Deborah Chan
Crepe wedding dresses are known for their sleek and modern look, but the fabric's soft and flowing nature can make bustling a challenge. A bustle is a crucial feature of a wedding dress, as it lifts the back of the gown off the ground, preventing it from getting soiled or causing the bride to trip. While there are several bustling options, the French bustle, which tucks the fabric underneath, is a popular choice for crepe gowns as it preserves the smooth, plain back of the dress. Another option is an over bustle, which is created by attaching the midpoint of the train to a button on the upper part of the skirt. Ultimately, the choice of bustle depends on the bride's preference and the advice of a skilled seamstress, who can offer creative solutions to ensure the bride's comfort and style on their special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of bustling a wedding dress | To pull the back of the dress off the ground so it doesn't get soiled, allowing the bride to move around after the ceremony with ease and reducing the risk of tripping over a long train |
| Types of bustles | French bustle, American bustle or over bustle |
| French bustle | Fabric tucked underneath, no visible buttons or hooks at the back |
| American bustle | Also known as an over bustle, it is created by attaching the midpoint of the train to a button or hook on the upper part of the back of the skirt |
| Wrist loop | A wrist loop can be used to hold the dress up |
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French bustle
One of the advantages of a French bustle is its versatility. It can be adapted to suit the specific style of your dress, whether it's a single-layered minimalist design or something more intricate. The key is to work with a skilled seamstress who can advise on the best way to execute the French bustle for your particular gown.
For those who prefer a more subtle and understated look, the French bustle is an excellent choice. It offers a sleek and elegant solution to managing the train of your wedding dress without adding any bulky or conspicuous fasteners. This style ensures that the focus remains on the overall design and beauty of the gown.
Additionally, the French bustle can provide comfort and convenience for the bride. By lifting and tucking the train, it eliminates the need to carry or drag the fabric, making it easier to move and dance during the reception. This practical aspect of the French bustle is often overlooked but can significantly enhance the overall experience of wearing your wedding dress.
While the French bustle is a popular choice, it's important to consider other options as well. Some brides may prefer a wrist loop, which allows them to carry the train elegantly. There is also the option of a modified French bustle with a single bustle loop that can be hooked over buttons for added convenience during the reception. Ultimately, the choice of bustle should be guided by the specific style of the dress and the bride's personal preferences.
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Wrist loop
A wrist loop is a type of bustle that allows you to hold up the train of your wedding dress. It is also known as a wristlet bustle. This option is ideal if you want to show off the beautiful details of the train and the back of your dress.
To create a wrist loop, a seamstress can sew a loop into the dress, usually attached inside the two layers of the dress, around six inches from the edge of the train. This loop can then be hooked over buttons on the dress.
A wrist loop is a good option if you want to preserve the clean silhouette of your dress, as it does not require any hooks or buttons at the waistline or the start of the skirt flare. This is especially useful if you are planning on kneeling during your ceremony, as some brides feel that having buttons or hooks at the bottom or back of the dress would look odd.
However, some brides have found that having to hold the train up via a wrist loop all night can become annoying and tiresome, especially if the train is heavy. It is recommended that you test out this option beforehand by pinning a loop to the back of your trousers and walking around to see how it feels.
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American bustle
The American bustle, also known as an over-bustle, is a type of wedding dress bustle that can be added to your dress by request. It typically involves one point of attachment, where the train is lifted and secured to the dress to create a manageable length that allows the bride to move around easily.
When considering an American bustle for your crepe wedding dress, it is important to explore different bustle options with your seamstress to find the most suitable style for your gown. A good seamstress will have plenty of ideas and can pin the dress during a consultation to give you an idea of the end result.
For a crepe wedding dress, the French bustle is a popular choice. This style tends to work well with single-layered, minimalist dresses as it creates elegant folds that add visual interest to the gown. However, some brides may prefer other options, such as the American bustle, which offers a simple and straightforward solution to managing the train.
When deciding on the type of bustle, it is essential to consider the overall silhouette and fabric of your dress. The American bustle is versatile and can be created using buttons, hooks, or loops, making it a good choice for various wedding dress styles. It is important to note that adding a bustle may slightly change the look of your dress, so it is recommended to consult with your seamstress and request their expertise in finding the most suitable option for your crepe wedding dress.
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Over bustle
An over bustle is one of the simplest types of wedding dress bustles to execute. It is also known as an American bustle. This bustle style is created by attaching the midpoint of the train to a button on the upper part of the back of the skirt, on the outside of the dress. This can be done with one point of connection for lighter dresses with shorter trains, or through multiple points of connection for heavier fabric or longer trains.
To create an over bustle, you can use hooks or buttons at the waistline of the dress or at the start of the skirt flare on a fitted dress. These buttons or hooks are on the outside of the gown and are virtually invisible on an A-line or ball gown dress with a full skirt and intricate details. The over bustle adds drama to the back of the dress 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 best.
An over bustle is best suited for lace, chiffon, or flowy dresses. If you have an A-line, mermaid, or ball gown, an over bustle might be the best option. It is important to note that ribbons are not usually used for an over bustle, as they would be visible from the outside. Instead, a hook-and-eye system is typically used.
For a sleek plain crepe or mikado gown, a French bustle may be a better option. This type of bustle has a modern and sleek effect and is suitable for column or sheath-shaped dresses with shorter trains. It involves sewing buttons or hooks underneath the dress, so they are not visible on the outside.
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Attaching hooks and eyes
Firstly, you will need to attach an eye hook or a button to the outside of the dress. Position it high up on the train, close to your lower back. Try to conceal the hook or button within the seams, using creative decoration like embroidery or beading.
Next, attach the lower tie. For an over bustle, the lower tie should be placed halfway down the back of the skirt. Avoid using ribbons as they will be visible; instead, opt for a hook and eye system.
Connect the hook and eye together. Once joined, the underside of the skirt should be lifted off the floor. Adjust the train, ensuring any details on the tail are arranged neatly.
If needed, you can attach more sets of hooks and eyes to create multiple bustles. This is particularly useful if you want to lift the back of the dress to showcase any decorative work on the train.
It is always a good idea to have someone help you with bustling your dress. Assign a member of your bridal party to assist you, and have them attend your dress fittings so they can learn how to do it properly.
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Frequently asked questions
A bustle lifts the back of the dress off the ground so that it doesn't get soiled, and it allows the bride to move around with ease.
There are a few different types of bustles, including the French bustle, the American bustle, and the wrist loop. The French bustle is created by tucking the fabric underneath, resulting in a pretty shape at the back. The American bustle, also known as an over bustle, is created by attaching the midpoint of the train to a button on the upper part of the back of the skirt. A wrist loop is another option, where a loop is sewn into the wrist.
The type of bustle you choose will depend on the style of your dress and your personal preference. If you want to avoid a visible button at the back of your dress, for example, you might prefer a French bustle or a wrist loop. It's a good idea to consult with a seamstress or bridal designer to discuss your options and decide on the best bustle for your dress.
