Junior Rasmussen
A wrist strap is a convenient alternative to a bustle for managing a wedding dress train. It is a ribbon or loop attached to the back of the train that allows the wearer to easily arrange and carry the train. While a wrist strap can be a good option for photographs, it may become annoying during the reception, as it can get in the way of dancing and hugging guests. Additionally, there is a risk of the strap breaking, leaving the wearer without a backup option. Some people opt to bustle their dresses after the ceremony or remove the train entirely to make the dress lighter and easier to move around in.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to attach a wrist strap | When you want to avoid bustling your dress, especially if you want to take pictures with the train of your dress spread out. |
| When not to attach a wrist strap | When you want your hands free during the evening to reach over tables, hug guests, play with cameras, etc. |
| Advantages of a wrist strap | It can be more comfortable and convenient than a bustle, especially if you want to show off the train of your dress. It can also be a good option if your dress is light in weight. |
| Disadvantages of a wrist strap | It can get in the way of your activities during the wedding, such as dancing and hugging guests. It may not be suitable for a heavy dress as it may not be able to bear the weight. |
| How to attach a wrist strap | You can use a nice piece of silk cord or ribbon and hand sew it onto the underneath of your dress. Be careful not to pierce through the top layer of fabric. |
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What You'll Learn
Sew a wrist strap to the underneath of the dress
Sewing a wrist strap to the underneath of your wedding dress can be a great way to manage a long train. It is a good option if you don't like the look of a bustle, or if you are unable to add a bustle to your dress.
If you are handy with a needle and thread, you can add a wrist strap yourself. First, decide where you want to attach the wrist strap. If your dress has a lace overlay, you may want to attach the strap about an inch back from the front of the dress, so that you can easily carry the underlayer and overlay together. If you attach the strap to the lace, be careful not to pierce through to the top layer of fabric. If your dress doesn't have a lace overlay, you could attach the strap at the very back of the train.
Next, choose your strap material. You could use a nice piece of silk cord, or even ribbon. Make sure it is strong enough to bear the weight of your dress. You can sew fabric flowers or other embellishments onto the strap to make it look prettier.
Finally, sew the strap securely to the underside of your dress. If your dress is lined, sew the strap to the lining only, being careful not to pierce the outer layer of fabric. If your dress is made from lace, hand-stitch the strap to avoid the fabric getting caught or snagged in a sewing machine.
Adding a wrist strap to your wedding dress can give you the freedom to move around without having to worry about a long train. However, some people find that it gets in the way during their wedding celebrations, so you may want to consider detaching it after the ceremony, or having a backup plan, such as a shorter dress for the reception.
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Use a silk cord for the wrist strap
If you want to add a wrist strap to your wedding dress, one option is to use a silk cord. This is a good choice if you have a lace dress with a longer underlay, as you can attach the cord to the underlay without piercing the top layer of fabric. This method also allows you to carry the underlay and the lace layer when you pick up the dress by the wrist strap.
To use this method, get a nice piece of silk cord that you like the look of. You can find silk cords with a leather stopper ring that allows for adjustable sizing, which may be useful depending on your needs. Then, hand sew the silk cord onto the underneath of the dress. Be careful not to pierce through the top layer of fabric. You only want to sew through the lining so that your stitches don't show.
This method is a bit different from the traditional way of attaching a wrist loop at the very back of the train. However, it can be a good option if you have a longer lace layer that you don't want to sew through. It's also a good choice if you want to be able to manoeuvre your dress without assistance, as it will allow you to easily arrange the train wherever you are.
Using a silk cord for the wrist strap can add a delicate and elegant touch to your wedding dress. The soft texture and luster of silk can also feel gentle and comfortable on your skin. Keep in mind that silk straps may undergo a natural evolution over time, gradually softening and developing a unique patina. While you can try gently dabbing it with a cloth dampened with a mild detergent for delicate fabrics, washing the silk cord is generally not recommended.
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Attach the wrist strap at the back of the train
If you want to attach a wrist strap at the back of the train of your wedding dress, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, if your dress has a zipper at the back, adding buttons for a wrist strap may look odd. In this case, you could use the train ribbon as a wrist strap, perhaps sewing on some fabric flowers to make it prettier.
