Junior Rasmussen
The mermaid wedding dress is a bold and glamorous choice for brides-to-be, with its curve-hugging silhouette and dramatic flare. To ensure you can dance the night away without your dress getting caught, a bustle is essential. A wedding dress bustle is when the train of your dress is buttoned up to the floor so that you can move about freely. There are a few different types of bustles to choose from, including the American or 'over' bustle, which uses hooks or buttons at the waistline or start of the skirt flare, and the French bustle, which has buttons sewn on the inside of the dress skirt to create pick-ups or tiers. At your final dress fitting, your seamstress will show you how to attach the bustle, but it's always a good idea to have a video tutorial and an emergency kit with safety pins on hand, too!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To button up the train of the dress to floor length so the wearer can move about freely without the train getting stuck, caught, or stepped on |
| Who does it | Maid of honor, bridal party, or wedding coordinator |
| When it's done | Before the first dance |
| Types | American or 'over' bustle, French bustle, wrist loop |
| Fasteners | Buttons, hooks/eyes, ribbons, or a combination |
| Considerations | Silhouette of the dress, fabric, length of the train, personal style |
| Fabric | Stretch crepe, satin, or mikado are ideal for providing structure while allowing for flexibility |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bustle style
When choosing a bustle style, it's important to consider the style and length of your dress's train. Mermaid wedding dresses are known for their dramatic silhouettes, with tight-fitting designs that hug the body's curves and flare out at the knees or mid-thigh. This creates a glamorous and lavish look, but it can restrict mobility, especially if you plan on dancing at your reception.
- American Bustle / Over-Bustle: This style is created by lifting the outside of the train and securing it over the back of the gown at the waistline. It is simple for a seamstress to create and can be done at one point for a simple look or multiple points for a more dramatic, layered effect. It adds drama to the back of the dress by creating a cascading feel and is a versatile option that works with various dress styles.
- French Bustle / Under-Bustle: The French bustle is a more subtle option that gives a vintage feel to the dress. It is ideal for mermaid dresses as it tucks the train under the silhouette, enhancing the dramatic silhouette and creating a charming juxtaposition between the sleek lines of the bodice and the soft folds of the bustle. This style is particularly suitable if your gown has intricate details near the waist, as it will keep them visible.
- Ballroom Bustle: This bustle style gives the illusion of no bustle at all, with the train pinned under the fabric, creating a seamless transition from the fitted top to a full bottom. It is a good choice for fit-and-flare gowns, providing improved mobility and comfort for the bride.
When deciding on a bustle style, it is recommended to consult with your seamstress, who can help you determine the best option for your gown. They can guide you through the different styles and ensure that your chosen bustle complements your dress and personal aesthetic.
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Buttons, hooks, ribbons, or a combination
Buttons, hooks, and ribbons are the most common ways to bustle a wedding dress, including a mermaid-style gown. These methods are used to lift and secure the train of the dress, keeping it off the floor and adding a "new dimension" to the overall look.
Buttons
Buttons can be used to create a secure and neat bustle. They can be easily hidden within the folds of the dress, creating a seamless look. A series of buttons can be used to create a sturdy and reliable fastening, ensuring the train is securely lifted.
Hooks
Hooks are a versatile option, as they can be used to create a single or multi-point bustle. For example, a three-point hook and eye fastening system can be used to draw up the train and create a relatively straight hem. To ensure the hook does not come loose, it is important to squeeze the hook to lock it in place.
Ribbons
Ribbons can be used to create a romantic and soft look, often used with tulle fabric. They can be tied in bows to secure the train, adding a decorative element to the dress. Ribbons can also be used in conjunction with a hook and eye fastening system to create a bow bustle, where the pickup points are hidden by a bow or sash.
Combination
Combining these methods can offer a secure and aesthetically pleasing option. For example, a combination of buttons and ribbons can be used to create a decorative and reliable bustle. Alternatively, hooks and ribbons can be used together to create a bow bustle with a secure fastening.
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Seamstress and final fitting
During your final dress fitting, your seamstress will become your trusted ally. They will guide you through the bustling process, ensuring it complements the unique style and fabric of your dress. This process will involve fastening the train of your dress to floor length using buttons, hooks, eyes, or ribbons. For a mermaid dress, maintaining the sleek silhouette is essential, so the bustling method should enhance those elegant lines.
The American bustle, or "over bustle," is a popular choice. This method uses hooks or buttons at the waistline or the start of the skirt flare. These fasteners are virtually invisible, especially with intricate details or a full skirt. This style is ideal for a mermaid dress as it accentuates the shape of the skirt and adds a dramatic flair. Your seamstress will ensure the fasteners are securely attached and teach you how to use them.
Another option is the French bustle, which involves sewing buttons underneath the inside of the dress skirt. This creates "pick-ups" or tiers, adding volume and a modern touch to your gown. This method is recommended for plain skirts made of satin, silk, or crepe, ensuring the buttons remain unseen. The French bustle is a sleek choice that complements the streamlined silhouette of a mermaid dress.
