Franklin Dean
A wedding dress with a long train can be bustled to allow the bride to move around with ease and alleviate the fear of tripping. A bustle lifts and secures the train using buttons, hooks, or ribbons, with the most common types being the American and French bustles. The American bustle involves lifting the train and hooking it over the back of the dress, while the French bustle tucks the train underneath. The process of bustling a wedding dress can be tricky, and it is recommended to have a designated person, such as a bridesmaid, to handle the task. This person should attend the final dress fitting to learn how to bustle the dress properly. Additionally, it is important to consider the venue and overall wedding theme when choosing a bustle style, as well as the length of the train and the type of fabric. While bustling a wedding dress can be a great way to cut costs, it is crucial to have a professional seamstress involved to ensure the best results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To secure the fabric of the train, giving the bride freedom to move around without tripping |
| Types | American, French, Austrian, Ballroom, Train-flip/Flip-over, Wrist, Overbustle |
| Installation | Hooks, ties, ribbons, buttons, loops |
| Installation Expert | Seamstress |
| Installation Cost | $75-$250 |
| Installation Considerations | Length of train, weight of fabric, silhouette of the gown, how the dress is to be worn |
| When to Bustle | Between the ceremony and reception, or after the first dance |
| Who to Assign | Maid of Honor, Bridesmaid, Family Member |
| What to Prepare | Sewing needle, clear fishing line, safety pins, mini sewing kit |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bustle style for your dress
Choosing the right bustle for your wedding dress is an important part of finalising your wedding-day look. It can add serious style to your bridal dress while also serving a functional purpose. The right bustle will allow you to move freely and comfortably during your reception, especially if your dress has a long train.
There are several different types of bustles to choose from, and the right one for you will depend on factors such as the silhouette of your dress, the length of the train, and the placement of any embellishments. For example, the American bustle, or "over-bustle", is one of the most common and straightforward options. It consists of one or more bustle points at the waist or hip line, where the train is pulled up and over the rest of the gown. This style is versatile and can be used to create either a simplistic or dramatic look, depending on the number of bustle points. However, it is better suited to dresses with longer trains. On the other hand, the French bustle, or "under-bustle", is a better option for dresses with shorter trains and embellishments near the waist. This style tucks the train under the silhouette of the gown, creating the illusion of a floor-length dress with a full bottom.
Other types of bustles include the ballroom bustle, which gives the illusion of no bustle at all, and the sling bustle, which creates an asymmetrical look and is best suited for lightweight fabrics and short trains. For a more dramatic look, the royal bustle can be a good option, with multiple folds wrapping around the back of the gown.
When choosing a bustle, it is important to consider the venue and formality of your wedding. For example, a simpler bustle like the train flip may be more practical for outdoor or beach weddings, while ballroom and Austrian bustles are better suited for formal indoor settings. Additionally, it is recommended to work closely with your seamstress, as they will be able to take into account the fabric, weight, and train length of your dress to recommend the best option.
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Working with a seamstress to create the bustle
Working with a seamstress to create a bustle for your wedding dress is highly recommended. A wedding dress is unlike any other dress, and a bustle is an intricate alteration that requires experience and skill. A seamstress will be able to create a custom bustle that fits your dress and your body perfectly.
Before meeting with a seamstress, it is helpful to familiarize yourself with the different types of bustles. There are many options to choose from, including the popular American bustle, the French bustle, the ballroom bustle, and the royal bustle. The type of bustle that will work best for your dress will depend on factors such as the silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, and how you plan to wear your dress. For example, an American bustle, also known as an over-bustle, is a versatile option that can be used with most dresses, while a French bustle, also known as an under-bustle, is better suited for gowns with a more natural waistline.
When choosing a seamstress to work with, look for someone who is familiar with wedding dresses and has experience tailoring and adding bustles to gowns. The bridal boutique where you purchased your dress may be able to recommend an experienced seamstress, or you can ask for referrals from friends and family. During your first fitting, discuss your options with the seamstress and trust their expertise to recommend the best type of bustle for your dress.
It is important to keep in mind that creating a bustle is a complex process that requires time and attention to detail. Each individual button, hook, loop, and ribbon is sewn in by hand, so the more intricate the bustle, the more time and energy will be required by your seamstress. Be prepared to factor the cost of the bustle into your overall dress budget, as it is an additional expense that can range from \$75 to \$250 or more, depending on the complexity of the design.
Finally, remember to include your designated "bustler" in the process. This person, usually a bridesmaid or family member, will be responsible for bustling your dress on your wedding day, so it is essential that they attend your final fitting to learn how to bustle the dress and practice before the big day.
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When to bustle your dress
The bustle of a wedding dress is an important part of any gown with a train. It is a way of lifting and securing the train so that it's off the ground and no longer trailing behind you. This makes it easier to move around and dance during the reception without compromising the beauty of your gown.
