Rhiannon Hendricks
A wedding dress bustle is a handy way to secure the train of a wedding gown, allowing the wearer to move around freely and avoid any potential tripping hazards. While some choose to pay for a professional seamstress to add a bustle to their gown, it is also possible to do it yourself. This can be a great way to save money, but it's important to plan ahead and be prepared for any potential challenges. This introduction will cover the different types of bustles available, as well as provide a step-by-step guide on how to sew your own wedding dress bustle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To secure the train or any extra fabric of a wedding dress, allowing the wearer to move freely and prevent guests from stepping on the train |
| Types | American bustle, French bustle, one-point overbustle |
| Steps | Sew loops, buttons, or hooks onto the dress; fasten loops to buttons or hooks; adjust folds of fabric for a fuller look |
| Tips | Use strong thread; stitch securely; conceal buttons or hooks with hand-sewn lace appliqués; practice bustling with a designated person before the wedding |
| Cost | Depends on the number of attachment points and dress layers; can range from $50 to $400 |
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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 and secure it to the dress. This allows the bride to move around with ease and prevents the dress from getting soiled. It is important to note that one bustle does not fit all, and the right style will depend on the shape and construction of your gown. Here are some popular bustle styles to consider:
American Bustle (Over-Bustle)
The American bustle, also known as an over-bustle, is one of the most popular and versatile styles. It involves 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 or multiple bustle points, adding drama and flair to the back of the dress. It is simple for a seamstress to create and easy to attach on the wedding day.
French Bustle (Under Bustle)
The French bustle, also known as an under-bustle, is the opposite of the American bustle. It is ideal for gowns with embellishments near the waist as it tucks the train fabric up and under the gown. This style is often secured with ribbons at each bustle point, creating a seamless and elegant look. It is well-suited for dresses with minimal trains.
Ballroom Bustle
The ballroom bustle is designed to give the illusion that the gown was always floor-length. Multiple bustle points are sewn around the bodice, allowing the fabric to fold delicately into itself. This style is typically more expensive due to the number of bustle points involved.
When choosing a bustle style, it is essential to consider the silhouette and construction of your gown, as well as the length of the train. Your seamstress will be your best resource for determining the ideal bustle option that complements your dress and provides comfort and mobility on your special day.
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Sewing hooks, ties or buttons onto the back of your dress
Sewing hooks, ties, or buttons onto the back of your dress is a great way to bustle your wedding gown yourself and save some money. Wedding dresses do not come with a pre-made bustle, but you can sew one on yourself if you're handy with a needle and thread.
First, decide on the type of bustle you want. There are many types of bustles, and nearly all full-length gowns have hooks, ties, or buttons sewn into the wedding dress train to create a uniform hemline after the ceremony. A seamstress can help you determine the best type of bustle for your gown.
Next, you'll need to sew the hooks, ties, or buttons onto the back of your dress. This is typically done along the waistline or the train of the dress. Make sure to stitch securely, as you don't want the bustle to come undone. If using buttons, you may also need to make button loops. To do this, use strong thread to thread the needle, knot the ends, and insert the needle at the pin next to the seam line, pulling it through the interfacing and train.
If you don't like the look of exposed buttons or hooks, you can hand-sew lace appliqués on top of them to conceal them. Additionally, if you don't want to sew a bustle, there are no-sew options available, such as attaching a loop underneath the train that you can wear on your wrist as you walk around.
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Practising bustling the dress before the wedding
Practising bustling a wedding dress before the big day is a great idea to ensure that the bride can move around freely and safely. It is also a good opportunity to decide on the type of bustle that will work best with the gown.
Firstly, it is important to choose the right person to be in charge of bustling the dress. This person should be someone who is trusted and capable, usually a bridesmaid or family member. This designated "bustler" should then attend the final alterations appointment to get hands-on practice before the wedding. It is also a good idea to video the process for future reference.
