Lyla Dejesus
A wedding dress bustle is an important feature of any gown with a train, allowing brides to move freely and dance without tripping over their dresses. The bustle is created by fastening the train to the rest of the dress using ribbons, buttons, hooks, or loops, lifting the fabric off the ground. Brides can choose from various bustle styles, such as the American or Austrian bustle, and it is recommended to consult a seamstress to determine the best type for their gown. While bustling a wedding dress is a simple process, it requires practice and the assistance of a bridesmaid, family member, or friend. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the different bustle styles, the steps to create a beautiful and functional bustle, and tips to ensure the bride can move gracefully on their special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To secure the train or any extra fabric of a wedding dress so that it doesn't drag on the floor, allowing the wearer to move freely. |
| Types | Austrian, American, French, one-point overbustle, wrist bustle |
| Installation | Ribbons, buttons, hooks, ties, loops, bustle pins |
| Cost | $75 to $250 on average |
| Timing | Between the ceremony and reception, or after the first dance |
| Who | Maid of Honour, bridesmaid, parent, close friend, professional seamstress |
| Preparation | Practise bustling the dress before the wedding day, especially if doing it yourself |
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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 and secure the train, allowing the bride to move around with ease. It is functional but can also add serious style to a bridal dress.
There are several different types of bustles to choose from, and a seamstress will be the best person to advise on which will work with your particular dress. However, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the different styles before your fitting.
The American bustle, or over-bustle, is one of the most popular and simplest styles. It has one or more bustle points at the waist or hip line, where the train is hooked and secured over the back of the gown. It is versatile and can be used to create a simple, low-maintenance look or a dramatic draped effect.
The French bustle, or under-bustle, is the reverse of the American bustle. The train is pulled and hooked underneath the silhouette of the gown, with ribbons often used to connect and secure the fabric. This style suits gowns with a more natural waistline.
The ballroom bustle is another option. This gives the illusion that the gown was always floor-length, with the train folding and pinning into itself. It is typically the most expensive option as more bustle points need to be sewn in.
The Austrian bustle is less common but is increasing in popularity. It involves running a ribbon through a back seam and pulling it through to create a ruched effect. This style is well-suited to dresses without a particularly detailed skirt.
Ultimately, the right bustle style for your wedding dress will depend on the silhouette and fabric of your gown, as well as your personal preference for the look you want to achieve.
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Preparing an emergency kit
A wedding dress bustle is an important addition to any gown with a train, allowing the bride to move freely without worrying about guests stepping on the train. Wedding dresses do not come with a pre-made bustle, so you will need to sew one on yourself or get a seamstress to do it for you.
- Sewing kit: Include a needle and thread in colours that match your wedding dress and bridal party outfits. You may need to make simple fixes to your dress or your bridesmaids' gowns. If your wedding dress has a bustle, it's a good idea to include a sewing needle, clear fishing line, and large safety pins in your kit in case the bustle breaks.
- Stain remover: Include stain-remover pens or wipes to remove any stains or marks on your dress or your bridal party's outfits.
- Lint roller: A lint roller will help remove pet hair, dust, and loose threads from your attire.
- Fabric steamer: A steamer will help get rid of any rogue wrinkles in your wedding outfit or bridal party outfits.
- Button and Bustle Hook: If your wedding dress has buttons, loops, or a bustle, a Button and Bustle Hook will help you get dressed without causing hand strain or damaging the fabric.
- Dress weights: If your wedding is outdoors, dress weights will help keep your dress and your bridal party's outfits in place, preventing them from being blown around by the wind.
It's a good idea to start preparing your emergency kit well in advance of your wedding day, so you have it ready for any pre-wedding events and the wedding day itself. You can also ask your wedding planner if they have an emergency kit, and assign a member of the wedding party to be in charge of the kit on the day.
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Practising bustling before the wedding
Choose the Right Bustle Style
Before your practice session, consult with your seamstress to determine the best bustle style for your gown. The type of bustle depends on the silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, and your personal preferences. Popular options include the American bustle, French bustle, and Austrian bustle, each with its distinct look and functionality.
Delegate the Task
Designate a trusted individual, such as your maid of honour or a responsible bridesmaid, to be in charge of bustling your dress. This person should attend your final dress fitting to learn the technique directly from your seamstress and practice until they feel confident. It's a good idea to have one or two people master the skill, so they can help you transition your gown effortlessly during the reception.
Practice with Your Dress
During your final dress fitting, request a rehearsal of the bustling process. This is your opportunity to familiarise yourself with the steps and ensure the designated "bustler" understands the mechanics. Practising with your actual wedding dress will help you identify any potential challenges and make necessary adjustments.
