Franklin Dean
A wedding dress bustle is a clever way to secure the train, or any extra fabric, off the ground and into the back of the dress. This allows the bride to move around with ease and alleviates the fear of tripping over a long train. There are several types of bustles, each differing in the way they look and the level of complexity. For instance, a ballroom bustle completely hides the train without changing the look of the dress, while a French bustle is a stunning option that isn't overly complicated. Brides can also opt for a royal bustle, which can be simple or elaborate, or an over bustle, which is one of the simplest types of bustles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To secure the train or any extra fabric off the ground and into the back of the dress to prevent it from dragging across the floor and to make it easier for the bride to move around |
| Types | Traditional/American, Ballroom, French, Royal/Victorian, Bow, Over |
| Considerations | The silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, how the bride plans to wear the dress, the weight of the train, the desire to display decorative work on the train |
| Techniques | Sewing eye hooks to the end of the train, attaching ties or ribbons to hooks or buttons, adding snaps or loops |
| Who Does It | Seamstress, bridesmaid or another member of the bridal party |
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What You'll Learn
Types of wedding dress bustles: French, Ballroom, American, Royal/Victorian, and Bow
A wedding dress bustle is a way of securing the train or any extra fabric of a wedding dress to keep it from dragging on the floor. There are several types of wedding dress bustles, including French, Ballroom, American, Royal/Victorian, and Bow. Here is some more information about each of these bustle styles:
French Bustle
The French bustle, also known as the under bustle or Victorian bustle, is often used for gowns with a more natural waistline. This style uses hooks or ribbons to pick up and tuck the train of the gown under the silhouette itself, creating a neat and elegant look. This style is similar to the Royal bustle, but the French bustle typically has fewer layers of fabric.
Ballroom Bustle
The ballroom bustle is a popular choice as it gives the illusion that the dress is a floor-length gown without any alterations. The train of the dress is flipped under the fabric and pinned into itself, creating a seamless and elegant look. This style typically has multiple bustle points sewn around the bodice, allowing the fabric to fold delicately into itself. Ballroom bustles are known for their ornate stitching and precise tailoring, making them one of the most expensive options.
American Bustle
The American bustle, also known as the over bustle, is a simple and dramatic style. The outside of the train is lifted and secured over the back of the gown at the waistline, creating a cascading effect. This style can have one or multiple pickup points, adding extra flair to the look. It is simple for a seamstress to create and easy to attach on the wedding day.
Royal/Victorian Bustle
The Royal bustle, also known as the Victorian bustle, is similar to the French bustle but with more layers of fabric. This style can be simple or elaborate, depending on the desired look. It can have a single pickup point with one hook and eyelet, or multiple pickup points can be added for more drama and dimension.
Bow Bustle
The Bow bustle can be used with or without a bow on the back of the dress. The fabric of the train is pulled upward and secured with ties or bustle clips, creating a symmetrical look. This style can add security in keeping the train off the ground and is a unique and elegant option.
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How to attach a bustle to your wedding dress
A wedding dress bustle is a great way to secure the train of your gown, keeping it from dragging on the floor and making it easier to move around after the ceremony. There are several types of bustles to choose from, each with its own unique look and method of attachment. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to attach a basic bustle to your wedding dress:
Choosing the Right Bustle
Before you begin, it's important to decide on the type of bustle you want. Some common types include the traditional or American bustle, the ballroom bustle, the French bustle, and the royal or Victorian bustle. Consider the silhouette of your gown, the amount of fabric, and your personal preference for the look of the bustle. If you're unsure, your seamstress can recommend the best type of bustle for your dress during your wedding dress alteration appointment.
Attaching an Over Bustle
One of the simplest types of bustles is the over bustle, also known as an American bustle. To create this style, you will need to attach the midpoint of your train to a button or hook and eye system on the upper part of the back of your skirt. This can be done with one point of connection for lighter dresses or multiple points for heavier fabric or longer trains. The over bustle is a good option if you want to showcase any details or embroidery on your train, as it will still be visible once bustled.
Sewing a Traditional or American Bustle
For a traditional or American bustle, you will add loops or hooks along the waistline of your dress. The train is then fastened across multiple points, creating elegant pleats at the waist. This style is similar to the ballroom bustle, which completely hides the train without changing the look of the dress. To achieve this illusion, several attachment points are added under the dress for the train to connect to, resulting in an untouched, floor-length gown appearance.
Creating a Royal or Victorian Bustle
If you're looking for a more dramatic effect, consider a royal or Victorian bustle. This style can be simple or elaborate, depending on your preference. A single pickup point requires one hook and eyelet to lift the train, while adding multiple pickup points down and across the back creates a more dimensional silhouette. This type of bustle pairs well with gowns that have a statement bow or sash at the back.
