Franklin Dean
If you're wearing a multi-layered wedding dress, you'll want to know how to bustle it so you can move around easily on your big day. A bustle is a way to gather up the extra fabric on the back of your dress so it doesn't drag on the ground. Wedding dresses don't come with a pre-made bustle, but with the right tools and techniques, you can create one yourself. There are several types of bustles, including the French, American, Victorian, ballroom, bow, and wrist bustle, each with its unique look and method of attachment. Some dresses may already have loops or buttons built-in, but if not, you can create your own by threading a ribbon or elastic through the fabric. It's important to note that creating a bustle can be complex, and you may need to enlist the help of a professional or a member of your wedding party.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To gather up the extra fabric on the back of the dress so it doesn't drag on the ground |
| Types of bustles | Over bustle/American bustle, French bustle/Victorian bustle/underbustle, ballroom bustle, waterfall bustle, wrist bustle, royal bustle |
| How to create a bustle | Attach a tie on the underside seam of the skirt, use loops or buttons already built into the dress or create your own by threading a ribbon or piece of elastic through the fabric |
| Fittings and alterations | Ensure the back of the dress lies as it should, with a natural-looking bustled hem |
| Veil | Find the perfect veil that complements the dress and bustle |
| Number of points of attachment | Depending on the length of the train and the desired look, there may be multiple points of attachment |
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What You'll Learn
Finding loops or buttons
Buttons, loops, hooks, ties, and ribbons are all used to fasten a wedding dress bustle. The majority of wedding dresses do not come with a bustle, so it is custom-made to fit the bride and her dress perfectly. A seamstress will alter the dress to have a bustle by adding buttons, hooks, or ribbons to make it simpler for the bride to walk after the ceremony.
The most common fastening tools for bustles are buttons and loops, which are discreet and blend seamlessly with the dress design. A sturdy material should be chosen, and it should be sewn securely to withstand the weight of the train. The added weight may cause strain on the fastening points, so it is essential to choose a bustle style that distributes the load evenly.
For a wrist bustle, a simple loop is added to the end of the dress train and worn around the bride's wrist. This allows the bride to lift her gown elegantly while keeping her hands free. This is a good option for brides who do not want a bustle on their dress but still want to be able to manage the train.
For a ballroom bustle, the train is meticulously folded into the skirt to create the illusion of no bustle at all. This style is perfect for brides who want the look of an untouched, floor-length gown.
For a French bustle, also known as an under-bustle, the train is tucked under the fabric and fastened with ties, creating a pouf effect and adding volume to the gown's back. This style is ideal for full, layered dresses.
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Creating loops with ribbon or elastic
To create loops with ribbon or elastic, start by finding the existing loops or buttons on the dress. If there are none, you can create your own by threading a ribbon or piece of elastic through the fabric of the dress. Identify the points on the dress where the fabric will need to be gathered to create the desired look. These points are typically at the back of the dress, near the waistline. Once you've marked these points, gather the fabric at each point and secure it with the ribbon or elastic. You can then tie off the ribbon or elastic to create a gather at the back of the dress. This can be adjusted to create a more or less dramatic look, depending on your preference.
If you're creating a wrist loop, simply add a loop to the end of the dress train, which the bride can wear around her wrist. This allows her to lift her gown elegantly while keeping her hands free. For a more secure bustle, you can create multiple rows of loops, also known as the waterfall style. This is done by fastening loops on the outer layer to buttons on a higher area of the inner layer of the skirt, creating a romantic and gentle waterfall effect.
It's important to practice bustling your dress several times before the wedding to ensure a smooth transition. You should also attend a fitting to understand the technique and reduce any fumbling on your big day. With these tips, you can create a beautiful and functional bustle for your multi-layered wedding dress.
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Attaching ties to the underside seam of the skirt
To attach ties to the underside seam of the skirt, begin by measuring the back seam of the train from the waistline to the floor. Then, measure the distance from the edge of the train to the base of the dress. Mark the middle of these two distances with a pin. This will be the point where you attach the first tie.
Lift the centre back seam and position it against the centre of the waistline, pinning the train so that it is just off the floor. Securely attach a tie at this point, ensuring it is sewn into the underside seam of the skirt. This tie should be positioned in such a way that when the bustle is complete, the skirt hem is slightly elevated, creating a graceful puffy effect.