Utilise Visual Resources
If you're a visual learner, take advantage of video tutorials available online. These can supplement your in-person practice and provide a step-by-step guide that you can refer to leading up to the wedding. Visual resources can be especially helpful for your designated bustling assistant to review and perfect their technique.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Despite careful planning, there's always a chance that your bustle could come undone during the festivities. Be prepared for this rare but possible event by assembling an emergency kit. Include items such as a sewing needle, clear fishing line, safety pins, and extra buttons or hooks. Store this kit in your bridal suite or with a trusted member of your bridal party.
By following these steps and practising bustling before your wedding, you'll minimise stress and maximise your enjoyment on the big day. A well-rehearsed bustling process will ensure you can glide gracefully across the dance floor and create lasting memories in your stunning gown.
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Taking photos before bustling
Choose the Right Time for Photos
Most brides opt for taking photos before or immediately after the ceremony. This timing allows you to showcase the full elegance of your wedding dress, including the train, in your pictures. It's easy to get swept up in the excitement of your wedding day, so be sure to decide on the timing beforehand and communicate it to your designated bustler. That way, they can gently remind you when it's time to bustle your dress.
Delegate the Task
Delegate the task of bustling to a trusted individual, such as your maid of honour, a bridesmaid, or a family member. It's a good idea to have this person attend your final dress fitting so they can learn how to bustle the dress directly from your seamstress. This way, they can practice bustling and even take notes if needed. Their presence at the final fitting ensures that they are prepared and confident in their task on your wedding day.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Although it's rare, bustles can break due to the weight of the wedding dress. Be prepared for this possibility by assembling an emergency kit containing a sewing needle, clear fishing line, and large safety pins. Keep this kit easily accessible, either in an emergency bag or in your bridal suite, so that any issues with the bustle can be swiftly addressed.
Understand the Type of Bustle
Different types of bustles work best with different dresses. Consult with your seamstress to determine the most suitable bustle for your gown. They can guide you on whether an over bustle or an under bustle would be more appropriate, depending on how the train folds into the dress. Understanding the type of bustle your dress has will also help your designated bustler prepare for their task.
Capture the Beauty of Your Train
The train of your wedding dress adds a touch of glamour and elegance to your overall look. By taking photos before bustling, you can showcase the full length and beauty of your gown. Whether it's a cathedral-length train or a more modest train, capturing its grandeur in photographs will create lasting memories of your special day.
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Sewing on buttons or hooks
Sewing buttons or hooks is an essential part of bustling a wedding dress. It is a process of altering a bridal gown to function as if it had no train, allowing the bride to walk and dance freely without tripping over the ensemble.
To start sewing buttons or hooks, you need to first decide on the placement of the buttons or hooks along the waistline of the dress. This is where you will attach the bustle, so it is important to mark the spots with pins. Once you have marked the spots, you can remove the pins and begin sewing.
When sewing the buttons or hooks, it is crucial to use strong thread to ensure that the bustle is secure. You can use clear buttons on the outside of the dress if you want the bustle to be discreet. Knot the ends of the thread together and insert the needle at the marked spots, pulling it through the fabric. Stitch securely, as you want to avoid the bustle coming undone. If reinforcement is needed, a small piece of interfacing can be attached under each button or hook for added support.
For the button loops, place a small piece of interfacing on the topside of the dress's train, wherever you have marked a pin for a button loop. Insert the needle next to the seam line and pull it through the interfacing and train. This will create the loop for the button to go through. Repeat this process for as many loops as you need, ensuring that they are securely stitched.
Practising bustling the wedding dress is highly recommended before the big day. It is common for the maid of honour, bridesmaids, or close family members to be in charge of bustling the dress, so it is beneficial for them to attend a fitting or practice session to learn the technique and reduce any fumbling on the wedding day.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding dress bustle is a way to secure the train, or any extra fabric, off the ground and into the back of the dress so that the bride can move around with ease. It is usually done by fastening the train to the rest of the dress using ribbons, buttons, hooks, ties, or loops.
The best time to bustle your wedding dress is after the ceremony and before the reception, or after the first dance. It is recommended to take most of your family and couple photos before bustling your dress to show off your train.
Taking out your wedding dress bustle usually involves the following steps:
- Identify the type of bustle your dress has. Common types include the American bustle, French bustle, and Austrian bustle.
- If your dress has a ribbon or cord running down the middle of the train, simply pull on it and tie it up at the designated point, usually along the center back seam of the dress.
- If your dress has buttons or hooks, you will need to unfasten them. You may need a sewing kit to remove the buttons or hooks if they are sewn on.
- Smooth out the dress and release any folds or creases before storing it or hanging it up.
