Junior Rasmussen
A wedding dress bustle is a process of altering a bridal gown to function as if it had no train. This is done by fastening the train to the rest of the dress so that the bride can walk freely without tripping over her dress. Wedding dresses can be bustled in many ways, but an experienced seamstress that knows the fabric and weight of the train would suggest the most suitable style. There are several types of bustles, each looking a bit different but benefiting the wearer of the dress in the same basic way. The American bustle, also known as the over bustle, is one of the most popular styles. It has several hooks scattered throughout the waistline of a dress that enables the train to be lifted and hooked over the top of the gown. Brides should be prepared for the worst-case scenario of their bustle breaking by having safety pins, a sewing needle, and a clear fishing line on hand.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To secure the train or any extra fabric off the ground and into the back of the dress to prevent it from dragging across the floor and to allow the bride to move around with ease |
| Who does it | Seamstress |
| When is it done | After the ceremony and before the reception |
| Who can help | Maid of honour, bridesmaid, mother or mother-in-law |
| Types | Ballroom, Austrian, American/Over, French/Under, Royal, Bow |
| Considerations | Silhouette of the gown, amount of fabric, and how the bride plans to wear the dress |
| Cost | $75 to $250 |
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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 decision. A bustle is an alteration made to the back of a wedding dress to lift the train off the ground, allowing the bride to move around with ease. It is a functional element that can also add serious style to a bridal dress. The right bustle will ensure the fabric is out from underneath the bride's feet.
There are several types of bustles to choose from, and the right one will depend on the style of your dress. The American bustle, or 'over-bustle', is one of the most popular and versatile options. It is created by lifting the outside of the train and securing it over the back of the gown to the waistline. This style can be created with one statement pickup or multiple pickup points for added drama.
The French bustle, or 'under-bustle', is another option that tucks the train fabric up and under the gown. This style is ideal for gowns with embellishments near the waist, as it can hide the attachment and make it appear seamless. It is also a good choice for dresses with minimal trains.
Other options include the ballroom bustle, which gives the illusion that the gown was always floor-length, and the Austrian bustle, which creates a beautiful shape but is more complicated to create.
When choosing a bustle, it is important to consider the silhouette and construction of your gown, as well as the length of the train. Your seamstress will be able to help you decide which type of bustle will work best with your dress and guide you through the process.
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Working with a seamstress to add a bustle
Adding a bustle to a wedding dress is a common request for seamstresses, and there are many different styles of bustles to choose from. Manufacturers don't typically put bustles on wedding dresses, so it's up to your seamstress to help you choose the best style for your dress and guide you through the customisation process.
The best time to discuss adding a bustle to your wedding dress is during your early fittings, so alterations can be tailored to perfection. Waiting until the last minute can lead to rushed alterations, which might compromise the quality of the work. During your wedding dress alteration appointment, your seamstress can help you determine which types of wedding dress bustles may work best with your gown. Be open about your needs, such as the type of venue or planned activities, so they can recommend the most functional option. For example, if you're having an outdoor wedding, keeping the train off the ground is a must, so a French bustle might be a good option.
Your seamstress may install a one-point or multiple pickup points, depending on what type of dress you have and the look you're going for. For example, with an American bustle, you’ll lift the train and hook it over the back of the dress, adding drama to the back by creating a cascading feel as the fabric folds flow over the skirt. Brides also have some flexibility with this bustle to decide if they want one statement pickup or multiple pickup points for extra flair. Meanwhile, a French bustle tucks the train underneath the dress, creating a cascading, layered effect. This style is ideal for gowns with dramatic trains or voluminous skirts, as it enhances their elegance.
It's important to practice bustling the dress before the wedding day. Ensure the person who will help you with the dress on your wedding day is present for a demonstration and to practice the steps themselves. You can also take notes or a video of the process so that you can refer back to it on the day of your wedding.
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Practising bustling the dress before the wedding
Practising bustling your wedding dress before the big day is essential to ensure that your dress is secure and you can move around with ease. Here are some detailed tips for practising bustling your ruffle wedding dress:
Choose the Right Bustle Style
Before you start practising, it's crucial to select the appropriate bustle style for your dress. Consult with your seamstress to determine the best option for your gown's silhouette, fabric, and weight. Some common bustle styles include the American bustle (or over bustle), French bustle (or underbustle), Ballroom bustle, Austrian bustle, and Royal bustle. Each style has a unique method of lifting and securing the train, so understanding the specifics of your chosen style is essential.
Delegate the Task
Designate a trusted individual, such as a bridesmaid or a family member, to be responsible for bustling your dress on the wedding day. This person should attend your final alterations appointment to receive hands-on practice and guidance from your seamstress. They will need to understand the mechanics of your chosen bustle style, including any hooks, ties, buttons, or ribbons involved.