Finalizing the Look
Once you've attached the bustle, make sure to straighten out the train and arrange any decorative work or details on the tail pleasingly. If desired, you can add more sets of hooks and eyes to create additional bustles, lifting the back of the dress to showcase any intricate designs. Remember to tuck in each fold for a neat and layered finish. Additionally, consider having a designated person attend your dress fittings, such as your maid of honor, to learn how to properly bustle your dress on your wedding day.
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When to bustle your wedding dress
A wedding dress bustle is a series of loops, hooks, or buttons that secure the train or any extra fabric off the ground and into the back of the dress. This is done to prevent the dress from dragging on the floor and getting dirty. The bustle also creates a uniform hemline and can add interest to the gown by creating cascading layers.
The best time to bustle your wedding dress is between the ceremony and the reception. This is usually done after the photoshoot, to capture the elegant train in the pictures, and before the grand entrance to the reception. It is advisable to practice bustling the dress beforehand, as each dress has a unique bustle, and it can be complex. The seamstress who adds the bustle to the dress is the best person to teach you how to do it. They can also advise on the type of bustle that will work best with your gown.
It is a good idea to elect your maid of honour, mother, or a bridesmaid to help with bustling the dress, as it can be tricky to do alone. They can accompany you to your final wedding dress fitting to learn how to do it directly from the seamstress. Alternatively, someone can take a video of the process to refer back to on the day.
There are several types of bustles to choose from, including the American or "over" bustle, which creates cascading layers that fall over the skirt. There is also the French bustle, where the train is tied underneath the skirt, and the ballroom bustle, which completely hides the train without changing the look of the dress. Ultimately, the bustle you choose will depend on the silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, and your personal preference.
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Why bustle a wedding dress?
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 a bride can walk freely without tripping over her ensemble throughout the night. It is not just for ball gowns or dresses with long trains; any full-length dress can be bustled to create a shorter hemline post-ceremony.
The bustle adds drama to the back by creating a cascading feel as the fabric folds flow over the rest of the skirt. Brides can decide if they want one statement pickup or multiple pickup points for extra flair, depending on what they think complements the style of their gown. It also allows brides to dance and move around comfortably during their reception.
There are many types of bustles, and nearly all full-length gowns have hooks, ties, or buttons sewn into the wedding dress train to create a uniform hemline after the ceremony. The seamstress will sew hooks, ties, or buttons onto the back of the dress to help achieve the desired wedding gown bustle. The seamstress will also 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.
The cost of adding a bustle to a wedding dress ranges between $75 to $250 on average, depending on how many attachment points there are and how many dress layers need to be bustled. It is important to note that despite how carefully the seamstress stitches the bustle, it may break during the reception due to the weight of the wedding dress. Therefore, it is recommended to have safety pins, a sewing needle, and a clear fishing line on hand to prepare for any necessary quick fixes.
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Alternatives to bustling a wedding dress
If you're looking for alternatives to bustling a wedding dress, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you can opt for a shorter dress, a dress without a train, or a dress with a very minimal train. These styles are easier to manage without a bustle and can be draped or held with a loop around your wrist. This way, you can still enjoy the elegance of a trailing gown without the hassle of a bustle.
Another alternative is to choose a wedding dress with a detachable train. This option allows you to remove the train entirely at the end of the night, eliminating the need for bustling. However, it's important to note that keeping the train on throughout the event may result in it getting dirty or stepped on, especially during dancing.
Some brides also opt to simply leave the train as it is without bustling or holding it up. This can be a valid choice, especially if you love the look and feel of the train and don't mind the potential challenges of managing it throughout the event. Ultimately, the decision to bustle or not is a personal preference, and you can choose to embrace the train without any alterations.
Additionally, you can explore creative solutions, such as adding a loop to the underside of the train. This loop can be placed around your wrist, allowing you to drape the train gracefully without compromising the design. This option provides a simple and elegant solution to manage the train without the need for bustling.
Finally, if you're concerned about mobility and comfort, consider altering the train by shortening it or having a second dress to change into for the reception. These options provide more freedom of movement without the need for bustling. Remember, the choice is yours, and you can decide based on what makes you feel happiest and most comfortable on your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding dress bustle secures the train or any extra fabric off the ground and into the back of the dress to prevent it from dragging across the floor.
You should normally bustle your wedding dress between the wedding and reception.
Some popular types of wedding dress bustles include the traditional bustle, the ballroom bustle, the French bustle, the royal bustle, and the bow bustle.
During your wedding dress alteration appointment, your seamstress can help you determine which type of bustle will work best with your gown. Consider the silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, and how you plan to wear your dress.
The method for bustling a wedding dress will depend on the type of bustle you have chosen. Generally, you will attach an eye hook or button to the outside of your dress, high up on the train near your lower back. Then, attach a lower tie about halfway down the back of the skirt and connect the hook and eye. Straighten out the train, ensuring any details on the tail are arranged pleasingly.
