Rhiannon Hendricks
The mermaid wedding dress is a bold and glamorous choice for brides-to-be. With its curve-hugging silhouette and dramatic flare, the success of this style lies in its fit. To maintain the sleek lines of a mermaid gown, bustling—a technique to lift the train of a dress—may be required. This is most often done by the maid of honour, bridal party, or wedding coordinator before the first dance. There are several ways to bustle a wedding dress, including the American or 'over' bustle, which uses hooks or buttons at the waistline, and the French bustle, which has buttons sewn underneath on the inside of the dress skirt.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fastening | Buttons, hooks/eyes, ribbons, or a combination |
| Who does it? | Maid of honour, bridal party, or wedding coordinator |
| When is it done? | Before the first dance |
| Types | American/over bustle, French bustle, wrist loop |
| American/over bustle | Uses hooks or buttons at the waistline or start of the skirt flare |
| French bustle | Buttons sewn inside the dress skirt |
| Wrist loop | Band around the wrist that holds the train |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right fabric for your mermaid dress
Choosing the right fabric for your mermaid wedding dress is essential to the overall design. The fabric you choose should reflect your personal style, the celebration's formality, and the season in which you're getting married. For instance, a satin or silk mermaid dress with intricate lace detailing would be a great choice for a classic and elegant wedding. On the other hand, if you're going for a bohemian or rustic theme, you might opt for a flowy tulle skirt with floral embroidery.
Satin is a kind of weave that creates a smooth finish and soft drape. It is a sleek and timeless choice, perfect for traditional and formal weddings. Tulle, on the other hand, is ideal for a whimsical and romantic wedding. It has grown in popularity as a fashion fabric and is commonly made from polyester.
For a unique and dramatic look, Mikado, a heavier type of silk with a shiny finish, is a popular choice. Its thickness allows for tailored, architectural designs and can be worn year-round, although its weight may be better suited for cooler temperatures. Organza is another fabric with a lustrous finish and a crisp drape. It is traditionally woven from silk and is ideal for warm-weather weddings as it is sheer and lightweight yet holds a structured silhouette.
For a softer silhouette, crepe is a gauzy and crinkled fabric made from soft silk or lightweight rayon. It works well with simple styles like mermaid dresses and can be a great choice for accentuating curves. Chiffon, a similar fabric to crepe, is a sheer and transparent material that is often used as an overlay or in layers due to its light and airy structure. It is perfect for a bohemian bride or a summer wedding, although its delicate nature makes it prone to snagging and fraying.
The success of a mermaid wedding dress lies in its fit, so choosing a fabric that provides structure with slight flexibility is key. Stretch crepe, satin, and Mikado are ideal for this, and your bridal consultant can guide you in choosing the right fabric for your dream dress.
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Understanding the different types of bustles
A wedding dress bustle is an alteration made to the back of a wedding dress to lift and secure the train to the dress, allowing the bride to move around freely. There are several types of bustles, and the right one depends on the silhouette of the dress, the fabric, the length of the train, and personal style choices. Here are some of the most common types of bustles:
American Bustle or Over Bustle
The American bustle, also known as the "over bustle," is one of the most common types of wedding dress bustles. It uses hooks or buttons placed either at the waistline of the dress or at the start of the skirt flare on a fitted dress. This type of bustle is best suited for dresses with fairly long trains and keeps the shape of the skirt, adding a dramatic effect.
French Bustle or Under Bustle
The French bustle, also known as the "under bustle," is a great option for dresses with minimal trains. It features buttons sewn underneath on the inside of the dress skirt, creating beautiful tiers and volume. This style is perfect for gowns with embellishments near the waist as it showcases these details while making the train less visible.
Royal Bustle
The royal bustle is an elaborate, vintage-inspired look that adds instant visual interest to any wedding gown. It involves gathering the train and affixing it to the dress at several points, creating dramatic folds. This style is particularly well-suited to A-line and ball gown silhouettes.
Ballroom Bustle
The ballroom bustle creates the illusion of wearing two separate dresses. It makes the train visually disappear, resulting in a flirty and playful look with a shorter hemline. This option can make the dress look fuller, giving it the appearance of a ball gown.
It's important to consult with a skilled seamstress who can recommend the best type of bustle for your wedding dress and ensure it is securely attached. Additionally, delegating the task of dress bustling to a trusted individual, such as a bridesmaid or family member, is essential for a stress-free wedding day.
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How to attach hooks or buttons
Hooks or buttons are typically used to secure the train of a wedding dress, lifting it off the floor so that the bride can move and dance freely. The number of hooks or buttons used will depend on the style of the dress, the length of the train, and the desired look. For example, a dramatic look can be achieved with multiple bustle points, while a single hook or button may be sufficient for a simpler dress.
The placement of the hooks or buttons will also vary depending on the style of the dress and the desired look. For an American bustle, hooks or buttons are typically placed at the waistline or the start of the skirt flare, while for a French bustle, buttons are usually sewn underneath on the inside of the dress skirt.
When attaching hooks or buttons, it is important to ensure that they are secure and will not come undone easily. This can be achieved by using strong thread and sewing them firmly into the fabric. It is also a good idea to have a seamstress or someone with sewing experience attach the hooks or buttons to ensure that they are attached correctly and securely.
