dimension to the silhouette. It is a stunning option for those aiming for a regal, fairy-tale aesthetic.
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Hooks, ribbons, and buttons are used to secure the train
There are several types of bustles, including the American bustle, French bustle, and royal bustle. The American bustle, also known as an over bustle, involves scattering hooks throughout the waistline of the dress to lift the train and hook it over the top of the gown. This style can have one, three, or even five bustle points for a dramatic look. The French bustle, on the other hand, uses hooks to tuck the train under the silhouette of the gown, often with ribbons attached to secure the fabric and add extra flair. The royal bustle is a more elaborate version of the French bustle, with more pick-up points for a dramatic and vintage look.
The type of bustle chosen depends on the silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, and the bride's personal style. It is important to work with a skilled seamstress to determine the best type of bustle for the dress and to sew the necessary hooks, ribbons, or buttons onto the back of the dress. Brides should also assign a trusted individual, such as a bridesmaid or family member, to learn how to bustle the dress before the wedding day.
While some dresses may come with the necessary hooks, ribbons, or buttons, most wedding dresses do not come with a bustle. Therefore, it is common for brides to work with a seamstress to add the necessary components and achieve the desired look. This may involve adding hooks, ribbons, or buttons to secure the train and create a neat and streamlined fold.
Overall, the use of hooks, ribbons, and buttons to secure the train of a wedding dress is an important aspect of ensuring the bride's comfort and ease of movement during the reception. It is a process that requires careful planning and collaboration with a skilled seamstress and a trusted helper.
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$14.59
Seamstresses can advise on the best bustle for your dress
Seamstresses are skilled craftspeople who can advise on the best bustle for your wedding dress. They can also sew hooks, ties, or buttons onto the back of your dress to help you achieve your desired look. During your wedding dress alteration appointment, your seamstress can help you determine which types of wedding dress bustles will work best with your gown.
There are five common types of wedding gown bustles, and the right one for you will depend on the silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, and how you plan to wear your dress. Seamstresses can advise on the difficulty level of each bustle type and how well it will suit your gown. For example, an American bustle is one of the most popular bustles because it is simple and easy to do on the big day. It is also very versatile, as you can have one, three, or five hooks to make the effect more dramatic.
A French bustle, on the other hand, is better suited to gowns with a more natural waistline. This bustle is the reverse of the American bustle, as hooks pick up the train of the gown and tuck it under the silhouette itself. A royal bustle is a more elaborate version of the French bustle, with more pick-up points for a dramatic and vintage look.
It is important to choose the right bustle for your dress and your personal style. Seamstresses can help you make this decision and can even do it for you, although they will charge a fee for their services.
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Bridesmaids, parents, or close friends can help bustle your dress
A wedding dress bustle is an important feature that allows the bride to move around comfortably and dance during the reception. It involves fastening the train to the rest of the dress so that it doesn't drag on the floor. Bridesmaids, parents, or close friends can help bustle the wedding dress, as it is nearly impossible for the bride to do it herself while wearing the gown.
Involve Them in the Fitting Process
It is highly recommended that the person assigned to bustle your dress attends at least one fitting, preferably the final one. This will allow them to learn directly from the seamstress and understand the specific technique required for your dress. They can also take notes or a video of the process to refer to on the wedding day.
Choose a Simple Bustle Style
Discuss bustle options with your seamstress and select a style that is easy for your helper to manage. For example, an American bustle is a popular choice known for its simplicity. It involves scattering hooks throughout the waistline of the dress, allowing the train to be lifted and hooked over the gown.
Practice Makes Perfect
Encourage your helper to practice bustling the dress. This will ensure that they are comfortable with the process and can efficiently bustle your dress on the wedding day, reducing any fumbling time.
Prepare Backup Options
Despite everyone's best efforts, there is always a possibility that a bustle point may break during the reception, especially with the weight of a heavy wedding dress. Prepare an emergency kit with items like clear fishing line and oversized safety pins so that your helper can quickly fix any issues.
Communicate Your Vision
Ensure that your helper understands your preferences for the bustle. For example, do you want the train to be hooked over the gown, or would you prefer a style that tucks the train under the silhouette for a more subtle look? Communicate your desired outcome clearly so that your helper can execute it flawlessly.
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Frequently asked questions
Most wedding dresses do not come with a bustle hook. Bustle hooks are often added during the alterations process based on the style, length, and design of the dress.
A 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 during the reception.
There are five common types of wedding dress bustles: French, American, Ballroom, Royal, and Australian.
