Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding dresses are often long and flowing, with beautiful trains that can make a statement. However, these trains can also be a hassle to manage, especially when it comes to moving around and dancing at the reception. This is where a wedding dress bustle comes in. A bustle allows you to securely fasten the train of your dress, lifting it off the floor so you can move around with ease. There are several types of bustles, including the American bustle, French bustle, and ballroom bustle, each offering a unique look and functionality. One common element of many bustles is the use of loops, which are typically made from strong thread and securely fastened to the dress to bear the weight of the train. These loops can be attached to buttons, hooks, or ribbons, creating a discreet and elegant way to manage your train. While some brides opt for wrist loops, which allow them to carry the train on their arm, traditional bustles provide more freedom of movement and are recommended by stylists. Creating a wedding dress bustle can be a delicate task, and it is often best left to a skilled seamstress who can ensure it is securely stitched and blended seamlessly with the dress design.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To secure the fabric of the gown's train, giving the bride freedom to move around with ease |
| Types | American, French, Ballroom, Overbustle, Waterfall, Train-Flip |
| Materials | Thick thread, small circular backing, buttons, hooks, ribbons, safety pins, needle, lace appliqués, clear fishing line |
| Techniques | Sewing loops and buttons, attaching ties, using hooks and eyes, hand-stitching |
| Considerations | Fabric weight and type, venue, activities, cost, security of fastenings, aesthetic, ease of movement |
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What You'll Learn
How to make a loop
Wedding dresses typically don't come with a bustle, but you can add one yourself or enlist the help of a professional seamstress. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a loop for a wedding dress bustle:
Prepare the Thread and Needle
Use strong thread to thread the needle, then knot the ends of the thread together. Double-check that the knot is secure, as you don't want the loop to come undone under the weight of the train.
Create the Loop
Decide on the placement of the loop, typically halfway up the length of the bride's train. Insert the needle into the underside of the dress at the chosen location. Make a small stitch and pull the thread most of the way through, leaving a couple of inches to spare. Grab the loop with your fingers and pull the remaining thread through, creating a knot. Repeat this process until you have a loop of the desired size, usually around 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm).
Secure the Loop
Pull the knotted end of the thread to match the length of the excess thread. Carefully tie the two ends together by wrapping them around each other, ensuring the knot is tight and secure. You can now cut off any excess thread.
Attach the Button
Place a safety pin on the back of the dress, about a foot above the bride's knees, to mark where the button will go. Thread the needle and make a knot at the end. Sew the button securely in place by stitching through the underside of the dress.
Test the Bustle
Once the loop and button are in place, test the bustle by fastening the loop over the button. Adjust the folds of fabric on the train to create a fuller and more voluminous look. Ensure that the loop and button are sturdy and can withstand the weight of the train, especially if the bride plans to dance the night away.
It is recommended to have a designated "bustle assistant," such as a bridesmaid or family member, to help with the process and to be familiar with the bustling procedure before the wedding day.
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How to attach hooks or buttons
Wedding dresses usually don't come with a bustle, but it's important to add one after the ceremony so the bride can move around freely. Buttons and loops are the most common fastening tools for bustles as they are discreet and blend seamlessly with the dress design.
To attach hooks or buttons, you can follow these steps:
First, decide on the placement of the hooks or buttons. For an over-bustle, a simple and common type of bustle, the hooks or buttons should be attached high up on the train, near the lower back. If you are using a loop and button fastening, you will also need to decide where the loop will go. A safety pin can be used to mark the placement of the loop and button.
Next, thread the needle. For loops, use a strong thread and double up the thread before inserting it into the needle. For hooks or buttons, you can use a single thread. Make a knot at the end of the thread to secure it.
Then, attach the hooks, buttons, or loops. For hooks, sew them onto the dress at the marked placement. For buttons, thread the needle through the underside of the dress at the marked placement. For loops, insert the needle into the underside of the dress and make a small stitch, pulling the thread through to create a loop. Grab the loop and pull the remaining thread through to create a knot. Repeat this process until the loop is big enough to fit your button.
Finally, test the fastening to ensure it is secure. If the hooks or buttons need additional reinforcement, attach a small piece of interfacing under each one. If using loops, ensure they are double-stitched and strong enough to bear the weight of the train.
