
Wedding dresses are often bustled to secure the train or any extra fabric to the back of the dress, allowing the wearer to move around with ease. This is typically done by a maid of honour, bridesmaid, parent, or close friend, as it can be nearly impossible to secure a bustle while wearing the gown. Safety pins can be used to pin the train into itself, giving the illusion of a floor-length gown with a fuller bottom. In addition, lapel pins can be worn to enhance a wedding outfit, adding a personal touch and a sense of sophistication. For those wearing a wedding dress, a small flower brooch or pin can be added for detail, or a family brooch can be worn as a form of something old.
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What You'll Learn

How to pin a wedding dress to your body
Pinning a wedding dress to your body can be done in a few different ways, depending on the style and fit of the dress. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pin a wedding dress to your body:
Identify the areas that need pinning
Before you start pinning, it's important to identify the areas of the dress that need adjustments. This could be a loose-fitting area or a strap that needs to be secured. Understanding the alterations needed will help you determine the best pinning technique.
Choose the right pins and tools
It is recommended to use safety pins for pinning a wedding dress. These pins are less likely to open accidentally and can securely hold the fabric in place. Additionally, you can use "fashion" tape, which is a double-sided tape that adheres to both skin and fabric. This can help relieve tension on the pins and provide extra security.
Pinning technique
If your dress has a strap that needs to be secured, you can pin it to your strapless bra from the inside. This will help keep the dress in place without being too noticeable. For loose-fitting areas, you can carefully pin the fabric from the inside, making sure the pins are hidden. If you have a trusted helper, they can assist you in pinning the dress to ensure a proper fit.
Practice and preparation
Before the wedding day, it's crucial to practice putting on the dress and pinning it to ensure a smooth process. If you have a helper, they should attend at least one fitting to understand the pinning technique. Additionally, prepare an emergency kit with extra safety pins, a sewing needle, and clear fishing line in case any adjustments are needed during the wedding.
Bustling the dress
If your wedding dress has a train, you may need to bustle it to secure the fabric off the ground and allow for comfortable movement. There are different types of bustles, such as the ballroom bustle, French bustle, and traditional bustle, each with its unique technique. You can watch video tutorials or seek advice from a seamstress to learn how to bustle your specific dress.
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How to pin a wedding dress train
If your wedding dress has a train, you can add a simple American bustle to allow you to move freely without worrying that guests will step on the train. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pin a wedding dress train:
Prepare the Train
If the train is too long or heavy, you can first redistribute the existing folds into two smaller folds. Secure these folds with pins.
Attach the Buttons or Hooks
To secure the dress, you will need to attach buttons or hooks along the waistline. Sew these securely, adding a small piece of interfacing underneath for additional reinforcement if needed.
Make the Button Loops
Thread a needle with strong thread and knot the ends. Place a small piece of interfacing on the top side of the dress's train, wherever you made a pin marking for a button loop.
Bustle the Dress
Once the loops have been added, you can bustle the train by fastening the loops to the buttons or hooks. Adjust the folds of fabric to create a fuller and more voluminous bustle. If you don't like the look of the exposed buttons or hooks, you can hand-sew lace appliqués on top to conceal them.
Alternatively, you can use a Trainloop, which does not require any sewing. Simply pin the two pieces through your dress and hook them together to lift up your train. Another option is to create a wrist loop by sewing a loop under the tip of the train, which you can hold in your hand when you want to lift the train.
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How to pin a wedding dress bustle
To pin a wedding dress bustle, you'll first need to decide on the type of bustle you want. There are several types of wedding dress bustles, including the American bustle, French bustle, and ballroom bustle. Each of these styles uses different techniques to secure the train of the dress and create a uniform hemline. Once you've chosen your desired bustle style, follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Dress
Before the wedding day, bring your dress to a seamstress who can sew hooks, ties, or buttons onto the back of the dress. These will be used to secure the train and create the bustle. If your dress has a train, consider adding a simple American bustle, which will allow you to move freely and prevent guests from stepping on your train during the wedding.
Step 2: Final Fitting
Attend your final fitting with the designated "bustler," usually a bridesmaid or family member. This person will learn directly from the seamstress how to create the bustle on the wedding day.
Step 3: Plan Timing
Ensure you've allowed enough time between the ceremony and reception to bustle your dress. This process may take some time, so plan accordingly.
