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A wedding dress train can be hitched up using a variety of methods, including bustling or a Trainloop. The process of bustling involves altering the gown to appear as if it had no train, allowing the bride to walk freely and dance comfortably. This can be achieved through different types of bustles, such as the American, Ballroom, French, Royal, and Bow styles, each offering a unique way of lifting and securing the train. Alternatively, a Trainloop provides a sewing-free option by simply pinning and hooking the train in place, allowing for easy release at any time. Understanding these options helps brides make informed choices to look and feel their best on their special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To hitch up a wedding dress train so the bride can walk freely and dance comfortably |
| Types of bustles | American/over, Ballroom, French/under, Royal/Victorian, Bow |
| How it works | Using hooks, loops, buttons, eyes, ribbon ties, or a Trainloop to lift and secure the train |
| When to bustle | After the ceremony and before the reception, or after the first dance |
| Who does it | Maid of honor, bridesmaid, parent, or close friend |
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Using hooks and eyes
Hooks and eyes are a great way to hitch up a wedding dress train, especially if you want to be able to dance freely at your wedding reception. This method can be used for an over-bustle, which is the simplest type of bustle. It involves attaching the midpoint of your train to a button or eye hook on the upper part of the back of the skirt. This can be done with one point of connection for lighter dresses or multiple points for heavier fabric or longer trains.
To start, you will need to decide on the placement of the hooks and eyes. If you are using an eye hook, it should be attached high up on the train, near your lower back, and concealed within the seams or with creative decorations. For hooks, you can place them at the bottom of the lace-up detail on the inside of the dress so that they are not visible.
Next, you will need to attach the corresponding hooks or eyes to the underside of the dress. This can be done by sewing them directly to the fabric or by using a tie or ribbon. If using a tie, attach it to the seam of the underside of the skirt so that it is not visible from the outside. You can also use a ribbon loop, sewing it to the underside of the train to hold it up.
Finally, test out the hooks and eyes to make sure they are secure and can hold the weight of the train. It is important to do this before the wedding day to avoid any last-minute mishaps. You may also want to consider using locking hooks, which have a small loop of wire inside that locks the loop into the hook, to ensure that the train stays in place.
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American bustle
An American bustle, also known as an over-bustle, is a popular way to hitch up a wedding dress train. This style of bustle is created by pulling the train up and securing it over the skirt, usually near the waistline. This creates a cascading, waterfall effect. The American bustle is often chosen for its affordability and ease of use. It is considered the simplest type of bustle.
To create an American bustle, hooks or loops are added to the waistline of the dress. The train is then lifted and hooked over the top of the gown, creating a waterfall of elegant pleats. This style can have one, three, or even five bustle pick-up points for an ultra-dramatic look. The more pick-up points, the more dramatic the bustle. This style is best suited for lace, chiffon, or flowy dresses, and ball gowns with long cathedral trains.
The American bustle is a good choice for brides who want to move freely after the ceremony without worrying about guests stepping on the train. It is also a good option for those who want to preserve the train of their dress, keeping it from getting soiled.
It is important to note that the American bustle is not as strong as some other types of bustles, such as the French bustle, and there is a chance it may break during the wedding. It is recommended to have an expert, such as a seamstress, demonstrate how to create the bustle and be on hand to help during the wedding.
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Ballroom bustle
A ballroom bustle is a type of wedding dress bustle that gives the illusion of no bustle at all. The train of the dress is tucked under the fabric, creating the appearance of a floor-length gown with a fuller bottom due to the extra fabric attached underneath. This style is well-suited for structured gowns with heavy fabrics and is perfect for formal weddings, creating a seamless transition from the ceremony to the reception.
To achieve a ballroom bustle, multiple bustle points are sewn around the bodice, allowing the fabric to fold into itself delicately. This results in a look where the train seems to magically disappear, giving the impression that the gown was always floor-length. The ballroom bustle is unique in that it completely hides the train without altering the overall appearance of the dress, making it suitable for a variety of silhouettes.
The process of bustling a wedding gown involves fastening the train to the rest of the dress, enhancing the bride's comfort and mobility. It prevents tripping hazards and protects the fabric from damage during the reception. A ballroom bustle is particularly useful for weddings held outdoors or in venues with potential obstacles, as it safeguards the train from dirt, mud, and snagging on branches or rocks.
When choosing a bustle style, it is important to consider the gown's silhouette and the activities planned for the wedding. A ballroom bustle pairs beautifully with structured ballgowns, while other options, like the French bustle, may be more suitable for enhancing the drama of layered skirts. Consulting with a skilled seamstress or alterations expert is recommended to ensure the bustle is tailored to perfection and complements the overall look of the dress.
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Royal bustle
A royal bustle is a type of wedding dress bustle that can be simple or elaborate, depending on the desired look. It is a more dramatic version of the French bustle, with more pickup points, resulting in a fancier, vintage feel. This style is perfect for gowns with a statement bow or sash at the back, as the folds add more dimension to the silhouette.
To create a royal bustle, multiple points are added under the dress for the train to attach to. This can be done with buttons, hooks, loops, ties or ribbons. The train is then lifted and secured, creating a seamless illusion of an untouched, floor-length gown. This style is reminiscent of Victorian gowns, where the train is gathered up rather than tucked over or under.
It is important to decide when you would like to bustle your dress, as most brides opt to do so between the ceremony and reception, or after their first dance. It is also a good idea to take most of your family and wedding photos before bustling your dress, so you can show off the train. Additionally, you may want to prepare an emergency kit, as bustles can break, and wedding dresses can be heavy.
When deciding on a royal bustle, it is essential to work with a seamstress who is familiar with wedding dresses and can sew in the appropriate bustle for your dress. They will be able to create a bustle that matches your height during alterations.
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French bustle
A French bustle, also known as an under-bustle, is a style of wedding dress bustle that gives an understated, two-layered hem that creates a design at the back. This is achieved by folding the train under itself, rather than over, as is the case with the American-style bustle. The French bustle is a good option for brides who want to be able to move freely and dance at their wedding without the train getting in the way.
To create a French bustle, a seamstress will add colour-coordinated ribbons or numbers underneath the gown. Hooks, ties, or buttons can also be sewn onto the back of the dress to help achieve the desired bustle. It is recommended that whoever is in charge of bustling the dress on the day—usually a bridesmaid or family member—should attend the final fitting to learn how to do it.
There are many types of bustles, and nearly all full-length gowns have hooks, ties, or buttons sewn into the train to create a uniform hemline after the ceremony. A bustle can be added to any dress that is floor-length to create a shorter hemline post-ceremony. A French bustle is a good option for this as it completely hides the train without changing the look of the dress.
A ballroom bustle is another option that creates the illusion of a floor-length gown without any bustling. This is done by adding multiple bustle points sewn around the bodice, allowing the fabric to fold into itself.
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Frequently asked questions
A bustle is a way of hitching up a wedding dress train to allow the bride to walk freely and dance comfortably. It involves fastening the train to the rest of the dress, creating a shorter hemline.
Brides typically hitch up their dresses after the ceremony and before the reception, including for the first dance.
You should enlist the help of your maid of honour, a bridesmaid, your mother, or your mother-in-law to hitch up your dress. They will need to attend your final fitting to learn how to do it.
There are several types of bustles, including the American bustle (or over bustle), the ballroom bustle, the French bustle (or under bustle), the royal bustle, and the bow bustle.
