Franklin Dean
A wedding dress bustle is a tailoring technique that lifts the train of a wedding dress off the floor, fastening it securely to the gown's back. It is a way to ensure that you can dance the night away without guests stepping on your train. The American bustle, French bustle, and ballroom bustle are the three main types of wedding dress bustles. Tulle wedding dresses look best with an American bustle, as a French bustle can make the train look bulky. Bridesmaids or family members are usually assigned the task of bustling the dress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To lift the train of a wedding dress, allowing the gown to function as though it doesn't have one |
| Types | American, French, Ballroom/Austrian, Regular |
| American Bustle | One or more bustle points scattered at the gown's waist or hip line, meant to pull the train up and over the rest of the gown |
| French Bustle | The train is tucked under the dress for a cascading effect |
| Ballroom/Austrian Bustle | Creates unique silhouettes that complement different dress designs |
| Regular Bustle | The end of the train is folded up under the back of the dress, creating the look of a bubble hem and a fuller back to the skirt |
| Tulle Wedding Dresses | Look best with an American bustle as a French bustle can make the train look bulky |
| Lightweight Fabric | Requires extra care to ensure the gown stays secure and stylish |
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What You'll Learn
The American bustle
When creating an American bustle, it is important to consider the height of the bride during dress alterations to ensure the train is lifted off the ground. Additionally, for dresses with intricate details or multiple layers, it is crucial to understand how to bustle the dress properly to preserve the beauty of the design and prevent the fabric from being damaged.
For a tulle overlay, one method is to gather the tulle and tie a ribbon around it, tying the ends in a bow. This adds a romantic touch and works well with A-line silhouettes. Another option is to sew a patch of felt to support the attachment device, such as a hook or eye, to prevent tearing.
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The French bustle
When creating a French bustle, it is important to consider the number of bustle points needed to securely fasten the train. Longer and more dramatic trains may require multiple pins to hold up the train, while some dresses may only need one point. It is also essential to choose the right type of bustle point for the fabric and style of the dress. For example, ribbons can be used for an invisible effect, while buttons or hooks may be more suitable for heavier fabrics.
Practising the bustling process before the wedding day is crucial. It is recommended to bring a bridesmaid or another member of the bridal party to the dress fittings to learn how to create the French bustle. Video tutorials can also be helpful for reference. Additionally, it is a good idea to have safety pins, a sewing needle, and a clear fishing line on hand in case any adjustments or repairs are needed during the reception.
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The Ballroom bustle
To bustle a wedding gown means to alter it by lifting the train, allowing the gown to be worn as though it does not have a train. This is typically done after the wedding ceremony and before the reception, to allow the bride to move and dance freely. A bustle can be achieved through various methods, including hooks, ties, buttons, or wrist loops.
When bustling a wedding dress with a tulle overlay, it is important to consider the weight and layers of the fabric. Tulle is a lightweight fabric, so extra care must be taken to ensure that the bustle is secure and stylish. It is recommended to have multiple bustle points to distribute the weight of the fabric and prevent breakage. Each layer of tulle should have a point where it lifts off the ground, and the number of points can vary depending on the desired look and the number of layers.
To create a ballroom bustle, you can attach ties to the underside seam of the skirt, ensuring that the hem is slightly lifted off the floor when complete. Sew an eye hook to the end of the train, concealing it with embroidery or beading. Then, tuck the back of the skirt under the dress and attach the eye hook to the tie. This method creates a unique silhouette and complements different dress designs.
It is recommended to involve your bridal party in bustling practices. Choose one or two people to learn the technique and assign them to help you on your wedding day. You can also bring them to your dress fittings so they can learn directly from your seamstress. Additionally, taking videos of the seamstress demonstrating the bustle can be a helpful reference for your designated bustle assistants.
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Using hooks, ties, buttons, ribbons
Buttons, loops, hooks, ties, and ribbons can be used to bustle a wedding dress with a tulle overlay. These fastening tools can be used to create different styles of bustles, such as the American or French bustle, and can be placed at different points on the dress, such as the waist or the hem.
When using buttons, loops, or hooks to bustle a wedding dress with a tulle overlay, it is important to choose sturdy materials that can withstand the weight of the train. These fastening tools should be sewn securely to the dress to ensure that the bustle remains intact. For a discreet look, opt for buttons and loops, which blend seamlessly with the dress design.
To use ties to bustle a wedding dress with a tulle overlay, attach the ties to the underside seam of the skirt so that they are not visible from the outside. You can then sew an eye hook to the end of the train, concealing it with embroidery or beading. Attach the tie to the eye hook, pulling the tie to create a puffy bustle effect. If you have multiple ties, use different coloured ribbons to colour-code them, making it easier to fasten them together.
Ribbons can be used in conjunction with ties to create a secure and aesthetically pleasing bustle. When using multiple ties, colour-coding with ribbons ensures that the correct ties are connected to one another. Numbering the ends of the ribbons can also help to ensure proper fastening, especially if you are concerned about the colours showing through the fabric.
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Getting help from your bridal party
Your bridal party is there to support you, so get them involved in bustling practice. Choose one or two people to learn the technique and make them responsible for helping you on the day. This ensures you’ll have knowledgeable assistance when it’s time to transition your gown for the reception.
Video tutorials can be incredibly helpful for visual learners. Record your seamstress demonstrating the bustle during your fitting or find a reputable tutorial online that matches your gown’s style. Save the video as a reference for your bridal party to review as needed.
If you are using multiple ties, use different-coloured ribbons to colour-code which ties go together. This will make the job much easier and will also make the ties easier to see under all the layers of tulle and skirting. If you are afraid that the different colours could show through your fabric, just number the ends so that they correspond with the tie you will attach.
It is important to have someone help you with this kind of bustle. Assign someone from your bridal party to help bustle your dress for you on your wedding day. Have this designated person attend your dress fittings so they can learn how to properly bustle your dress.
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Frequently asked questions
A bustle is a technique that lifts the train of a wedding dress off the floor, fastening it securely to the gown’s back. This prevents tripping and protects the fabric from damage during the reception.
The main two types of bustle are the American, which folds up on top of the gown, and the French, which tucks under. The American bustle is considered more versatile and can be done with one or more bustle points. The French bustle, on the other hand, can make the train look bulky. There is also the ballroom or Austrian bustle, which creates unique silhouettes.
Tulle wedding dresses usually pair best with an American bustle due to its versatility. It is recommended to have multiple bustle points to support the weight of the tulle. When using multiple ties, use different coloured ribbons to easily identify which ties go together.
It is important to choose the right bustle style based on the silhouette and construction of the gown. It is also helpful to have someone, usually a bridesmaid, learn the bustling technique to help you on the day of the wedding.
