Deborah Chan
Wedding dress bustles are fasteners that attach to the gown to lift and secure the train, allowing the bride to move around freely and comfortably during the reception. They are particularly useful for dresses with long trains, as they prevent the train from dragging on the ground, getting dirty, or getting in the way while dancing. The process of bustling a wedding dress involves altering the gown to function as if it had no train. This is typically done after the wedding ceremony and photos but before the reception. There are several types of wedding dress bustles, including the American bustle, French bustle, ballroom bustle, and royal bustle, each with its unique style and functionality. The choice of bustle depends on the dress's style, length, and design, and it is essential to consult with a professional seamstress or tailor experienced in wedding dress alterations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To secure the train or any extra fabric off of the ground and into the back of the dress to keep it from dragging |
| When to bustle | After pictures but before the reception, usually at the beginning of cocktail hour |
| Who can help | Seamstress or tailor |
| Types | American/over, Ballroom, French/under, Austrian, Royal |
| Average time taken | 5-15 minutes |
| Average cost | $75 to $250 |
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What You'll Learn
The purpose of a wedding dress bustle
A bustle is a fastener or a set of fasteners attached to a wedding gown. It can be a series of hooks, buttons, or ribbons used to lift and secure the train. The American bustle, also known as an over-bustle, is one of the most popular types of bustles. It involves using hooks scattered throughout the waistline of the dress to enable the train to be lifted and hooked over the top of the gown. This bustle adds drama to the back of the dress by creating a cascading effect as the fabric folds flow over the rest of the skirt. Brides can choose to have one, three, or even five bustle pickup points for a more dramatic look.
The ballroom bustle is another popular option for brides who want to completely hide their train without changing the look of the dress. This bustle style adds multiple points under the dress for the train to attach to, resulting in the appearance of an untouched, floor-length gown.
The French bustle, also known as an under-bustle, is a more subtle and vintage option. It gives the dress a fuller skirt and is suitable for dresses with heavy fabric due to its multiple pickup points.
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Types of wedding dress bustles
Wedding dress bustles are an important part of a wedding dress, helping to secure the train of the dress and allow the bride to move around freely. Bustles can also add serious style to a bridal dress. There are several types of wedding dress bustles, and the choice depends on the style and length of the train of the gown. Here are some of the most common types of wedding dress bustles:
American Bustle
Also known as an over-bustle, this is one of the most popular and versatile types of bustles. It involves lifting the outside of the train and securing it over the back of the gown to the waistline. This can be done with one hook for a simple look or multiple hooks for a more elaborate effect. It adds drama to the back of the dress by creating a cascading feel as the fabric folds flow over the rest of the skirt.
Ballroom Bustle
This bustle is perfect for drop-waist styles as it creates a seamless, uninterrupted line from the top to the bottom of the dress. It gives the illusion that the bride is wearing a floor-length gown, when in fact, the train has been bustled. Multiple bustle points are sewn around the bodice, allowing the fabric to fold into itself delicately.
French Bustle
Also known as an under-bustle, the French bustle gives a more subtle, vintage feel. It is perfect for lace and satin gowns where the embellishments are situated near the waist. This bustle is created by adding loops or hooks along the waistline and fastening the train across multiple points, creating elegant pleats at the waist.
Royal Bustle
The royal bustle is perfect for adding volume and a touch of classic elegance to a wedding gown. It involves gathering the train and affixing it to the dress at several points, creating dramatic folds that add visual interest. This style pairs well with A-line and ball gown silhouettes.
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How to choose a wedding dress bustle
Wedding dress bustles are an important feature that allows brides to move around freely and securely on their wedding day. The bustle lifts and secures the train or any extra fabric off the ground and into the back of the dress, creating a uniform hemline. There are several types of wedding dress bustles, and choosing the right one depends on the style and length of the train of the gown. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding dress bustle:
Familiarize Yourself with Different Bustle Types
Before your first fitting, it is helpful to research and understand the various bustle styles available. This will enable you to work with your seamstress to find the best option for your gown. The right bustle will depend on the silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, and your desired look.
