Franklin Dean
Bustling a wedding dress is the 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 and dance freely without tripping over her dress. There are several types of bustles, including the American or 'over' bustle, the French bustle, and the ballroom bustle, each with a unique look and purpose. Satin wedding dresses can be bustled by a seamstress, who adds hooks, ties, or buttons to secure the train underneath itself, creating a sleek and elegant look.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To secure the train or any extra fabric of a wedding dress so that the bride can move around and dance freely without tripping over her dress |
| Types | American/over bustle, French bustle, Ballroom bustle, 1-point bustle |
| Cost | $75 to $250 on average |
| Who does it? | Seamstress, maid of honor, bridal party, wedding coordinator, or a family member |
| When is it done? | Between the wedding and reception |
| How is it done? | By fastening the train to the rest of the dress using hooks, ties, buttons, ribbons, or a combination of these |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The American bustle
To ensure that the bustle is done correctly, it is important to bring someone you trust, such as a responsible bridesmaid, to your final alterations appointment so they can learn how to bustle your dress. It is nearly impossible to bustle your own wedding dress while wearing it, so having an expert on-site is crucial. Taking pictures or videos when the seamstress is demonstrating how to bustle the dress can also be helpful.
Strapless Bra: A Wedding Dress Shopping Essential?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$12.98 $19.99
The French bustle
Also known as the under-bustle, this bustle technique is achieved by folding the train underneath itself, creating an understated two-layer hem that adds design to the back of the dress. To create this look, the seamstress will add colour-coordinated ribbons or numbers underneath the gown. This is done to seamlessly secure the train and keep it from dragging on the floor.
When choosing a French bustle for your wedding dress, it is important to consider the cost and the possibility of it breaking during the reception. Adding a bustle to a wedding dress can range in price, and heavier fabrics may require more bustle points to hold the train in place. It is always a good idea to have safety pins, a sewing needle, and clear fishing line on hand in case any repairs need to be made.
The Ultimate Guide: Adding a Train to Your Wedding Dress
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Ballroom bustle
When deciding on a bustle, it is important to consider the silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, and how you plan to wear your dress. A skilled seamstress can help you determine the best type of bustle for your dress and sew the necessary hooks, ties, or buttons to create your desired look. It is recommended to have a trusted individual, such as a bridesmaid or family member, learn how to do the bustle at your final alterations appointment so that they can assist you on your wedding day.
Choosing the Right Bustier for Your Wedding Gown
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Choosing the right style for your dress
Choosing the right bustle style for your satin wedding dress is an important decision. A bustle can add to your comfort and mobility, allowing you to move around with ease and dance the night away. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the perfect bustle style for your dress:
Fabric and Train Length
The type of bustle that will work best for your dress depends on the fabric and the length of the train. Satin is a heavier fabric, so an American bustle with multiple pick-up points may not be the best option as it might be too much weight for a single hook. For satin gowns, an under-bustle or French bustle is often recommended. This style is perfect for dresses with minimal trains as it tucks the train underneath, creating a sleek and elegant look. If your dress has a long train, the American bustle can add drama and flair by lifting the train over the back of the gown.
Embellishments and Details
Consider the embellishments and details on your gown when choosing a bustle style. If your dress has intricate details near the hemline, a French bustle may not be the best option as these details will be less visible once the bustle is applied. On the other hand, if your gown has a statement bow or embellishments near the waist, a French bustle can showcase these features beautifully. The American bustle, with its multiple hooks and pick-up points, can also add interest and drama to the back of a simpler gown.
Functionality and Versatility
A bustle should not only look good but also function well. Consider how you want your dress to transform from the ceremony to the reception. A bustle should make it easier for you to move around, not impede your mobility. The ballroom bustle and train flip bustle are ideal if you want to eliminate the appearance of a train altogether, giving the illusion of a floor-length gown. The Austrian bustle is another option that is increasing in popularity due to its simplicity and versatility, creating a ruched-style effect.
Personal Preference and Comfort
Ultimately, the right bustle style is the one that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Work closely with your seamstress to find the style that suits your gown and your personal preferences. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek advice from your bridal party as well. Remember, the bustle is meant to enhance your bridal look and make your wedding day a little more effortless and enjoyable.
Feel Confident and Comfortable in Your Wedding Dress
You may want to see also
Explore related products
What to do if the bustle breaks
Wedding dress bustles are added to secure the train of a dress, giving the bride freedom of movement. However, there is always a possibility that the bustle will break during the reception. If this happens, there are several solutions to fix it.
Firstly, it is recommended to prepare for this situation in advance. Wedding dresses can be very heavy, and the delicate bustle points may not hold during dancing, walking, and mingling. Therefore, it is a good idea to have safety pins, a sewing needle, and a clear fishing line on hand. If the bustle breaks, a bridesmaid can sew the ribbon back into the dress with a clear fishing line.
If the problem is more complicated, an oversized safety pin can be used to pin the dress together at the broken bustle point. Alternatively, if someone accidentally steps on the train and the bustle rips, a quick repair with a safety pin or needle and thread can be done.
If the bustle cannot be fixed with safety pins or sewing, a backup dress can be helpful. A simple dress can be kept on hand to change into during the reception if needed. This could be a second wedding dress or a simple white dress.
To avoid these issues, it is important to work with a seamstress to find the right style of bustle for the gown. Additionally, recording a video of the seamstress doing the bustle can be helpful to share with family members or bridesmaids who can then help with the bustle on the wedding day.
Traveling with a Wedding Dress: Safe Transport on a Flight
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A bustle is a way of altering a wedding dress to make it easier for the bride to move around during the reception. This is done by fastening the train to the rest of the dress, lifting it off the floor so it doesn't drag or get stepped on.
There are several types of bustles, including the American or "over" bustle, the French bustle, and the ballroom bustle. The American bustle uses hooks or buttons at the waistline or the start of the skirt flare, while the French bustle has buttons sewn underneath the inside of the dress skirt. The ballroom bustle gives the illusion that the dress was floor-length all along, with multiple bustle points sewn around the bodice.
It's important to consider the silhouette of the dress, the fabric, the length of the train, and your personal style. A seamstress can help you determine which type of bustle will work best with your gown. You can also watch tutorial videos to get a better idea of the different styles.
It's a good idea to have an emergency kit with safety pins, a sewing needle, and clear fishing line to make any necessary repairs. Assign a member of your bridal party or a family member to be in charge of bustling your dress and have them attend your dress fittings so they can learn how to do it properly.