At the final fitting, the seamstress can advise on the best type of bustle for the dress, whether that be an American bustle, French bustle, or one-point overbustle, depending on the silhouette of the gown and the amount of fabric. They can also demonstrate how to sew on any necessary hooks, ties, or buttons, and how to adjust the folds of fabric to create a voluminous bustle.
Practising bustling the dress will help to ensure that the process goes smoothly on the day. It is also a good opportunity to test out any alternative methods, such as a loop attached to the wrist, which can be a cheaper and quicker option, although it may not be suitable for the entire event.
Overall, by delegating the task of bustling to a capable individual and allowing them to practice beforehand, the bride can rest assured that her train will be securely bustled, allowing her to move with ease and enjoy her special day.
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Adjusting the folds of fabric for a fuller bustle
Firstly, decide on the type of bustle you want. Popular options include the American bustle, French bustle, Ballroom bustle, and Royal bustle. Each of these styles offers a different level of volume and complexity. For example, the French bustle is ideal for dresses with heavy fabric and long trains, while the one-point overbustle is best for lighter fabrics and shorter trains.
Once you've selected your bustle type, you can begin adjusting the folds of fabric. Fasten the loops or hooks that you've sewn into the dress, and then play around with the fabric, plumping it up and rearranging the folds to create the desired volume. You can also add more folds or pleats to increase the fullness.
If you're working with a heavier fabric, be mindful of the weight distribution. You want to ensure that the bustle can support the fabric and that the weight is evenly distributed to avoid any tears or strain on the dress.
Additionally, consider concealing any exposed buttons or hooks by hand-sewing lace appliqués over them. Not only does this add a decorative touch, but it also ensures that the focus remains on the beautiful folds of your bustle.
Lastly, practice adjusting the bustle before your wedding day. Trial runs are crucial to ensuring that your bridesmaids or family members can confidently secure the bustle on the actual day. This will also give you an opportunity to refine the look and feel of your bustle, making it as full and voluminous as you desire.
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Concealing exposed buttons or hooks with lace appliqués
If you're looking to conceal any exposed buttons or hooks with lace appliqués, you can follow these steps:
- Source the lace appliqués: Choose lace appliqués that complement the style and colour of your wedding dress. You can find these at most craft stores or online.
- Prepare the lace appliqués: If necessary, cut and shape the lace appliqués to fit over the buttons or hooks. You may also want to reinforce the lace with interfacing to give it more structure.
- Position the lace appliqués: Place the lace appliqués over the buttons or hooks, ensuring they are centred and fully covering the fasteners.
- Hand-sew the lace appliqués: Using a needle and thread, carefully sew the lace appliqués in place. Stitch around the edges of the lace, securing them to the dress. Be careful not to sew through the buttons or hooks themselves, as you still need to be able to use them for the bustle.
- Test the bustle: Once the lace appliqués are securely attached, test the buttons or hooks to ensure they are still functional. You may need to adjust the lace positioning slightly to ensure the bustle works correctly.
By following these steps, you can conceal any exposed buttons or hooks with lace appliqués, adding a decorative touch to your wedding dress while maintaining its functionality. Remember to practice and test the bustle before your wedding day to ensure everything works perfectly and you can dance and move around with ease.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding dress bustle secures the train, or any extra fabric, off the ground and into the back of the dress, allowing the wearer to move around with ease.
There are many types of bustles, including the American bustle and the French bustle. The number of attachment points varies, with most bustles having one or three, but some having as many as 11. The cost of adding a bustle depends on the number of attachment points and the number of dress layers that need to be bustled.
If your wedding gown has a train, a bustle is usually necessary to prevent guests from stepping on it and to allow you to move freely. However, if you are planning to change into a different dress for the reception that does not have a train, a bustle may not be necessary.
To DIY a bustle on your wedding dress, you will need to sew hooks, ties, or buttons onto the back of your dress. You can then attach loops to the underside of the train, which can be fastened to the buttons or hooks to secure the fabric. It is recommended to delegate the task of dress bustling to a trusted individual, such as a bridesmaid or family member, and to plan enough time between the ceremony and reception for bustling the dress.