Depending on the length of your train, you may need to attach additional ties. These ties should be placed at varying distances from the first tie, working downwards along the skirt. The placement of each tie should be such that when tied together, they create a visually pleasing puffy area. To simplify the process, consider using different coloured ribbons for each set of ties, making it easier to identify which ties go together.
Once all the ties are securely attached and colour-coded, practice bustling your dress several times before the wedding day. This will ensure a seamless transition and help you confidently show off your spins and dips on the dance floor!
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Creating a waterfall effect with multiple rows of under-bustles
To create a waterfall effect, you will need to fasten a loop on the outer layer of the dress to a button on a higher area of the inner layer of the skirt. This process is repeated for each row, creating multiple layers of under-bustles. The result is a romantic and gentle waterfall effect that gives the back of the dress a lovely shape and detail. It also lifts the back of the dress, showcasing any decorative work on the train.
When creating the bustle, it is important to ensure that the back of the dress lies as it should. You may need to have more than one point of attachment to make the bustled hem look natural. Additionally, ribbons can be used to connect and secure the fabric, adding a touch of elegance to the overall look.
It is recommended to attend a fitting with a helper to learn the mechanics of executing the perfect bustle. This will ensure that you can move gracefully and confidently on your big day without tripping on the length of your train. With the right tools and techniques, and practice, you can create a stunning waterfall effect with multiple rows of under-bustles for your multi-layered wedding dress.
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The French, American, Victorian, ballroom and bow bustle styles
A wedding dress bustle is a technique for making a wedding gown appear as if it has no train by securing the train to the rest of the dress. This allows the bride to move around with ease. There are several types of wedding dress bustles, including the French, American, Victorian, ballroom, and bow bustle styles.
French Bustle
The French bustle, also known as a Victorian bustle or an underbustle, is the opposite of the American bustle. Hooks are used to catch the train of the gown as it tucks under the silhouette. Ribbons are often used to connect and secure the fabric, and they can have multiple pickup points for added flair. This bustle style is not overly complicated and creates a lovely shape and detail at the back of the dress.
American Bustle
The American bustle, also known as an over-bustle, is a popular way to pick up the train. It is created by lifting the outside of the train and securing it over the back of the gown to the waistline. This bustle style 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 choose between a single statement pickup or multiple pickup points for extra flair.
Victorian Bustle
The Victorian bustle, also known as the royal bustle, can be simple or elaborate. It usually has a single pickup point with one hook and eyelet to lift the train. However, multiple pickup points can be added down and across the back for a more dramatic effect, adding more dimension to the silhouette. This style is perfect for gowns with a statement bow or sash in the back.
Ballroom Bustle
The ballroom bustle is flattering for most dress silhouettes as it completely hides the train without changing the look of the dress. Several points are added under the dress for the train to attach to, creating the illusion of an untouched, floor-length gown.
Bow Bustle
The bow bustle is perfect for gowns with a statement bow or sash in the back. The fabric is folded above the gown and secured with ties hidden under the bow. This allows the fabric to pick up and flow symmetrically from the elegant visual point of the bow.
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Frequently asked questions
A bustle is a technique for making a wedding gown appear as if it has no train by securing the train to the rest of the dress. It is a way to gather up the extra fabric on the back of your dress so it doesn't drag on the ground.
There are several types of bustles, including the French, American, Victorian, ballroom, bow, and wrist bustle styles. The French bustle, also known as a Victorian bustle or an underbustle, tucks the train of the gown under the silhouette using hooks and ribbons. The American bustle, or over bustle, fastens the fabric of the train over the skirt, creating a draped look. The ballroom bustle is also an underbustle that picks up at multiple points, giving the effect of no bustle. The wrist bustle is the easiest to create, as it involves adding a simple loop to the end of the dress train that is worn around the bride's wrist.
First, straighten out the dress and make sure the back lies as it should. Then, find the loops or buttons that are already built into the dress. If there are none, you can create your own by threading a ribbon or piece of elastic through the fabric. Gather the fabric on the back of the dress and tie it off with the ribbon or elastic. If you have multiple ties, make sure they are connected to the corresponding tie. You may need more than one point of attachment to make the bustled hem look natural. It is recommended to have someone help you with this process.
