Rhiannon Hendricks
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 technique is used to prevent tripping hazards and to protect the fabric from damage during the reception. It also transforms the look of a dress, giving it a polished, party-ready appearance. There are several types of bustles, each with its own distinct style and functionality. The American bustle, for instance, is known for its simplicity and versatility. The French bustle, on the other hand, tucks the train under the dress for a cascading effect. Creating a bustle is a complex process and should be left to professionals. This process involves layers of fabric and intricate details, such as lace and stylistic seams.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Prevent tripping hazards, protect the fabric from damage, transform the look of a dress, giving it a polished, party-ready appearance |
| Types | American (Over), French (Under), Ballroom (Austrian), English |
| Techniques | Lifting the train of a wedding dress off the floor, fastening it securely to the gown's back |
| Attachment | Eye hook, button, tie, ribbons, loops, hooks |
| Cost | $75 to $250, on average |
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What You'll Learn
- Choose a bustle style that complements your dress's silhouette
- Prepare for the worst-case scenario by having safety pins, a sewing needle, and clear fishing line on hand
- Use different colour ribbons to colour code which ties go together
- Sew an eye hook to the end of the train and attach it to a tie on the underside seam of the skirt
- The French bustle tucks the train under the dress for a cascading effect
Choose a bustle style that complements your dress's silhouette
Choosing the right bustle style for your wedding dress is an important decision that can greatly impact your comfort and mobility on your big day. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a bustle style that complements your dress's silhouette:
Evaluate the Dress's Design and Fabric
The structure and fabric of your dress are crucial factors in choosing the right bustle style. Consider the silhouette, embellishments, and overall design of your gown. Heavier materials or dresses with intricate details may require a stronger bustle, while lighter fabrics can be supported by simpler methods. Additionally, if your dress has a statement bow or sash at the back, you may want to opt for a bustle style that showcases this feature.
Consider the Train Length and Style
The length and style of your train will also play a role in selecting the right bustle. If you have a long train, a royal bustle or American bustle can elegantly lift and secure the train at multiple points. For shorter trains, a French bustle or ballroom bustle might be more suitable as they tuck the train under the fabric, creating a seamless look.
Visual Impact and Personal Preference
Bustles can significantly enhance the beauty of your gown when the train is lifted. Consider the visual impact you wish to achieve. Do you want the bustle to be hidden, creating the illusion of a seamless floor-length gown? Or do you prefer a dramatic look with elegant folds and dimension? Your personal preference and the overall aesthetic of your wedding should also be considered.
Ease of Bustling and Comfort
Practically is also key when it comes to bustling. Choose a bustle style that is relatively easy for your bridesmaids or family members to manage on the day. Additionally, consider your comfort and mobility. The bustle should be designed to complement your body and the natural fall of the dress, ensuring it doesn't impede your movement.
Remember to consult with a professional seamstress or your bridal boutique to determine the best bustle style for your dream wedding dress. Practicing bustling the dress before the wedding day is also highly recommended!
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Prepare for the worst-case scenario by having safety pins, a sewing needle, and clear fishing line on hand
Wedding dresses can be very heavy, and if the delicate bustle points are not properly secured, they can break during the reception. Thus, it is always good to be prepared for the worst-case scenario by having safety pins, a sewing needle, and a clear fishing line on hand. If you are bustling with ribbons and one of them comes loose, you can sew the ribbon back into the dress with the clear fishing line. If the problem is more complicated, you can use an oversized safety pin to pin the dress together at the broken bustle point.
Safety pins are especially helpful if your bustle points are hidden from view, as they can easily be hooked into place to keep the dress fabric where it needs to be. A clear fishing line is also incredibly handy as it is not easily visible and is stronger than standard thread. You can use a sewing kit to stitch the fishing line into a new loop to replace a broken one, or sew buttons back on. However, stitching the dress onto itself with the fishing line should be a last resort, as it can be very tricky to undo.
If you still have functional loops on your bustle but the hook or button is missing, you can use a ribbon to attach the loop. If you are creating your own wedding dress bustle, you will need to use safety pins to mark or hold the dress fabric as needed. You should also decide between buttons, hooks, or ribbons, which may be exposed depending on your bustle design.
In general, creating a bustle is a work of art and should be left to professionals. A wedding dress is unlike any other dress, and a bustle is unlike any other alteration. There are layers upon layers of fabric and intricate details, such as lace and stylistic seams to navigate. The dainty loops and buttons used to make a bustle could break if they are not created properly. Thus, it is recommended to partner with a skilled seamstress who has experience tailoring and adding bustles to wedding dresses.