In addition to hooks or buttons, other fasteners such as loops, ties, ribbons, or snaps may also be used to secure the train of a wedding dress. These can be used in combination with hooks or buttons or as an alternative, depending on the style of the dress and the preferences of the bride.
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What to include in your wedding day emergency kit
A wedding day emergency kit is a collection of essentials to fix any problems that might occur on your big day. While you can't predict every scenario, it's helpful to prepare for small blunders or mishaps. Here are some detailed suggestions for your wedding day emergency kit, with a focus on a mermaid-style wedding dress:
Sewing Supplies and Accessories
- Needles and Thread: Include black and white thread, a sewing needle, and extra buttons. This will come in handy for any last-minute repairs, such as broken zippers or missing buttons.
- Safety Pins: Large safety pins can provide extra support for your dress's bustle. Standard-sized safety pins can also fix split seams and fallen accessories.
- Backup Jewelry: Delicate items like earrings, cufflinks, or necklaces can break or get lost. Include a simple pair of diamond studs or your chosen style, and extra earring backs as these can easily get snagged or lost during preparations.
Hygiene and Health
- Stain Remover: Pack stain remover wipes, such as Tide to Go pens, to tackle any accidental spills or stains on your dress or suit.
- Tweezers: Add tweezers to your kit to easily pluck stray hairs, remove splinters, or address fingernail snags.
- Tissues: Include tissues for tears of joy or for guests with allergies, especially if your wedding is outdoors.
- Breath Mints or Spray: Keep breath mints or a breath freshening spray handy for confidence when greeting guests and during intimate moments.
- Allergy and First-Aid Supplies: If your wedding is near a field, forest, or park, pack seasonal allergy medication. Also, include epinephrine if there's a risk of severe food allergies. Add Band-Aids for minor cuts and blister prevention, and rubbing alcohol for disinfecting and sanitizing. Cotton balls are versatile for cleaning, makeup, and skincare.
Lastly, don't forget to assign someone to be in charge of the kit on the day, so you can focus on enjoying your special day!
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Choosing the right undergarments for your mermaid dress
Mermaid wedding dresses are a bold and unforgettable choice for brides. With its figure-hugging silhouette and dramatic flare, this style is perfect for those who want to accentuate their curves. However, choosing the right undergarments is essential to ensure you look and feel incredible. Here are some tips to help you choose the right undergarments for your mermaid wedding dress:
Choose the Right Fabric
The fabric of your mermaid dress will play a crucial role in determining the type of undergarments you need. Mermaid dresses are typically made from fabrics like stretch crepe, satin, Mikado, organza, or tulle. If your dress is made from light and delicate fabrics like satin, chiffon, or crepe, it's essential to choose seamless undergarments that will create a smooth finish. Nude-toned undergarments that match your skin tone will help create a flawless look under these sheer fabrics.
Consider Shapewear
Mermaid dresses are designed to hug your curves, which means they can draw attention to areas like your tummy, hips, and thighs. If you want to smooth out these areas, consider investing in shapewear. Brands like Spanx offer a wide range of shapewear options, from bodysuits to long-line bras, that can help streamline your silhouette. When choosing shapewear, consider going down a size or even doubling up for extra hold, just like the celebrities do!
Practice with Your Undergarments
Mermaid dresses can restrict your movement, so it's important to choose undergarments that allow you to move gracefully. Opt for fabrics that flare easily, like organza or tulle, and practice walking, sitting, and dancing in your gown with your chosen undergarments. This will help you feel more comfortable and confident on your big day.
Choose Comfortable Undergarments
While you want to look incredible, it's also essential to feel comfortable in your undergarments. Mermaid dresses can be tight-fitting, so choose breathable and comfortable undergarments that will allow you to move and enjoy your special day. If your dress has a built-in corset, you may not need additional shapewear, as these dresses are designed with comfort and support in mind.
Accessorize with Confidence
Undergarments aren't just about what you wear underneath your dress; they can also include accessories that enhance your overall look. Choose accessories that accentuate your waist, like a jewelled belt, or draw attention upward with bold statement earrings or a sparkling hairpiece. The right accessories will create a balanced and elegant look, ensuring you feel confident and radiant.
Choosing the right undergarments for your mermaid wedding dress is about finding a balance between style and comfort. By considering the fabric, opting for seamless and supportive shapewear, and practicing with your chosen undergarments, you'll look and feel incredible as you walk down the aisle.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding dress bustle is a style where the train of the dress is bustled up so that it is shorter at the back, creating a dramatic effect. The bustling of the dress is usually done by the maid of honour or bridal party before the first dance.
The two main types of bustles are the American or 'over' bustle, and the French bustle. The American bustle uses hooks or buttons at the waistline or start of the skirt flare, while the French bustle has buttons sewn underneath on the inside of the dress skirt.
The American bustle is a good option for a mermaid-style dress as it keeps the shape of the skirt and adds a dramatic effect. However, it may not work for a sleek, plain dress as the hooks will be visible. The number of hooks or buttons you need will depend on the length of your train and the fullness of the skirt.
It is important to know how to bustle your dress before the wedding day. At your final dress fitting, ask your seamstress to show you where the hooks or buttons are and how to attach them. You can also ask your bridal party to practice bustling the dress so that they are familiar with it. On the day, make sure you have safety pins in your emergency kit in case you need extra support.
