
Pulling up a wedding dress can be a tricky task, especially with hair and makeup done. The method of putting on a wedding dress depends on the body type, dress style, and whether it has a petticoat. One way to put on a wedding dress is to step into it, while another way is to go over the head. For dresses with a petticoat, it is recommended to slip the crinoline under the dress and step into both at the same time. To avoid messing up hair and makeup, the bride can put her arms straight up, while her bridesmaids lift the dress up and hold the top wide open. Additionally, a seamstress can add a longer zipper or a bustle to the dress to make it easier to put on.
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What You'll Learn

Step into the dress
Stepping into your wedding dress is a delicate process that requires some preparation. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you gracefully step into your wedding dress:
Prepare the Dress:
Firstly, ensure that your dress is pressed and on a hanger the day before your wedding. Keep it wrapped in a transparent bag to prevent stains. On your wedding day, carefully inspect the dress for any marks or stains. If there are any stains, use your emergency bridal kit to address the issue.
Prepare Your Assistants:
You will need at least one assistant, but preferably two, to help you step into the dress. Brief them on their roles and have them ready by your side and back. One assistant should hold the dress open and stiff to prevent crumpling, while the other can offer you support as you step into the gown.
Prepare Yourself:
Before stepping into the dress, ensure your hair and makeup are done to your satisfaction. Take a few minutes to admire your look in the mirror and make any final touches. It is also essential to have something to eat before donning the dress to boost your energy and nutrients for the day ahead.
Now it's time to step into your gown! Position yourself in front of your assistants, holding the dress open for you. Carefully step into the dress, and if necessary, adjust your bust to sit comfortably in the cups.
Zip or Button Up:
Once you are in the dress, your assistants can help with zipping or buttoning it up. If the zipper is challenging to close, take a deep breath and exhale as the assistant zips it up slowly. If you need more help, add another assistant to pull the sides of the zipper together.
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Dive into the dress
Diving into a wedding dress can be a tricky task, especially with hair and makeup done. Here is a detailed guide to help you gracefully pull your wedding dress up and dive into it:
Preparing the Dress
Before you step into the dress, it is important to prepare it accordingly. If your dress has a petticoat, you will need to create a hole in it to see through to the floor. Reach into the dress and swish your arm around to make this hole, but remember to take off your heels first to avoid tearing the dress. If the petticoat is not attached, you will need to slip it under the dress before stepping into both at the same time.
Diving In
Now it's time to dive into the dress! Lift the giant dress up high enough so that you can crouch down and dive in from below. Ensure that the person helping you puts their arm through as much as possible to reach the bottom of the dress. Keep your arms straight up and bend or squat to help guide the dress over you.
Zipping Up
Once you're in the dress, it's time to zip up. Have one person hold the gown at the waist and push the fabric toward the back, creating more room for the second person to zip it up. Take a deep breath, and as you exhale, slowly zip the dress up. If the zipper is almost closed but needs a little extra help, add another person to pull the sides of the zipper together and then zip it up. Remember, don't stress the zipper!
Bustling the Train
If your wedding dress has a train, you may want to consider adding a bustle to secure it and make it easier to move around. A popular option is the American bustle, also known as an over-bustle, where the train is lifted and secured over the back of the gown to the waistline. Another simple option is the one-point overbustle, where you sew a loop and a button to the back of the dress to lift the train.
Remember, practice makes perfect! If you can, try putting on your dress a few times before your big day to get a feel for it and ensure a graceful entrance.
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Pull the dress over your head
Pulling a wedding dress over your head can be a tricky task, especially if you want to preserve your hair and makeup. Here are some tips and tricks to help you pull your wedding dress over your head gracefully:
Enlist Help
Ask your bridesmaids or friends to assist you in putting on your dress. They can help lift the dress over your head while ensuring your hair and makeup stay intact. It's recommended to have multiple helpers for this task. One person can focus on holding your hair and protecting your face, while another can lift the dress and guide your arms through the sleeves.
Prepare Your Hair and Makeup
Before attempting to put on your dress, ensure your hair and makeup are well-prepared. You can consider wearing your hair half up and half down in curls, as it's easier to fix if it gets messed up. You can also wrap your hair in a scarf or a shawl to protect it as you pull the dress over your head. If you're concerned about makeup transfer, you can apply a setting spray to ensure your makeup stays put.
