George Boyle
A wedding dress bustle is a way to secure the train or any extra fabric of a wedding gown to give the wearer freedom of movement. It is especially useful for gowns with a long train, as it prevents the wearer from tripping or getting caught on things. There are many types of bustles, including the American or over-bustle, where the train is lifted and secured over the back of the gown to the waistline. The price of adding a bustle depends on the number of attachment points and dress layers that need to be bustled. It is recommended to consult a skilled seamstress to determine the best type of bustle for the gown and to have a designated person, such as a bridesmaid, learn how to do the bustle before the wedding day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To secure the train or any extra fabric of a wedding dress off the ground, making it easier to move around in |
| Types | American/over-bustle, ballroom bustle, one-point bustle, three-point bustle, 11-point bustle, 19-point bustle, 25-point bustle |
| Considerations | The silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, the number of attachment points, the number of dress layers to be bustled, the cost of living in the area |
| Who does it? | A seamstress or a designated individual like a bridesmaid or family member |
| When to do it | Between the ceremony and reception |
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What You'll Learn
- The American bustle, or over-bustle, is a simple option for seamstresses to execute
- Hooks, ties, or buttons are sewn into the back of the dress to bustle it
- The number of attachment points affects the bustle's price and complexity
- A wrist loop is a cheaper alternative to a bustle, but not for the whole event
- A trusted bridesmaid or family member should be delegated the task of bustling
The American bustle, or over-bustle, is a simple option for seamstresses to execute
The American bustle, also known as the over-bustle, is a popular and versatile option for brides. This bustle is created by 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. Seamstresses will find this bustle simple to execute, and it can be easily attached on the wedding day.
The American bustle is a good choice for brides who want to be able to move and dance freely during their reception. It adds drama to the back of the gown by creating a cascading effect as the fabric folds flow over the rest of the skirt. Brides can choose to have one statement pickup or multiple pickup points for added flair.
This bustle is suitable for a variety of dress styles, from sheath dresses to voluminous ball gowns. When paired with a sheath dress, the American bustle accentuates the dress's linear design, adding depth and interest to the back of the gown without overwhelming its minimalist design. For A-line dresses, the American bustle adds a playful yet balanced look, giving volume and visual interest to the back of the dress.
The American bustle is also a good option for brides who want to transform the silhouette of their gown. By lifting the train over the top of the gown, the American bustle can make the train disappear, giving the illusion of a floor-length gown. This is a classic and elegant look that is versatile and functional, making it a popular choice for brides.
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Hooks, ties, or buttons are sewn into the back of the dress to bustle it
Hooks, ties, or buttons are a popular way to bustle a wedding dress. These are sewn into the back of the dress to secure the train and create a uniformed hemline. This method can be used to bustle a variety of dress styles, from ball gowns to full-length gowns.
The number of hooks, ties, or buttons used will depend on the length of the train and the fullness of the skirt. For a simple bustle, only one hook or button may be needed, while multiple bustle points can be used for a more dramatic look or to keep a heavier skirt floor-length.
During your wedding dress alteration appointment, the seamstress will determine the best type of bustle for your gown and sew the necessary hooks, ties, or buttons into the back of the dress. It is helpful to bring a trusted individual, such as a bridesmaid or family member, to this appointment so they can learn how to do the bustle directly from the seamstress.
On your wedding day, the designated "bustler" will be responsible for bustling your dress, usually before your first dance. It is important to plan ahead and allow enough time for this, as some bustles can be complicated to execute.
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The number of attachment points affects the bustle's price and complexity
The number of attachment points on a wedding dress bustle can significantly impact its price and complexity. Generally, the more attachment points a bustle has, the higher the cost. For example, a one-point bustle in a low-cost area may cost around $50, while a 25-point bustle can be necessary for dresses with many layers of fabric. The price difference is influenced by the additional time and skill required to create and attach more complex bustles.