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Use different colour ribbons to colour code which ties go together
Wedding dresses do not come with a pre-made bustle, but with the right tools and techniques, you can create one yourself. A bustle is an important part of any gown with a train, as it helps to secure the fabric of the gown's train, giving you the freedom to move around with ease and preventing any damage to the dress.
If you are using multiple ties, use different colour ribbons to colour code which ties go together. This will make the job much easier and will also make the ties easier to see under all the layers of tulle and skirting. If you are concerned that the different colours may show through the fabric, simply number the ends so that they correspond with the tie you will attach.
Ribbons are frequently used to connect and secure the fabric in a French bustle, also known as a Victorian bustle or an underbustle. The under layers are often done with ribbon, while the outer layers are done with buttons and nylon thread. When using ribbons, it is important to note that they are not usually used for an over-bustle, as they would be very visible. Instead, a hook and eye system is typically used.
It is recommended that you practice bustling your dress several times before the wedding to ensure a smooth transition. It is also a good idea to enlist the help of a skilled seamstress or alterations expert, as they will be able to advise on the best type of bustle for your dress and securely stitch the buttons and ties.
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Sew an eye hook to the end of the train and attach it to a tie on the underside seam of the skirt
Sewing an eye hook to the end of a layered wedding dress's train and attaching it to a tie on the underside seam of the skirt is a great way to bustle a wedding dress. This method is called the "regular bustle" or "traditional bustle". It is a simple, symmetrical, and draped look that does not take away from the dress itself. It is usually easier to create this style on a skirt that is full but does not have a lot of tulle underneath.
To start, attach a tie to the underside seam of the skirt. Position it in such a way that when the bustling is complete, the skirt's hem will be slightly off the floor. This tie should be sewn into the seam of the skirt so that it is not visible from the outside.
Next, sew an eye hook to the very end of the train, concealing the hook with embroidery, beading, or decorative elements. The eye hook should be sturdy enough to hold up the train of the dress, so if the train is heavy, be sure to attach a sturdy eye hook.
After that, tuck the back of the skirt up and under the dress. You will probably need someone to help you with this step. Attach the eye hook to the tie on the underside. This will make your hem bubble and your skirt look fuller.
Finally, straighten out your dress, making sure that the back of it is lying as it should. You may need to have more than one point of attachment to make the bustled hem look natural.
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The French bustle tucks the train under the dress for a cascading effect
The French bustle, also known as the under-bustle, is a stunning yet subtle option for a wedding dress bustle. It is characterised by its sophisticated aesthetic, neatly tucking the train of the dress under the skirt to create a delightful, romantic puff. This style is ideal for brides who want to showcase the intricate details of their skirts.
To create a French bustle, the seamstress will add colour-coded ribbons or ties underneath the gown. These ribbons or ties are used to fasten the bustle, tucking the train up and under the dress to create a seamless, gathered appearance. The ribbons or ties are fastened together, and the back of the dress is fluffed until it appears just right.
The French bustle is a versatile option, pairing well with a variety of wedding dress styles, particularly those with voluminous skirts or dramatic silhouettes, such as ball gowns. It is a good choice for brides who want to showcase the intricate details of their skirts, as it creates a subtle, vintage feel.
It is important to note that creating a bustle is a complex task that should be left to experienced seamstresses. They will take into account the fabric, weight, and train length of the dress to recommend the best option. It is also a good idea to assign a helper, such as a bridesmaid or family member, who can practice bustling the gown during the final fitting to ensure a stress-free process on the big day.
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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 prevents tripping hazards and protects the fabric from damage during the reception.
A bustle can help secure the fabric of your gown's train, giving you the freedom to move around with ease. It can also help to transform the look of your dress, giving it a polished, party-ready appearance.
There are several types of wedding dress bustles, including the American bustle (or over bustle)
The key to choosing the right bustle is understanding how it complements your gown's style. For example, a ballroom bustle pairs well with structured ballgowns, while a French bustle enhances the drama of layered skirts. Consider your venue and planned activities, such as the amount of walking or dancing, to make the right choice.
Creating a bustle is a complex process that should be left to professional seamstresses. However, you can attach an eye hook or button on the outside of your dress near your lower back, and then attach the lower tie halfway down the back of the skirt. Connect the hook and eye to lift the skirt off the floor. Alternatively, you can attach a tie on the underside seam of the skirt and sew an eye hook to the end of the train. Then, tuck the back of the skirt under the dress and attach the eye hook to the tie.