If your dress has a long train, you may want to consider bustling your dress, which can be done by a skilled seamstress. This is a good option if you want to be able to use your hands freely during your wedding, for example, to reach over tables or hug guests. However, if you prefer the look of a long train and don't want to worry about a bustle showing, you can opt for a wrist strap.
To attach a wrist strap at the back of the train, you can follow these steps:
- Decide on the type of wrist strap you want. You can use a nice piece of silk cord or ribbon, or you can use the existing train ribbon.
- If using a new piece of fabric, cut it to the desired length, allowing for a few extra inches to be sewn into the dress.
- Pin or hand sew the wrist strap to the underside of the train, being careful not to pierce through the top layer of fabric.
- Try on the dress and adjust the wrist strap as needed. Ensure that it is comfortable and secure.
By attaching the wrist strap at the back of the train, you can easily manage your dress's train and create a romantic look for your wedding photos.
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Use a wrist strap for photos, then remove it for the reception
A wrist strap can be a great option for your wedding dress, especially for photos, but you may want to remove it for the reception to have your hands free for dancing, hugging guests, and other activities.
If you're handy with a needle and thread, you can sew a wrist strap onto your dress yourself. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Decide on the type of material you want to use for the wrist strap. You can choose something simple like a silk cord or ribbon, or you can opt for a prettier fabric that matches your dress.
- Pin one end of the wrist strap about an inch back from the back of your train, being careful not to pierce through the top layer of fabric. If your dress has a longer lace layer than the underlay, you can attach the wrist strap to the underlay, so the lace naturally falls with it.
- Hand sew the wrist strap securely in place, making sure to only sew through the lining or underlayer of the dress so that your stitches don't show.
- Test out the wrist strap to ensure it's sturdy and can hold the weight of your dress.
For the reception, you have a few options. You can either remove the wrist strap entirely and hold your dress up as you dance and socialise, or you can bustle your dress. A bustle is a method of lifting and securing the train of your dress so that it doesn't drag on the floor. You can ask your seamstress to create a bustle, or you can try a DIY method like a train flip bustle, which is ideal for heavy dresses as it folds all the fabric up and inwards, securing it at multiple points. Alternatively, you can remove the train entirely and make your dress floor-length all around, which will make it lighter and easier to move around in.
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Buy a separate reception dress to wear for dancing
If you're worried about the hassle of a wrist strap, one option is to buy a separate reception dress to wear for dancing. This way, you can move freely on the dance floor without worrying about your train or wrist strap.
There are many stylish options for reception dresses that will allow you to showcase your personal style. You can choose from a variety of styles, including short and playful dresses, sleek midi dresses, modern mini dresses, elegant sheath gowns, or classic tea-length dresses. You can even opt for a jumpsuit or a tailored suit if you want to defy expectations. These dresses often have subtle sparkles, pearl accents, or unique design elements that will make you stand out.
When selecting your reception dress, consider your comfort, the venue, and your personal style. Choose fabrics that allow for movement so you can dance and mingle with your guests with ease. You can also decide whether you want your reception dress to complement your ceremony gown or showcase a completely different style.
Reception dresses are often more affordable than traditional ceremony gowns, so you can find a stylish option without sacrificing quality. You can even wear your reception dress for the entire celebration if you prefer, especially for civil ceremonies or intimate gatherings.
By choosing a separate reception dress, you can focus on enjoying your special day without the worry of managing your train or wrist strap. You'll be able to dance the night away in style and comfort.
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Frequently asked questions
A wrist strap is a great way to hold up the train of your dress, especially if you don't like the look of a bustle. It can be a romantic option for photos, allowing you to spread out the train without bustling it.
Some brides have reported that a wrist strap can get in the way when you want to have your hands free, for example, when dancing, hugging guests, or taking photos. It may also not be a good option for heavier dresses.
If you don't want to use a wrist strap, you can opt for a bustle or remove the train entirely. A skilled seamstress can create an invisible bustle, especially for heavier dresses. Another option is to buy a separate, shorter dress for the reception and dancing.
You can ask your seamstress to add a wrist strap, especially if they have experience with them. If you want to do it yourself, you can use a nice piece of silk cord or ribbon and hand-sew it onto the underlay of your dress, being careful not to pierce the top layer of fabric.
Yes, a wrist strap can be added to any wedding dress. However, it may be more challenging to find a suitable attachment location for certain dress styles, such as those with heavy satin fabric or a center back zipper.