The complexity of the bustle also increases with the number of attachment points. Dresses with multiple layers of fabric, such as tulle, can be particularly challenging to bustle. In these cases, each layer may require its own set of attachment points to ensure that the dress is lifted off the ground and does not drag. This adds to the overall complexity of the bustle design and attachment process.
The type of bustle chosen can also influence the number of attachment points. For instance, the American bustle, or over-bustle, offers flexibility in the number of pickup points. Brides can opt for a single statement pickup or multiple pickup points to add flair to their gown. This type of bustle is considered relatively simple for a seamstress to create and attach on the wedding day.
It is important to consult with a skilled seamstress who can recommend the most suitable bustle type based on the gown's silhouette, fabric amount, and desired wear. They can guide the bride in selecting a bustle style that aligns with their preferences and budget constraints. During the final alterations appointment, the designated "bustler," usually a bridesmaid or family member, can be present to receive hands-on practice before the wedding day.
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A wrist loop is a cheaper alternative to a bustle, but not for the whole event
A wrist loop is a cheaper alternative to a wedding dress bustle, but it is not practical for the entire event. A wrist loop can be used to hold up the train of a wedding dress, but it is not designed to be used for an extended period. The wrist loop can be useful for getting into a car or taking photographs, but it can get tiring to hold the dress up for a long time, and it may restrict the use of your hands and arms.
Wrist loops can be a good option for keeping the train of the dress off the floor during certain activities, such as cutting the cake or walking down the aisle. However, for activities like dancing, a wrist loop may become cumbersome and heavy, and it could get in the way of the bride's movements. It is also possible for people to trip over the train if it is attached to the bride's wrist.
The wrist loop can be a good backup option if the bustle breaks or if the bride does not like the look of a bustle. Some brides opt for both a wrist loop and a bustle, using the loop for photos and then having the train bustled for the reception and dancing.
Ultimately, the decision to use a wrist loop or a bustle depends on the bride's personal preference and the style of her dress. It is important to consider the length and weight of the train, as well as the activities planned for the wedding. Consulting with a seamstress can help determine the best option for the specific dress.
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A trusted bridesmaid or family member should be delegated the task of bustling
The designated person should be someone who the bride trusts and who is reliable. They should also be able to follow instructions and pay attention to detail. It is important to choose someone who will be available on the wedding day and can help with the bustling process calmly and efficiently. The bride should also consider choosing someone who is not in the wedding party so that they can focus solely on the bustling process if needed.
The designated person should be given clear instructions on how to bustle the dress, including which hooks, ties, or buttons to use and how to achieve the desired look. They should also be given a step-by-step guide or checklist to follow on the day, including any special instructions from the seamstress. Practising bustling the dress before the wedding day is also a good idea, so the designated person feels confident and comfortable with the task.
It is also important to consider the timing of bustling the wedding dress. The bride should plan and ensure there is enough time between the ceremony and reception for the bustling to take place. This may involve coordinating with the designated person and other members of the bridal party to ensure a smooth transition from the ceremony to the reception. Practising the bustling ahead of time will also help to ensure that the timing runs smoothly on the day.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding dress bustle is a way to secure the train or any extra fabric of a wedding dress so that it doesn't drag on the floor. This makes it easier for the wearer to move around and dance.
A bustle is a good idea if you want to move around freely and not worry about tripping on your dress. If your dress has a long train, a bustle can add drama to your look by creating a cascading effect.
There are many types of bustles, including the American bustle (or over-bustle) and the ballroom bustle. The American bustle is created when the outside of the train is lifted and secured over the back of the gown to the waistline. The ballroom bustle is when the train is tucked underneath/inside the skirt.
The best bustle for your dress will depend on the silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, and how you plan to wear it. It's important to consult with a skilled seamstress who can recommend the best option for your dress and sew the necessary hooks, ties, or buttons onto the back of your dress to achieve the desired bustle.
