Junior Rasmussen
A wedding dress train is a gorgeous addition to a wedding gown, but it can restrict the bride's movement. One solution is to tie up the train, a process known as bustling. Bustling a wedding dress involves lifting the train off the ground and securing it to the back of the dress, allowing the bride to move around with ease. This can be done using various methods, such as sewing loops and buttons or using hooks and eyes. The maid of honor often takes on the responsibility of arranging the train throughout the wedding day, so it's beneficial for them to be involved in dress fittings and practice bustling the dress beforehand. This guide will explore the different ways to tie up a wedding dress train and provide step-by-step instructions for achieving an elegant and functional look.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To secure the train or any extra fabric off the ground and into the back of the dress to prevent it from getting soiled or causing the bride to trip |
| Types | Regular bustle, over bustle, French bustle, royal bustle, bow bustle, 1-point overbustle |
| Attachment Methods | Sewing eye hooks or buttons onto the dress, using ties, ribbons, or hooks and eyes |
| Assistance | Maid of honor or another member of the bridal party |
| Timing | Between the wedding and reception |
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What You'll Learn
How to create a French bustle
A French bustle is a type of wedding dress bustle that seamlessly secures the train, or any extra fabric, off the ground and into the back of the dress. It is important to bustle a wedding dress after the ceremony to prevent it from getting soiled and to allow the bride to move around with ease. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create a French bustle:
Measure the Seam
Start by measuring the centre back seam of the gown's train from the waist to the floor. Then, measure the distance from the edge of the train to the base of the dress. Mark the place between these two distances with a pin.
Pin the Waistline Seam and Train
Lift the centre back seam at the pin mark and position it against the centre of the waistline at the base of the bodice. Adjust the fold so that the train is between 1/2" to 3/4" (1.3 - 2 cm) off the floor. Pin the train to the waistline seam. Lift the sides of the train off the floor and fold and pin the train along each side of the back seam. Continue to fold and pin the train as necessary between the seams to lift the remaining train off the floor.
Create the Ties
Create ties or loops and sew them to the back of the dress. You can also use ribbons or hooks and eyes for this step. Make sure to secure the ties with knots and cut off any excess thread.
Attach the Buttons
Attach buttons or hooks to the outside of the dress, near the lower back. You can also sew the buttons onto the waist of the dress and the loops onto the train. Make sure to stitch the buttons or hooks securely, and consider concealing them with embroidery, beading, or lace appliqués.
Fasten the Ties
Fasten the ties together and fluff the back of the dress until it appears just right. Make sure that any details on the tail of the train are arranged pleasingly. If you have multiple ties, ensure they are connected to the corresponding tie. It is important to have someone help you with this step, such as the maid of honour or another member of the bridal party.
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How to add a 1-point over-bustle
Adding a 1-point over-bustle to a wedding dress is a simple process that can be done by a seamstress or even yourself. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Prepare the Dress:
First, lay the dress on a flat surface or use a dress form, ensuring the inside of the dress is facing up or out. If using a dress form, adjust the measurements to be about 2 inches smaller than the dress. This will ensure that the fabric doesn't stretch.
Measure the Train:
Find the center seam of the train, which is usually the longest point. Measure the desired length of the train by pinning it about 1.3 to 2 cm (or 1/2 to 3/4 inches) off the floor. This will be the new length of the train when it is bustled.
Create the Loop or Button:
At the midpoint of the train, attach a loop or button on the outside of the dress, near the lower back. This will be the point of connection for the bustle. You can create a loop by sewing a small stitch and pulling the thread to create a knot. Alternatively, sew a button securely in place.
Attach the Train:
Lift the train and attach it to the loop or button. The train should now be bustled and secured off the floor. You can adjust the folds of the train for a desired look, creating a cascading effect or elegant pleats.
Secure with Hooks or Ribbons:
For added security, you can attach hooks or ribbons along the waistline of the dress. This will ensure that the bustle remains in place and provide additional support.
A 1-point over-bustle is ideal for lighter dresses with shorter trains. For heavier fabrics or longer trains, consider adding multiple pickup points for a more secure and balanced bustle. Remember to practice bustling the dress before the wedding day, and always be prepared with an emergency kit that includes a sewing needle and safety pins.
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How to attach a tie to the underside seam of the skirt
To attach a tie to the underside seam of the skirt, you can follow these steps:
- Measure the centre back seam of the train from the waist to the floor. Then, measure the distance from the edge of the train to the base of the dress. Mark the place between these two distances with a pin.