Consider the Style and Length of Your Train
The style and length of your train will play a significant role in determining the best bustle option. For example, the American bustle, also known as an over-bustle, is a popular and versatile choice that works with various dress styles. It involves lifting the train and securing it over the back of the gown at the waistline, creating a dramatic and cascading effect. On the other hand, a ballroom bustle is ideal if you want to completely hide the train without changing the look of the dress.
Think About Your Preferred Level of Drama or Subtlety
When choosing a bustle, consider whether you want to accentuate the train or create a more subtle effect. The American bustle, for instance, can be customised with one statement pickup or multiple pickup points for added flair. In contrast, a French bustle, also known as an under-bustle, offers a more subtle and vintage feel.
Take Cost into Account
Adding a bustle to your wedding dress comes with an additional cost, typically ranging from $75 to $250. The final price will depend on the type of bustle and the number of bustle points required. Be sure to include this expense in your fashion budget.
Plan for Potential Breakage
Despite the best efforts of your seamstress, there is always a chance that the bustle may break during your reception due to the weight of the dress. It is advisable to prepare for this possibility by having safety pins, a sewing needle, and a clear fishing line readily available. Assign a bridesmaid or family member to be your "designated bustler" and teach them how to make any necessary adjustments.
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When to bustle a wedding dress
A wedding dress bustle is a fastener or a set of fasteners attached to a gown to secure the train, or any extra fabric, off of the ground and into the back of the dress. Brides often bustle their dresses to prevent the train from getting dirty, ripped, or damaged during the reception and after-party. Unless your dress is short or tea-length, you will likely need a bustle to dance and move around comfortably.
Wedding dresses are typically bustled after pictures but before the reception, with the beginning of cocktail hour being the most popular time. This allows the bride to move around freely and prevents the train from dragging on the ground and getting dirty. It is also possible to keep the train down during the cocktail hour and first dance, bustling the dress after this.
It is important to choose the right type of bustle for your dress and personal style. The seamstress will be able to advise on the most suitable style and create the bustle based on the specific dress. The American bustle, or 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 cascading effect. The French bustle, or under-bustle, gives a more subtle, vintage feel. The ballroom bustle is another option that completely hides the train without changing the look of the dress, creating the illusion of an untouched, floor-length gown.
It can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes to properly secure the bustle, depending on the skill of the person doing the bustling and the complexity of the chosen style. It is nearly impossible to bustle your dress yourself, so it is important to have a trusted friend or bridesmaid who knows how to do it. This person should attend your final fitting to learn directly from the seamstress. It is also a good idea to have a "Broken Bustle" kit on hand, containing safety pins, a sewing needle, and clear fishing line or strong thread, in case any repairs are needed.
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Cost and potential issues of wedding dress bustles
Wedding dress bustles are not cheap. The final price will depend on the number of bustle points and the type of bustle you choose. Adding a bustle to a wedding dress typically costs between $75 and $250. This cost can be added to your overall fashion budget.
There is always a possibility that the bustle will break during your reception, as wedding dresses can be very heavy. It is therefore important to prepare for this 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 you want to avoid the hassle and cost of a bustle, you could consider changing into a shorter dress for your reception. Mini and midi-length reception dresses are great options as they do not require a bustle. However, this will add an extra cost to your overall wedding budget.
Another low-cost option is the side sling or wrist loop bustle, which is surprisingly easy to implement and can add a major visual punch. This option involves physically lifting the train by attaching it to your wrist, which is more effective with simple, lightweight dresses.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding dress bustle is a fastener or a set of fasteners attached to a gown to secure the train, or any extra fabric, off of the ground and into the back of the dress to keep it from dragging across the floor.
A wedding dress bustle allows the bride to move around freely during the wedding reception and afterparty. It also helps to keep the hemline of the dress from getting dirty.
The right wedding dress bustle will depend on the style and length of the train of your gown, as well as your personal aesthetic. You should consult with your dressmaker or seamstress to determine the best option for you.
