Rhiannon Hendricks
Mermaid and trumpet wedding dresses are known for their dramatic silhouettes, hugging the body from the chest down to the knees, where the skirt flares out. The main difference between the two styles is where the skirt begins to flare, with the trumpet style flaring at mid-thigh, while the mermaid style flares lower, at the knees. The addition of a bustle to these styles enhances their drama and sophistication. A bustle is a traditional feature designed to lift and secure the train of a wedding gown for post-ceremony events, allowing the bride freedom of movement. There are several types of bustles, including the American (or over) bustle, the French (or under) bustle, and the Victorian (or royal) bustle. The French bustle is particularly suited to mermaid and trumpet styles, adding flair and volume to the skirt, while the simple, clean, and elegant lines of this style of bustle complement the dramatic silhouette of the dress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Style | Mermaid and trumpet styles are both tight-fitting, but the trumpet style has a higher and more gentle flaring of the skirt for a softer look. |
| Fabric | Mermaid dresses are usually made in stiffer fabrics like lace, satin, tulle, and organza, and sometimes even crepe. |
| Bustle Type | American (Over), French (Under), and Victorian (Royal) bustles are all options for these dress styles. |
| Height | Bustles are based on the bride's height and personal preferences. |
| Mobility | Trumpet styles are more comfortable and easier to walk in than mermaid styles. |
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French bustle
A French bustle, also known as an under-bustle, is a popular option for trumpet and mermaid wedding dresses. This bustle style is more intricate than the traditional over-bustle, as it involves creating loops and buttons underneath the dress's train to lift and secure it elegantly. Here are the steps to create a French bustle:
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Schedule an appointment with a professional seamstress or bridal consultant experienced in dress alterations. They will assess your wedding gown, take your measurements, and discuss your preferences for the bustle. It is essential to bring the shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day to ensure the correct length and height for the bustle.
Step 2: Pinning and Marking
During the fitting, the seamstress will carefully pin the train of your dress to demonstrate different bustle options. They will work with you to determine the desired height and placement of the bustle, ensuring it complements the style of your dress and your personal taste. Once decided, they will mark the fabric to indicate where the loops and buttons will be sewn.
Step 3: Sewing the Loops and Buttons
The seamstress will expertly sew the loops and buttons underneath the train of your dress. The loops are typically made from satin ribbon or fabric strips, and they are securely attached to the dress's inner layers. Buttons are then sewn at corresponding points to act as anchors for the loops. This process creates a neat and invisible bustle from the outside, maintaining the dress's elegant appearance.
Step 4: Final Adjustments and Fitting
After sewing the loops and buttons, the seamstress will conduct a final fitting to ensure the French bustle is comfortable and secure. They may make minor adjustments to ensure the train falls gracefully and that the bustle blends seamlessly with the overall design of your wedding dress.
It is important to note that the process of creating a French bustle for a trumpet or mermaid wedding dress requires a skilled seamstress familiar with bridal alterations. The bustle should be tailored to your unique measurements and preferences, ensuring you can walk and dance freely on your special day.
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American bustle
An American bustle, also known as an over-bustle or traditional bustle, is a popular way to lift the train of a wedding dress. This style can be created by using hooks scattered throughout the waistline of the dress to lift and secure the train over the top of the gown. Brides can choose to have one, three, or even five bustle pick-up points for a dramatic look.
The American bustle is a simple style for a seamstress to create and easy to attach on the wedding day. Brides can choose to have one statement pickup or multiple pickup points for extra flair, depending on what they think complements the style of their gown best.
The American bustle adds drama to the back of the dress by creating a cascading effect as the fabric folds flow over the rest of the skirt. This bustle style tends to transform a dress silhouette from the back, essentially making the train disappear.
The American bustle is the opposite of the French bustle, also known as the under-bustle, where the train is tucked under the silhouette of the gown.
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Victorian bustle
The Royal Bustle, also known as the Victorian or Cathedral Bustle, is a type of bustle that is well-suited for dresses with long, dramatic trains, such as the trumpet mermaid wedding dress. It creates a regal and fairy-tale-like aesthetic, making it an ideal choice for brides seeking a grand and elegant look.