Most brides opt to bustle their dress between the ceremony and the reception, or after their first dance. It is a good idea to take most of your family and newlywed photos before bustling your dress so that you can show off your train in all its glory. You may want to ask your seamstress to install extra loops or buttons if you plan on dancing the night away, to ensure that the bustle stays secure throughout the event.
If you are wearing a long train, it is a good idea to have multiple points or loops to support the weight. You can also ask your seamstress if a wrist bustle is possible. This is when a loop is added to the underside of your train so that you can carry it at your side. This won't be convenient for all dresses, but it can be a useful option when getting to the venue and walking around for photos.
It is important to plan when you would like to bustle your dress and let your designated "bustler" know so that they can pull you aside at the right moment. This person is usually the maid of honour or another member of the bridal party. They should attend your final fitting so they can learn how to properly bustle your dress and practice before the big day.
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How to bustle a long train wedding dress
A 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, allowing the bride to move around with ease. Wedding dresses don't usually come with a pre-made bustle, so you'll need to add one. This can be done by a professional seamstress, or you can sew one on yourself.
Before adding a bustle, it's important to consider the silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, and how you plan to wear your dress. Different types of bustles work better with different dresses. For example, an American bustle, where the train is hooked over the back of the dress, works well with a lighter dress that doesn't have a long train. A French bustle, where the train tucks underneath the dress, is better for a heavier fabric or longer train. If you have a super long train, a bustle may not be functional or practical, and you may want to consider a second wedding dress to change into for the reception.
If you want to sew a bustle onto your dress yourself, you can do so by sewing a loop to the back of the dress and a button above it. Sew the loop halfway up the length of the dress using a secure knot. Then, sew the button 1 foot above the bride’s knees, stitching it several times and making several knots to make sure it’s secure. Now you’ll be able to hook the loop over the button to lift the dress’s train off of the floor.
If you want to add a French bustle to your dress, you can do so by attaching a tie to the seam of the underside of the skirt, so that it's not visible from the outside. Sew an eye hook to the very end of the train, concealing the hook as best you can with embroidery or beading. Attach the tie to the eye hook on the underside of the dress, pulling the tie so that the skirt bunches.
It's important to plan when you'd like to bustle your dress, as it can be time-consuming. Most brides opt to do it between the ceremony and reception, or after their first dance. You should also decide who will be in charge of bustling your dress, such as your maid of honor or another bridesmaid, and have them attend your final fitting so they can learn how to do it.
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What to do if the bustle breaks
While it is rare, bustles can break. Wedding dresses can be heavy, and if you're dancing, walking, and mingling, you're relying on a few delicate bustle points to hold the whole thing in place. If the bustle breaks, you can take the following steps:
Prepare an emergency kit
It is always good to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Have safety pins, a sewing needle, and a clear fishing line on hand in the bridal suite. If your wedding dress is bustled with ribbons and one of them comes loose, a bridesmaid can sew the ribbon back into the dress with a clear fishing line.
Pin the dress together
If the problem is complicated, you can pin the dress together at the broken bustle point with an oversized safety pin. This will hold the skirt off the ground.
Change into a backup dress
If you are worried about a malfunction, you can also have a simple dress on the side to change into as a backup plan. It doesn't have to be a wedding dress; it could be a simple white dress that you change into during the reception.
Record a video of the bustling process
It is a good idea to record a video of your seamstress or wedding dress stylist doing your bustle. You can then share this video with your family members, bridesmaids, wedding planner, or whoever will be with you on your wedding day. This will ensure that they know how to do the bustling and can help you if it breaks.
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Frequently asked questions
A bustle is a way to lift and secure the train of a wedding dress using buttons, hooks, or ribbons so that it doesn't drag on the floor. This allows the bride to move around with ease and prevents the train from getting soiled.
Most brides choose to bustle their dress between the ceremony and reception or after their first dance. It is important to decide on the timing and communicate it to the designated person who will be bustling the dress.
There are several types of bustles including the American bustle, French bustle, Austrian bustle, and ballroom bustle. The American bustle involves lifting the train and hooking it over the back of the dress, while the French bustle tucks the train underneath. The Austrian bustle gathers the train fabric in a draped or ruched style, and the ballroom bustle elegantly conceals the train's length by tucking it under the gown.
When choosing a bustle, consider the silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, and how you plan to wear it. Consult with a seamstress or bridal shop consultant to determine the best type of bustle for your dress. They will take into account factors such as the fabric, length of the train, and your wedding venue to recommend the most suitable option.
You can work with a professional seamstress to add a bustle to your wedding dress. They will be able to sew in the appropriate bustle during dress alterations. If you are handy with a needle and thread, you can also learn to sew a bustle yourself. This typically involves sewing loops, hooks, or buttons onto the back of the dress to lift and secure the train.