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Why wrist loops are a good alternative
Wrist loops are a good alternative to a wedding dress bustle, especially if you want to showcase the full length of your dress for photographs. They are also useful for moving between locations, such as getting into a car, without having to worry about the fabric of your dress. Wrist loops can be a great option if you want to avoid the bustle look, or if you are concerned about the placement of the bustle on your dress.
Wrist loops are also a good option if you want to avoid the cost of a second dress. A shorter dress for the reception is one way to avoid the need for bustling, but this comes at an added expense. Wrist loops can be a more cost-effective solution, especially if you are on a tight budget.
Wrist loops are also a good alternative if you are looking for a quick solution. While a wrist loop is not recommended as a long-term solution for managing your train, it can be useful for those moments when you want the train to be down, such as during photographs. You can then use a bustle for the reception and first dance.
Wrist loops are also a good option if you are concerned about the weight of the fabric and the difficulty of moving around with a bustle. While a wrist loop does mean carrying the fabric in your hand, it can be easier to manage than a bustle, especially if you are concerned about tripping or stepping on the train.
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How to bustle different types of dresses
A wedding dress bustle is a way to secure the train of a dress so that the bride can move around freely without worrying about guests stepping on the train. There are several ways to bustle different types of dresses, and the method chosen often depends on the style and silhouette of the dress. Here are some of the most common types of wedding dress bustles and how to achieve them:
American Bustle
The American bustle is a popular style where the fabric folds over instead of under, creating the look of elegant pleats at the waist. Loops or hooks are added along the waistline, and the train is fastened across multiple points. This style is suitable for various dress silhouettes and can be used interchangeably with a traditional bustle.
Ballroom Bustle
The ballroom bustle is a flattering style that completely hides the train, giving the illusion of a seamless, floor-length gown. Multiple points are sewn under the dress for the train to attach to, preserving the original look of the dress. This style is typically more expensive due to the number of bustle points required.
French Bustle
The French bustle is a stunning option that is not overly complicated. While it may require some reinforcement, it provides more support than an American bustle.
One-Point Overbustle
This is the simplest and cheapest way to bustle a dress. To create a one-point overbustle, sew a loop to the back of the dress halfway up its length and then sew a button above it, about a foot above the bride's knees. Secure the loop and button with multiple stitches and knots. This method lifts the train off the floor but is not recommended for heavier dresses.
Creating Loops
To create the loops for the bustle, use a strong thread to thread the needle and knot the ends together. Place a small piece of interfacing on the topside of the dress's train where you want the loop to be. Insert the needle at the pin, next to the seam line, and pull it through the interfacing and train. Make a small backstitch from the right side of the train and pull the thread to create a loop.
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How to fix loose loops or buttons
If the loops on your wedding dress are loose, there are a few things you can do to fix them. One option is to use a crochet hook to loop them over the buttons, which can be done by your Maid/Matron of Honour or a trusted friend. This is a quick and easy solution, especially if the loops are not structurally important. Alternatively, if you want to tighten the loops, you can use a needle and thread to stitch through the waistband and loop several times, reinforcing the connection. You can also try stitching the two tails together for added strength.
If you are sewing the dress from scratch, it is recommended to make the elastic loop twice as long and seal the ends to prevent fraying. This can be done by melting the ends with a hot knife or holding them over a flame. Then, stitch over the tails of the loop before inserting them into the waistband. For a repair, seal the loose end of the loop with Fray Check or clear nail polish.
Additionally, consider the placement of the loops and buttons. Sew the loops onto a braid trim, which will be sewn into the back of the gown before the zipper. Place the loops on the right side and fold and press the seam allowance down before pinning the loop braid to the underside of the fold. Mark the left side for the button placement, according to where the loops fall.
If the loops are part of a zipper closure, it is important to use the correct type of zipper. An invisible zipper with fabric flaps is recommended to make it less conspicuous. If the wrong type of zipper was used, consider switching it out and adjusting the button placement accordingly.
Remember to plan ahead and allow enough time for alterations if needed. It is also a good idea to consult a professional seamstress with experience in wedding gowns to ensure the best results.
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