The Victorian bustle is characterised by its multi-tiered effect, resembling a cascading waterfall. This effect is achieved by folding, arranging, and securing the train of the dress. The process involves drawing up the train using a system of loops or ties, often on the inside of the dress, to create a gathered or ruched appearance across the back of the gown.
When considering a Victorian bustle for a trumpet mermaid wedding dress, it's important to consult with an alterations specialist. They can pin the train in different ways to showcase the various options available and ensure the bustle complements the unique style of the dress. The height of the bride and personal preferences also play a role in determining the final look of the bustle.
A Victorian bustle on a trumpet mermaid wedding dress creates a charming contrast between the sleek lines of the fitted bodice and the intricate folds of the bustle. It enhances the dramatic silhouette of the dress while adding a unique element of interest. The result is a sophisticated and captivating aesthetic that accentuates the bride's curves and makes a bold statement.
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Ballroom bustle
The ballroom bustle is a perfect choice for brides who want a long, dramatic train for their wedding ceremony but prefer a train-less look for the reception. This bustling style is particularly suitable for dresses with moderate to long trains, including fit-and-flare gowns, which are renowned for their signature silhouette. The ballroom bustle carefully lifts and secures the train, completely concealing it, resulting in an elegant floor-length gown. This style of bustle blends in more naturally with the rest of the dress, allowing the intricate details, such as beading, to remain visible.
When paired with a ballroom bustle, a fit-and-flare gown gains a new level of elegance. The bustle enhances the dramatic silhouette of the dress, providing a seamless transition from the fitted top to the fullness at the bottom. It also offers improved mobility and comfort for the bride, making it easier to move around during the reception.
The ballroom bustle is characterised by multiple bustling points, which create an elaborate, vintage-inspired look. It involves gathering the train and affixing it to the dress at several points, resulting in dramatic folds that add visual interest to the gown. This style can also be tailored to showcase unique features of the dress, such as a statement bow on the back.
To design a ballroom bustle, alterations are made based on the bride's height and personal preferences. A skilled seamstress or bridal consultant can pin the train in different ways to show how the gown could be bustled to suit the bride's vision and the style of the dress. The ballroom bustle is a versatile option that can be customised to complement the specific features of a trumpet mermaid wedding dress while ensuring comfort and ease of movement for the bride.
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Bustle placement
The placement of a bustle on a trumpet or mermaid wedding dress depends on the style of the gown and the bride's height and personal preference. The bustle is typically placed at the top of where the skirt begins to flare, adding even more drama to the silhouette.
For a trumpet wedding dress, the skirt flare starts at mid-thigh, making it a comfortable alternative to the tighter mermaid style. Trumpet styles can be bustled in much the same way as other bridal gowns, with the train pulled up and secured around the waist or hip. This is known as an American or "over" bustle, and it suits a variety of silhouettes.
Mermaid wedding dresses, on the other hand, flare out at the knees, resulting in a lower flare and a fuller, more voluminous skirt. This style can benefit from a French or "under" bustle, where hidden fasteners under the skirt pull the train up and in, creating a gentle billow at the back. This style of bustle complements the flare of the skirt, adding drama without overwhelming the design.
Both styles can also be bustled using a Victorian or "royal" bustle, often used for princess-style ball gowns. This style of bustle can add volume and enhance the drama and grandeur of the gown.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding dress bustle is a traditional and practical feature designed to lift and secure the train of your wedding gown for the post-ceremony events. It allows freedom of movement for the bride to dance and enjoy the reception without worrying about tripping over or damaging the dress.
There are several types of wedding dress bustles, including the American (over) bustle, French (under) bustle, and Victorian (royal) bustle. The American bustle is a classic style that pulls the train up over the gown and secures it around the waist or hip area. The French bustle uses hidden fasteners under the skirt to pull the train up and in, creating a gentle billow at the back. The Victorian bustle is often used for princess-style ball gowns but can also work for trumpet and mermaid styles.
The choice of bustle depends on your personal preference and the style of your gown. A bridal consultant or seamstress can advise on the best options for your dress. The French bustle, for example, is known to complement the flare of the skirt in a trumpet or mermaid dress, enhancing the dramatic silhouette.
