Deborah Chan
A wedding dress bustle is a tailoring technique that lifts the train of a wedding dress off the floor, fastening it securely to the gown’s back. This allows the bride to move around and dance freely after the ceremony without worrying about tripping over her dress or guests stepping on the train. There are several types of bustles, including the American, French, Ballroom, Austrian, and Wrist bustle, each with its own distinct style and functionality. The process of bustling a wedding dress involves sewing buttons, hooks, loops, ties, or ribbons onto the back of the dress to fasten the train securely. It is important to work with a skilled seamstress to determine the best type of bustle for the silhouette of the gown and to ensure proper placement. Learning how to bustle a wedding dress is essential for ensuring the gown stays pristine and practical for the reception.
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right bustle style for your dress
Choosing the right bustle for your wedding dress is an important decision, as it can add to your comfort and mobility, allowing you to move around with ease and dance freely. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the most suitable bustle style for your dress:
Type of Wedding Dress
The style of bustle you choose should complement the silhouette of your gown. Consider the amount of fabric, the length of the train, and the natural fall of the dress. A skilled seamstress can advise on the best type of bustle to enhance the overall look of your dress.
Functionality
Different types of bustles offer varying levels of functionality. If you want a simple and secure option, an American bustle (also known as an over-bustle) is a popular choice. It involves lifting the outside of the train and securing it over the back of the gown at the waistline, using hooks or buttons. This style is easy to create and attach, and it can accommodate light or heavy fabrics with one or multiple pickup points.
Visual Appeal
Bustles can also add a new dimension to your wedding-day look. Consider whether you want the bustle to be visible or hidden. For a discreet option, attach a tie to the underside of the skirt or use ribbons. If you prefer a dramatic look, the American bustle can create a cascading effect with multiple pickup points. Alternatively, a ballroom bustle gives the illusion of no bustle at all, with the train folding delicately into itself.
Personal Preference
Ultimately, the right bustle style is the one that aligns with your personal taste and makes you feel comfortable and confident. Whether you prefer a simple and understated look or a more elaborate and dramatic style, there are many bustle options to choose from.
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Prepare an emergency kit for bustle repairs
Preparing an emergency kit for bustle repairs is a great idea for any wedding, especially if the dress has a long train. Here is a list of items to include in your kit to ensure you're ready for any repairs or adjustments needed to the wedding dress bustle:
Sewing Supplies
Firstly, ensure you have a small sewing kit with needles and threads. It is a good idea to have a variety of thread colours, including shades that match the wedding dress and any bridesmaid outfits. This will help with any simple repairs, such as stitching minor rips or snags. If you're handy with a needle and thread, you can also use this to sew on a bustle if needed. Safety pins are another essential item to have in your kit, as they can be used to secure the folds of the dress when creating the bustle.
Button and Bustle Hook
A button and bustle hook is a must-have in your emergency kit, especially if your wedding dress has buttons, loops, or a bustle. This tool will help you secure the bustle quickly and easily, saving you time and any potential hand strain. It also protects the delicate fabric of your dress from any accidental tugging or oil stains.
Steamers and Lint Rollers
A small, portable steamer is a useful item to have on hand to remove any rogue wrinkles from the dress. It is also a good idea to include a lint roller to remove any pet hair, dust, or loose threads from the dress, keeping it looking pristine.
Dress Weights
If your wedding is outdoors, dress weights are an excellent addition to your emergency kit. These invisible, reusable weights can be discreetly stuck to the interior hem of the dress to prevent the wind from playing havoc with your gown.
Backup Plan
Lastly, consider including some extra fabric and decorations that match your wedding dress. This could be used to create a quick fix if needed, such as covering exposed buttons or hooks with hand-sewn lace appliqués.
Having these items prepared in your wedding day emergency kit will ensure you're ready for any bustle repairs or adjustments needed to your netted wedding dress.
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Learn how to sew a loop to attach the bustle
Sewing a loop to attach a bustle to a wedding dress is a delicate task that requires care and precision. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you learn how to sew a loop to attach a bustle to a netted wedding dress:
Prepare the Thread and Needle:
Start by threading your needle with strong thread, doubling the thread, and inserting it into the needle. Secure the thread by tying a knot at the end. You want to ensure that the thread is durable and secure, as it will bear the weight of the dress's train.
Mark the Loop Placement:
Place a safety pin on the back of the dress to mark the position of the loop. The pin should be placed halfway up the length of the bride's train, which is where the loop will be sewn. This placement is crucial for achieving the desired bustle effect.