To ensure a smooth process on your wedding day, your seamstress may advise you to create a video tutorial during the final fitting. This video can guide your maid of honor, bridal party, or wedding coordinator on how to properly bustle your dress before your first dance. Additionally, don't forget to include large safety pins in your emergency kit for extra bustle support!
The fit of your mermaid wedding dress is of utmost importance. The seamstress will ensure the bodice seamlessly contours your torso, enhancing your curves without feeling restrictive. They will recommend appropriate fabrics, such as stretch crepe, satin, or mikado, which offer structure with a hint of flexibility. Finally, your seamstress can advise on undergarments that maintain the sleek lines of the dress, suggesting seamless shapewear in nude tones to match your skin tone.
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Emergency bustle support
The last thing you want on your wedding day is a wardrobe malfunction. To avoid any mishaps with your mermaid wedding dress, it's important to be prepared. Here are some tips for emergency bustle support:
Know Your Options
During your final dress fittings, pay close attention to where the series of hooks, buttons, ribbons, or eyes are located and how to attach them. It's a good idea to have a video recording of this process for reference. Understanding how your dress bustles will help you feel more confident on your big day.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Don't forget to include large safety pins in your wedding day emergency kit. Safety pins can be lifesavers if you need extra bustle support or if any minor adjustments are needed throughout the day. They are an easy way to secure your dress and prevent any unwanted accidents.
Choose a Reliable Helper
Typically, the maid of honour, a member of the bridal party, or the wedding coordinator will be in charge of bustling your dress train before your first dance. Choose someone who is reliable and who you trust to help you with this important task. Practice the bustling process with them beforehand so they feel comfortable and confident.
Consider the Type of Bustle
The type of bustle you choose can impact how easy it is to manage on your wedding day. The American bustle, or "over bustle," is a popular choice as it keeps the shape of the skirt while adding drama and fullness to the gown. The French bustle, on the other hand, creates beautiful tiers and volume with buttons sewn on the inside of the dress skirt. Consider which style works best with your dress and practice the bustling process accordingly.
Practice Makes Perfect
Don't leave anything to chance. Practice walking and moving around in your bustled dress to ensure it feels comfortable and secure. This will also give you an opportunity to test the durability of the bustle and make any necessary adjustments. The key to a successful wedding day is feeling confident and at ease in your dream dress.
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Maintaining the sleek silhouette
The mermaid wedding dress is a bold and glamorous choice for any bride. Its curve-hugging silhouette and dramatic flare make it a favourite for those wanting to make a statement. To maintain the sleek lines of this silhouette, there are a few things to consider.
Firstly, the fit of the dress is crucial. The bodice should contour the torso seamlessly, enhancing your curves without feeling too tight. Fabrics like stretch crepe, satin, or mikado are ideal as they provide structure while allowing for slight flexibility.
Secondly, the right undergarments are key to maintaining the sleek silhouette. High-quality, seamless undergarments or shapewear in nude tones that match your skin colour will ensure a smooth and elegant look under light fabrics such as satin or chiffon.
Additionally, when it comes to the bustle, which is when the train of the dress is buttoned up to the floor length for ease of movement during the wedding reception, there are a few options to consider. The American bustle, or 'over bustle', uses hooks or buttons at the waistline or the start of the skirt flare, keeping the shape of the skirt while adding a dramatic effect. This option is best for dresses with intricate details as the buttons or hooks are virtually invisible. Another option is the French bustle, which has buttons sewn on the inside of the dress skirt, creating "pick-ups" or tiers. This type of bustle works well with plain satin, silk, or crepe skirts, as it adds volume and a modern, sleek effect without the buttons showing.
Ultimately, the choice of bustle depends on the silhouette, fabric, length of the train, and personal style preferences. It is important to discuss these options with your bridal stylist and seamstress to ensure the best result for your mermail wedding dress.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding dress bustle is when the train of your dress is buttoned up to floor length so that you can dance and move about freely. It also showcases the beautiful detail of the train and the back of the dress.
The mermaid wedding dress is known for its curve-hugging silhouette and dramatic flare. Bustling a mermaid wedding dress allows you to show off the beautiful details of the train and back of the dress during your grand entrance, and then move about freely during the reception and on the dance floor.
Two popular types of bustles are the American bustle, or 'over bustle', and the French bustle. The American bustle uses hooks or buttons at the waistline or the start of the skirt flare, and works well with intricate dress details. The French bustle has buttons sewn on the inside of the dress skirt, creating "pick ups" or tiers, and works well with plain skirts where you don't want buttons to be visible.
Typically, the maid of honour, the bridal party, or the wedding coordinator will bustle the dress before the couple's first dance.
During your final dress fitting, your seamstress should show you and your bridal party how to attach the hooks or buttons for the bustle. Consider taking a video of this for reference. It's also a good idea to have an emergency kit with large safety pins in case extra support is needed.