Practise with the Final Dress
It is essential to have the final dress ready for practising. The weight and fabric of the dress can significantly impact the bustling process, so practising with the exact gown ensures a more accurate simulation. Practise bustling the dress at the final fitting, allowing the designated person to become familiar with the specific dress they will be working with on the wedding day.
Prepare for Worst-Case Scenarios
While you hope for the best, it's always a good idea to prepare for potential mishaps. Have safety pins, a sewing kit, and clear fishing line on hand during the wedding day. These supplies will come in handy if any unexpected issues arise, such as a broken hook or a loose ribbon. Your designated "bustler" should be briefed on how to handle these situations, so they can quickly and discreetly resolve any problems.
Allow Sufficient Time for Bustling
Bustling a wedding dress can take time, especially for intricate styles. Ensure you leave enough time between the ceremony and the reception for the bustling process. Practising beforehand will help you gauge the time required and make any necessary adjustments to your wedding day timeline. It is also essential to communicate the bustling plan to the designated person and other members of the bridal party to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Remember, practising bustling your ruffle wedding dress is not just about mastering the technique but also about ensuring your peace of mind on your special day. With these tips, you can confidently walk down the aisle, knowing that your dress will be both functional and fabulous!
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Preparing for potential bustle issues on the day
Wedding dresses can often be restrictive, and a bustle can help secure the fabric of the gown's train, giving you the freedom to move around with ease. However, bustle issues can sometimes arise on the day. Here are some tips to prepare for and address potential bustle problems:
- Choose the right bustle style: Different types of bustles work better for different dresses. Consult with your seamstress to determine the best type of bustle for your dress's silhouette, fabric, weight, and desired look. Some common bustle styles include the American/Over Bustle, Ballroom Bustle, French Bustle, Royal Bustle, and Bow Bustle.
- Assign a designated "bustler": Ask a trusted individual, usually a bridesmaid or family member, to be responsible for bustling your dress on the wedding day. Ensure they attend your final dress fittings to learn directly from your seamstress and practice bustling the dress.
- Prepare a backup plan: Despite careful planning, there is always a possibility of last-minute issues. Discuss alternative options with your seamstress, such as using loops or ribbons to hold up the dress if a traditional bustle is not feasible or may cause damage.
- Allow for sufficient time: Ensure you have allotted enough time between the ceremony and reception for bustling your dress. This will help reduce stress and ensure a smooth transition.
- Practice and prepare notes: If you are the designated "bustler," take notes or videos during the final dress fittings to refer to on the wedding day. Practise bustling the dress to become familiar with the process and reduce the risk of errors.
- Consider the weight and layers of the dress: If your dress has multiple layers, plan to bustle the top layers in an attractive manner while managing the weight and shape of the lining layers.
- Be flexible: While you may have a specific vision for your dress, be open to adjustments. A bustle may alter the look of your dress, so consider whether you are comfortable with the changes it entails.
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Assigning someone to help with bustling the dress
It is important to assign someone to help with bustling your dress on your wedding day. The task of bustling a wedding dress is usually assigned to a bridesmaid, the maid of honour, a family member, or a close friend. This person is often referred to as the "designated bustler".
The designated bustler should attend your final alterations appointment so that they can get hands-on practice before the big day. This will ensure that they are familiar with the bustling process and will reduce any fumbling time on the wedding day. It is important to give yourself enough time between the ceremony and reception for bustling the dress.
The designated bustler should also be prepared to deal with any potential issues that may arise with the bustling during the reception. For example, if the wedding dress is bustled with ribbons and one comes loose, they should be ready to sew the ribbon back into the dress with a clear fishing line. If the problem is more complicated, they can pin the dress together at the broken bustle point with an oversized safety pin.
It is a good idea to choose someone who is familiar with sewing or dressmaking as the designated bustler, as they will be more likely to be able to handle any issues that may arise.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding dress bustle is a way of altering a bridal gown to function as if it had no train. This is done by fastening the train to the rest of the dress so that the bride can walk and dance freely without tripping over her dress.
There are several types of wedding dress bustles, including the American bustle (or over bustle), the ballroom bustle, the Austrian bustle, the French bustle (or under-bustle), and the royal bustle. Each type of bustle creates a different look, but they all benefit the wearer in the same basic way.
The type of bustle you choose will depend on the silhouette of your gown, the amount of fabric, and how you plan to wear your dress. It's important to consult with an experienced seamstress who can recommend the best type of bustle for your dress and stitch it securely to avoid any mishaps on your big day.
The process of bustling a wedding dress with ruffles will depend on the type of bustle you choose. For an American bustle, you can attach the midpoint of the train to a button on the upper part of the back of the skirt. For a ballroom bustle, several points are added under the dress for the train to attach to, creating the illusion of a floor-length gown. For an Austrian bustle, a drawstring is used to pull up the train to create a ruffled look.