- Lift the centre back seam at the pin mark and position it against the centre of the waistline at the base of the bodice. Adjust the fold so that the train is slightly off the floor (around 1.3 - 2 cm).
- Pin the train to the waistline seam. Lift the sides of the train off the floor and fold and pin along each side of the back seam. Continue folding and pinning as necessary to lift the remaining train off the floor.
- Cut a length of fabric to serve as the tie. Attach one end of the tie to the underside seam of the skirt, using a secure knot. You can also sew an eye hook to the end of the train and attach the tie to the eye hook, pulling the tie to create a bustle effect.
- Ensure that the tie is not visible from the outside. You can decorate the eye hook with embroidery or beading to conceal it.
- Practice adjusting the train beforehand so that you can efficiently pin it up during the wedding reception.
By following these steps, you can securely attach a tie to the underside seam of the skirt, allowing the bride to move around with ease and prevent the train from dragging on the floor.
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How to sew an eye hook to the end of the train
Sewing an eye hook to the end of the train of a wedding dress is a great way to bustle the dress, keeping it off the floor and making it easier for the wearer to move around. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
Prepare the Dress:
First, put on the wedding dress or have someone else put it on. This will make it easier to determine the correct placement for the eye hook. Find the middle of the back waist of the dress and mark this spot with a straight pin. Now, lift and pinch a small spot of fabric about halfway down the train and bring it up to the pin. Adjust the train so that the hem falls as desired.
Sew the Eye Hook:
At the marked spot, sew an eye hook onto the outside of the dress, near the lower back. Try to attach the eye hook in a seam, so it is hidden and less visible. If this is not possible, you can use creative decoration, embroidery, or beading to conceal it. Make sure the eye hook is secure and consider stitching it multiple times.
Attach the Tie:
Now, attach a tie to the underside seam of the skirt. This tie will connect to the eye hook, so the skirt is lifted off the floor. Ensure the tie is secure and then fluff the back of the dress to achieve the desired look.
Additional Tips:
If you prefer, you can use a button instead of an eye hook. Additionally, you can add more sets of hooks and eyes or buttons and loops for a more elaborate bustle, especially if your dress has multiple layers. Practice attaching the bustle beforehand, so you can efficiently pin up the train on the wedding day.
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How to adjust the bustle before the reception
A wedding dress bustle is a way to secure the train of the dress so that it doesn't drag on the floor. There are several ways to create a bustle, and it's important to practice ahead of time so that you can adjust the bride's train quickly and efficiently before the reception. Here are the steps for three different types of bustles:
Overbustle
An overbustle is a simple and inexpensive way to secure the train of a wedding dress. To create an overbustle, you will need to sew a loop and a button onto the back of the dress. First, attach the loop to the back of the dress halfway up the length of the gown. Then, sew the button about a foot above the bride's knees. Stitch the button securely, running the needle and thread through the fabric and making two knots on each side. Now you can hook the loop over the button, lifting the train off the floor.
Regular Bustle
A regular bustle is another option for securing the train of a wedding dress. To create a regular bustle, attach a tie to the underside seam of the skirt, so it is not visible from the outside. Then, sew an eye hook to the end of the train, concealing the hook with embroidery or beading. Pull the tie so that the skirt bunches, and attach the eye hook to the tie, lifting the train off the floor.
French Bustle
A French bustle is a more intricate option that involves creating multiple pickup points for the train. First, measure the center back seam of the train from the waist to the floor. Then, measure the distance from the edge of the train to the base of the dress, and mark this spot with a pin. Lift the center back seam to meet the waistline at the base of the bodice, and adjust the fold so that the train is slightly off the floor. Pin the train to the waistline seam, and continue to fold and pin the train as needed to lift it off the floor. You can then add ties or hooks to secure the bustle.
Remember, it's important to practice adjusting the bustle before the wedding day so that you can ensure the train looks perfect for the reception.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding dress bustle is a way of securing the train, or any extra fabric, off the ground and into the back of the dress. This is to prevent the bride from tripping, to protect the dress from getting soiled, and to allow the bride to move around with ease.
To create a simple 1-point overbustle, sew a loop to the back of the dress and a button above it. Sew the loop halfway up the length of the dress and the button 1 foot above the bride's knees. Secure the loop and button with knots and hook the loop over the button to lift the train off the floor.
As the maid of honour, you may be tasked with arranging the bride's train. Before the bride walks down the aisle, make sure the train will flow out behind her. During the ceremony, use subtle adjustments to keep the train beautifully spread. Practice beforehand so you can do this quickly and without causing a distraction.