Sew the Loop:
Insert the needle into the underside of the dress at the marked location. Pull the threaded needle through, creating a small stitch. Leave most of the thread hanging to form a loop. Then, grab the loop with your fingers and pull the remaining thread through, creating a secure knot. Ensure the knot is tight and sturdy.
Secure the Loop:
To reinforce the loop, you can make additional stitches around it. Carefully stitch around the base of the loop, making sure each stitch is tight and close to the previous one. This will ensure that the loop can withstand the weight of the train and won't come undone.
Attach the Button:
Above the loop, sew a button to complete the bustle. Sew the button about one foot above the bride's knees. Stitch securely, going over it a few times, and make a couple of knots to ensure it holds. Now, you can hook the loop over the button to lift the train off the floor, creating a beautiful and functional bustle.
Remember, this is a simplified guide, and creating a bustle can be intricate work. If you feel unsure about sewing the loop and bustle yourself, consider seeking the expertise of a skilled seamstress or alterations specialist. They can guide you in choosing the best type of bustle for your dress and ensuring a perfect fit.
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Know when to bustle your dress during the wedding
Knowing when to bustle your wedding dress is an important part of your wedding day. The bustle allows you to move around with ease, prevents your dress from getting dirty, and ensures your train doesn't get in the way or cause you to trip.
Most brides choose to bustle their dress between the ceremony and the reception. This is a practical time, as it allows for photographs to be taken with the full train, and then the bustle is in place before you make your grand entrance to the reception. If you are having a cocktail hour, this gives you plenty of time to prepare the bustle.
If your wedding has a large group photo with all your guests, you may wish to wait until after this to bustle your dress. You may also want to consider bustling before your first dance, or if you are moving between locations, such as to a park for further photographs.
Ultimately, the bustle should be added when the train is no longer needed for photographs or your grand entrance, and when it may cause a hindrance to your movement or risk getting dirty.
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Ask your seamstress about adding extra loops or buttons
Adding extra loops or buttons to your wedding dress can help you achieve your desired bustle. Wedding dresses typically do not come with a pre-made bustle, but you can sew one on yourself if you are handy with a needle and thread. If not, your seamstress can help you determine the best type of bustle for your gown. They can sew hooks, ties, or buttons onto the back of your dress to create a uniform hemline after the ceremony.
If you want to add extra loops or buttons, you can purchase bridal button loops from companies like Nakpunar. They come in a variety of colours and styles, including elastic and non-elastic options, and can be easily sewn into your dress. You can also create your own loops by using strong thread to create a loop and then stitching it securely to the dress.
When adding loops or buttons, it's important to consider the placement. Loops or buttons should be placed along the waistline or high up on the train near your lower back. You can also attach a tie to the underside of the skirt, so it's not visible from the outside. This tie can then be connected to a hook or button on the outside of the dress, pulling the skirt off the floor.
If you're adding buttons, consider using button loop tape to create a secure and professional finish. This tape comes in various widths, spacing, stretchiness, and colours, and can be easily sewn into your dress. You can also create a more concealed look by adding loops to completely hide the zipper.
Remember, your seamstress is the expert, so be sure to consult with them before making any alterations to your wedding dress. They can guide you on the best options for your specific gown and help you achieve the look and functionality you desire.
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Frequently asked questions
A bustle is a tailoring technique that lifts the train of a wedding dress off the floor, fastening it securely to the gown’s back. This allows the bride to move around freely and prevents the train from getting soiled.
There are several types of bustles, including the American bustle, French bustle, ballroom bustle, Austrian bustle, and wrist bustle. Each has its own distinct style and functionality.
The choice of bustle depends on the silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, and your personal preference. Consult a professional seamstress to recommend and sew the best type of bustle for your dress.
To bustle a netted wedding dress, you can follow these general steps:
- Sew loops, hooks, ties, or buttons onto the back of the dress.
- Fasten the loops to the buttons or hooks, adjusting the folds of fabric for a fuller look.
- If desired, conceal the hooks or buttons with lace appliqués.
Here are some tips for bustling a wedding dress:
- Assign a trusted person, such as a bridesmaid or family member, to be in charge of bustling your dress on the wedding day.
- Take most of your family and wedding photos before bustling your dress to showcase the train.
- Prepare an emergency kit with safety pins, a sewing needle, and clear fishing line in case any adjustments are needed.