Crouching Position
To make it easier to lift the dress over your head, try crouching down low. This gives the person lifting the dress more space to work with and reduces the risk of messing up your hair and makeup.
Keep Arms Raised
When pulling the dress over your head, keep your arms raised above your head. This helps to avoid any contact between the dress and your hair and face.
Handling Hoops and Petticoats
If your dress has hoops or a petticoat, remember to grab all the hoops together when lifting your skirt. Reach under the bottom flounce and pull straight up. If you have an under-petticoat, don't forget to grab it too. Once you have a good hold on the hoops, swing them to the rear, out of the way.
Remember to communicate clearly with your helpers and take your time. It might be a good idea to practice putting on the dress beforehand to ensure a smooth process on your wedding day.
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Use a bustle to lift the train
A wedding dress bustle is a great way to lift the train of your dress off the floor, allowing you to move around with ease. It is especially useful for gowns with long trains, adding a bit of lift or a cascading effect to the back of your dress. While a bustle is not mandatory, it can be a simple and cost-effective way to add drama and elegance to your look.
There are several types of bustles to choose from, each creating a different effect. The American or traditional bustle, also known as an over-bustle, is a popular choice. This style lifts the outside of the train and secures it over the back of the gown to the waistline, creating a cascading feel as the fabric folds flow over the rest of the skirt. Brides can choose between a single statement pickup or multiple pickup points for added flair.
Another option is the French bustle, where the train tucks neatly underneath the dress. This style is a good choice if you prefer a more subtle look or if you have a heavier dress. The royal or Victorian bustle is another dramatic option, featuring multiple pickup points down and across the back, adding dimension to the silhouette.
To create a bustle, you can sew loops and buttons or hooks onto the back of your dress. You can also use ribbons or ties to secure the fabric. If you're handy with a needle and thread, you can even sew your own bustle, adding a loop halfway up the length of the train and securing it with a button or hook above. Be sure to practice bustling your dress before your wedding day and designate someone to help you with it during the reception.
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Get help from your bridal party
Getting into a wedding dress can be a tricky affair, especially with hair and makeup done. It is a good idea to have your bridal party help you get into your dress. Here are some tips to get help from your bridal party:
Choose your helpers
Select two people to help you get into the gown. One person can be in charge of the front, and the other can handle the back. These helpers can be your bridesmaids, your mother, or anyone else you trust. It is a good idea to have them attend your final fitting so they can learn from the seamstress and be prepared for the big day.
Practice makes perfect
Practising getting into your dress is a great way to ensure a smooth process on your wedding day. Have your helpers practice lifting the dress and guiding you into it. This will help them get a feel for the weight and volume of the dress and make any necessary adjustments. Practising will also allow you to perfect your technique and ensure that your hair and makeup remain intact.
Master the bustle
A bustle is a clever way to lift and secure your dress train using buttons, hooks, or ribbons. It is a good idea to designate a trusted member of your bridal party, such as the maid of honour, to be your "bustle expert." They can attend your fittings, learn from the seamstress, and even take notes or videos to refer to on the big day. This way, they will be prepared to execute the bustle flawlessly when the time comes.
Prepare an emergency kit
Although rare, bustles can break, so it is always good to be prepared. Put together an emergency kit containing a sewing needle, clear fishing line, and large safety pins. This way, you can quickly fix any issues that may arise with your dress during the wedding.
Plan ahead
Communication is key! Discuss with your designated helper when you would like to bustle your dress. Most brides opt to do this between the ceremony and reception or after their first dance. Let your helper know your preference so they can pull you aside at the right moment.
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Frequently asked questions
Sew a loop to the back of your dress and stitch a button above it, about one foot above the bride's knees. This is the simplest and cheapest way to pull up your wedding dress, but it is not suitable for heavier dresses.
The ballroom bustle is a popular option that completely hides the train without changing the look of the dress. It adds several points under the dress for the train to attach to, creating the look of an untouched, floor-length gown.
You can secure your dress using buttons or hooks. Stitch them wherever you've made pin marks along the waistline. If you don't like the look of exposed buttons or hooks, you can hand-sew lace appliqués on top of them.










