Step 4: Create the Bustle
On the wedding day, after the ceremony, the designated "bustler" will fasten the train to the rest of the dress using the hooks, ties, or buttons that have been sewn on. This will allow you to walk freely without tripping on your train. For an American bustle, the train is simply fastened to the buttons or hooks. For a French bustle, the hooks tuck the train under the silhouette of the dress, often with ribbons attached for extra flair. A ballroom bustle gives the illusion of no bustle, with the train pinned into itself to create a floor-length gown with a fuller bottom.
Step 5: Adjust and Secure
Once the bustle is created, adjust the folds of fabric on the train to create a fuller and more voluminous look if desired. If you're using buttons, make sure they are securely stitched, and consider adding a small piece of interfacing under each button for reinforcement.
By following these steps and working with a skilled seamstress, you can ensure that your wedding dress bustle is secure and allows you to move comfortably throughout your special day.
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How to pin a brooch to a wedding dress
A wedding dress with a brooch pinned to it can be a stylish and unique look. If you're wondering how to pin a brooch to your wedding dress, here are some tips to help you:
First, consider the placement of the brooch. If your dress has a deep V-neckline, you can place the brooch at the base of the V. This can add a nice detail to the dress, especially if you are not planning to wear a necklace. Another option is to pin the brooch to the side of your chest, which can be a beautiful accent. If your dress has a natural waist, you can also consider using a plain satin band and placing the brooch sideways on it. This will draw attention to the smallest part of your waist and add a unique touch to your look.
When pinning the brooch, make sure the pin is secure and will not come loose easily. You may want to test it out before your wedding day to ensure it stays in place. If you're worried about the pin coming undone, you can also use a small piece of tape on the back of the brooch to secure it to the dress.
If you're wearing a lapel pin in addition to the brooch, consider the overall look and feel you're going for. Lapel pins can add a personal touch and elevate your outfit. If you're wearing a boutonnière or buttonhole, you may want to skip the lapel pin or choose a subtle one that complements your other accessories without overcrowding your lapel. You can match your lapel pin to your tie or coordinate the colours without matching exactly.
Lastly, don't forget to consider the overall style of your wedding dress and how the brooch will complement it. If your dress has a bustle, ensure that the brooch does not interfere with it. A bustle can help secure the train of your dress and make it easier to move around, so it's important to plan for this when pinning any accessories to your dress.
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How to wear a lapel pin with a wedding outfit
Wearing a lapel pin to a wedding is a stylish way to enhance your outfit and add a personal touch. Here are some tips on how to wear a lapel pin with your wedding outfit:
Choosing the Right Lapel Pin
Select a lapel pin that complements your wedding outfit. Lapel pins come in various styles, from neutral and metallic to bold colours and intricate designs. If you're wearing a tie, consider matching or coordinating the colours or style of your lapel pin with your tie. For instance, if your tie has a hint of blue, a blue or silver lapel pin can tie the look together.
Placement is Key
The placement of your lapel pin is important. It should always be placed on the left lapel, above the heart. If you're wearing a boutonnière or buttonhole, consider skipping the lapel pin or choosing a subtle one that complements it without crowding the lapel. Lapel pins are generally smaller than boutonnières and should not compete with other accessories.
Adding a Personal Touch
Lapel pins can be a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding outfit. Consider choosing a lapel pin with a meaningful design or a family brooch that can be worn by the bride or groom. A small flower brooch or a sparkly brooch with sapphires can be a beautiful addition to a plain wedding dress or suit.
Creating a Cohesive Look
If you're part of the wedding party, consider coordinating your lapel pins with the overall wedding theme or colour scheme. Matching lapel pins can be a subtle way to unify the groomsmen's or bridesmaids' outfits, adding a touch of sophistication and attention to detail.
Remember, lapel pins are an optional accessory, and it's essential to feel comfortable and confident in your wedding outfit. Whether you choose to wear a lapel pin or not, make sure your outfit reflects your personal style and the tone of the wedding celebration.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, wearing a lapel pin to a wedding is appropriate and can be a stylish way to enhance your outfit. Lapel pins can add a personal touch and elevate your suit or blazer, making it look more polished and unique.
The type of lapel pin you wear to a wedding depends on the formality of the event and your outfit. Boutonnières, or flower pins, are traditional for weddings and are usually worn by the bridal party. These can be elegant and romantic, but they may also be too flashy for some weddings. If you want something more subtle, consider a metallic pin or a smaller, pastel flower pin.
Most suits and blazers have a buttonhole on the left lapel where you can attach your lapel pin. Simply glide the stick pin through the slit and secure it with a metal cap at the bottom. If there is no buttonhole, you can still attach the pin just below where the buttonhole would be and secure it from behind.











































