Franklin Dean
Wedding dress bustles are an important consideration for brides-to-be, but not all brides like the look of them. Some sources suggest that they are unnecessary and can detract from the overall appearance of the dress. There are many types of bustles, including the American, French, Ballroom, and Royal bustle, each with its own unique features and effects on the dress's silhouette. However, some brides prefer to hold up their trains using a wrist strap or loop, or opt for a detachable train to avoid the need for a bustle. Ultimately, the decision to include a bustle in a wedding dress comes down to personal preference, and there are alternatives available for those who do not like the look or functionality of traditional bustles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Many people dislike the appearance of bustles, especially the "cascading out of your butt hole" look. |
| Annoyance | Some people find it annoying to carry the train of their dress on their arm or wrist. |
| Impracticality | A wrist loop may not be strong enough to hold up a heavy train all night and can get in the way when greeting guests. |
| Cost | Adding a bustle can be costly, ranging from $75 to $250 on average. |
| Inconvenience | It is nearly impossible to put the bustle in place by yourself and requires the help of another person. |
| Vulnerability to damage | There is always a possibility that the bustle will break during the reception, and it may be challenging to fix. |
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What You'll Learn
Awkward to dance with
Many brides express dislike for wedding dress bustles, calling them "ugly" and "annoying". However, the decision to bustle or not to bustle is influenced by several factors, including the length of the train, the dance moves, and the bride's comfort.
A long train without a bustle can be cumbersome and hazardous, leading to tripping and stepping on the dress. It can also be heavy and get in the way of dancing, especially if you want to do spins and more energetic moves. In such cases, a bustle can help to shorten the hemline and make it easier to move around. However, some brides have managed to dance without a bustle by holding the train in their arms or adding a loop to carry it.
On the other hand, some brides opt for a detachable train or a second dress for the reception, which allows for easier movement and dancing. Ultimately, the decision to bustle or not depends on personal preference and the specific circumstances of the wedding.
To ensure comfort and ease of movement, it is recommended to consult with a bridal stylist or seamstress, who can advise on the best options for your dress and silhouette. They can also guide you on how to securely fasten the bustle to prevent it from breaking during the reception.
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Don't like the look
If you don't like the look of wedding dress bustle hoops, you're not alone. Many brides-to-be express dislike for the appearance of bustles, especially the way they look from the back, as if the dress is "cascading out of your butt hole".
The good news is that you don't have to have a bustle on your wedding dress. It is absolutely okay to skip it, and there are several alternatives to consider. For example, you could opt for a detachable train, which gives you the best of both worlds: a long train for the ceremony, and freedom of movement for the reception.
Another option is a wrist loop, where a loop is added to the hemline of your train, which you can wear around your wrist. However, some people find this annoying and uncomfortable, and it may not be practical for heavier trains. If you do opt for a wrist loop, be sure to check the stitching to ensure it's strong enough to last the whole day.
If you have a short train, you may not need a bustle or a wrist loop at all. You could simply let the train trail behind you, adding a little extra fabric to show off.
If you're worried about tripping over your train, or guests stepping on it, you could consider a side-sling bustle, which some people find more aesthetically pleasing. Alternatively, a ballroom bustle completely hides the train, giving the illusion of a floor-length gown. This style usually requires multiple bustle points sewn around the bodice, allowing the fabric to fold into itself delicately.
Remember, it's your big day, so choose what feels right for you. If you love the fullness of your dress, you might decide that a wrist loop is the best option to hold up your train when needed, without compromising the design.
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Prefer wrist strap
If you prefer not to have a bustle on your wedding dress, a wrist strap is an option. A wrist strap is a ribbon that allows you to hold up the train of your dress. It is usually worn on the right wrist for the first dance and then moved to the left wrist.
Some brides opt for both a wrist strap and a bustle, using the wrist strap for walking up and down stairs, getting into cars, and taking photos, and then bustling the dress for the reception and dancing. However, some brides find that the wrist strap is a nuisance, as it can be heavy and get in the way when hugging guests. There is also a risk of the wrist strap snapping under the weight of the dress.
If you are set on not having a bustle, another option is to remove the train entirely and make your dress floor-length all the way around. This makes the dress much lighter and easier to move around in, and you won't have to worry about a bustle or wrist strap.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to have a wrist strap, a bustle, or neither is a personal preference, and you should choose whichever option makes you feel most comfortable and confident on your wedding day.
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Too expensive
Wedding dress bustles can be expensive, with the average cost of adding a bustle ranging from $75 to $250. The ballroom bustle, for example, is often the most expensive type due to the number of secure points that need to be added to the dress. This style typically involves multiple bustle points sewn around the bodice, allowing the fabric to fold into itself delicately, creating the illusion of a seamless, untouched floor-length gown.
The cost of a bustle also depends on the number of bustle points and the type of bustle chosen. For instance, the American bustle, which is suitable for dresses with long trains, may be more expensive compared to the French bustle, which works better with shorter trains. Additionally, certain styles such as the royal bustle, which creates dramatic folds, can add an element of elaborateness that may contribute to increased costs.
While a bustle can enhance the look and functionality of a wedding dress, it is not a mandatory feature. Some brides may prefer the elegance of a trailing train or opt for a shorter dress that doesn't require bustling. Ultimately, the decision to include a bustle should consider both personal preference and budget constraints.
To save costs, some alternatives to a bustle can be considered. One option is to add a wrist loop to the hemline of the train, allowing the bride to hold up the train while dancing or moving around. Another alternative is to have a detachable train, providing the option to remove the train after the ceremony for improved freedom of movement during the reception. These alternatives can help strike a balance between achieving the desired look and maintaining a manageable budget.
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Risk of breaking
Wedding dress bustles are added to secure the train of the dress, giving the bride freedom of movement. However, there is always a risk of the bustle breaking during the reception. Wedding dresses can be very heavy, and bustles rely on a few delicate bustle points to hold the whole operation in place while dancing, walking, and mingling.
If you are concerned about the risk of breaking, you can prepare for the worst-case scenario by having safety pins, a sewing needle, and a clear fishing line on hand in the bridal suite. If one of the ribbons comes loose, for example, a bridesmaid should be prepared to sew the ribbon back into the dress with a clear fishing line. If the problem is more complicated, you can pin the dress together at the broken bustle point with an oversized safety pin.
The risk of breaking can be mitigated by choosing the right type of bustle for your dress. For example, the American bustle (or over-bustle) has several hooks scattered throughout the waistline of the dress, enabling 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 an ultra-dramatic look. The ballroom bustle, on the other hand, gives the illusion that the dress was always floor-length, with multiple bustle points sewn around the bodice, allowing the fabric to fold into itself delicately.
Another option to avoid the risk of breaking is to forgo the bustle altogether and use a wrist strap to hold up the train. However, some people find this annoying and it may not be strong enough to hold the weight of the train all night. Ultimately, the decision to bustle or not to bustle is a personal one, and there are many options to choose from to ensure your comfort and mobility on your wedding day.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding dress bustle is an alteration made to the back of a wedding dress that is meant to lift the train off the ground and secure it to the dress. This allows the bride to move around freely without tripping over her dress.
Some people dislike the look of a bustle, finding it unflattering or believing it takes away from the fullness of the dress. Others find certain types of bustles complicated or uncomfortable.
There are several alternatives to a wedding dress bustle, including a detachable train, a wrist loop, or a simple loop added to the underside of the train. You could also opt for a shorter dress that does not require a bustle.
If your dress has a long train that could be stepped on or get in the way, you might benefit from a bustle. However, it is ultimately a personal preference, and you can choose to forego a bustle if you don't feel it is necessary.
