Deborah Chan
There are many costs associated with weddings, and one of the most significant is the wedding dress. One way to make money to pay for a wedding dress is to start a side hustle. Jennifer Cannon, for example, sold specialty sandwich wraps at work to pay for her wedding dress. She charged $6 per wrap and was able to raise the money she needed in a few months. If you're wondering whether to hustle your wedding dress, consider the financial benefits of doing so.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To protect your gown from getting damaged, and to allow you to walk around and dance freely |
| Types | American/Ballroom, French, Wrist bustle, Royal bustle |
| Techniques | Lifted from the top, lifted from under |
| Cost | $75-$250 |
| Who can help? | Maid of honour, mother, bridesmaid |
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What You'll Learn
The benefits of bustling your wedding dress
A wedding dress bustle is a traditional and practical feature designed to lift and secure the train of your wedding gown for post-ceremony events. Here are some benefits of bustling your wedding dress:
Freedom to Move
Bustling your wedding dress allows you to move around, dance, and enjoy your reception without worrying about tripping over or damaging your dress. This is especially important if your dress has a long train or cathedral length, which can be a hindrance during activities like dancing and dinner.
Enhanced Appearance
Bustles can enhance the appearance of your wedding dress, creating a seamless and elegant silhouette. For example, the ballroom bustle gives the illusion that the dress was always floor-length, while the Austrian bustle adds a whimsical, romantic touch with a gathered or ruched effect. The American bustle, or over-bustle, is known for its classic style and versatility, adapting to various wedding dress styles.
Functionality
Bustles provide functionality by transforming your dress to have a shorter hemline, making it more manageable for post-ceremony activities. This is especially useful if you plan to change into a different dress for your reception, as you can enjoy the drama of a long train during the ceremony but have the convenience of a shorter dress afterward.
Preservation of the Gown
By keeping the gown from dragging on the floor, a bustle helps to preserve the bottom of your dress. This is particularly important if you plan to keep your wedding dress as it will reduce the amount of cleaning and potential repairs needed after the event.
Overall, bustling your wedding dress can provide both functional and aesthetic benefits, ensuring you can move with ease and look your best on your special day.
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When to bustle your wedding dress
A wedding dress with a train is a beautiful thing, but it can get in the way when it's time to hit the dance floor. This is where bustling comes in. A bustle is a series of loops, hooks, ribbons, and/or buttons that lift and secure your dress train, turning your bridal gown into a manageable maxi dress. It allows you to walk around, greet your guests, dance, and eat without worrying about tripping over your dress or getting it stained or damaged.
There are different types of bustles that a seamstress can add to a dress, including an over bustle or under bustle, depending on how the train folds into the dress. The American or \"over\" bustle creates cascading layers that fall over the skirt of your dress at the back, while the French bustle is tied or lifted from under the dress, creating a "blouson" shape.
To bustle your dress, start by finding the centre loops, hooks, or buttons and work outward from there. This ensures you match the correct loop with the right hook or button. If you need help, enlist your maid of honour, mother, or a bridesmaid to assist you. It's a good idea to have them accompany you to your final wedding dress fitting so they can learn how to bustle the dress from your seamstress.
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How to bustle your wedding dress
Wedding dresses with long trains can be hard to move around in, and a bustle can help secure the fabric of the train, allowing you to move around with ease. Wedding dresses usually have hooks, ties, or buttons sewn into the train to create a uniform hemline after the ceremony. There are many types of bustles, and one bustle does not fit all. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to bustle your wedding dress:
Step 1: Choose the Right Bustle
Before your dress-fitting, it is important to know that different types of bustles work with different gowns. During your wedding dress alteration appointment, consult a skilled seamstress or stylist to determine the best type of bustle for the silhouette of your gown, the amount of fabric, and how you plan to wear your dress. A popular option is the American bustle, also known as an over-bustle, where the outside of the train is lifted and secured over the back of the gown to the waistline.
Step 2: Delegate the Task
The task of bustling the dress should be delegated to a trusted individual, usually a bridesmaid or family member. This designated "bustler" should attend your final alterations appointment so they can receive hands-on practice and guidance from the seamstress before the wedding day.
Step 3: Plan Ahead
Ensure that you have given yourself enough time between the ceremony and reception to bustle your dress. If you are planning a choreographed dance with spins and twirls, consider practising with your designated "bustler" beforehand so that they can help you manage the train with ease during your performance.
Step 4: Execute the Bustle
On the wedding day, the designated "bustler" will lift and secure the train of your dress using the hooks, ties, or buttons sewn into the gown. Depending on the style of bustle chosen, they will either secure the train over the back of the gown or underneath/inside the skirt. For an American bustle, they can also decide on the number of pickup points to complement the style of your gown.
By following these steps, you will be able to seamlessly secure your wedding dress train and move around with grace and ease during your special day.
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The different types of bustles
A wedding dress bustle is a clever way to secure the train of your gown, giving you the freedom to move around with ease. There are several types of bustles to choose from, each designed to fit your body and the natural fall of your wedding dress. Here are some of the most common types of bustles:
Traditional or Over Bustle
This classic style is one of the most popular among brides. The outside of the train is secured near the waistline, creating a cascading effect. It works with many types of bridal gown silhouettes, including A-line, ballgown, and mermaid styles, and is especially stunning with a cathedral train.
French Bustle (Under Bustle)
The French bustle is ideal for gowns with a natural waistline and minimal train. It is often chosen when the majority of embellishments are near the waist, as it tucks the train under the silhouette of the gown, showcasing the details near the waist. Ribbons are sometimes used to connect and secure the fabric, adding extra flair.
Ballroom Bustle
The ballroom bustle is a versatile option that works with most dress silhouettes. It completely hides the train, giving the illusion of no bustle at all, while still maintaining the original look of the dress.
Side Sling Bustle
For an asymmetrical look, the side sling bustle is a simple yet effective option. It is easy to implement and can add a unique touch to your gown.
Wrist Loop
The wrist loop is an alternative method where the train is attached to the wrist, allowing the wearer to lift it themselves. This option is more suitable for lightweight dresses with modest trains, as heavy fabric or full skirts can be burdensome.
When choosing a bustle style, it is important to consider the design of your wedding dress, including any embellishments, the length of the train, and the overall silhouette. A professional seamstress can help you determine the best bustle style for your gown and ensure it is executed properly for your comfort and mobility.
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The cost of bustling your wedding dress
Bustling a wedding dress refers to the process of altering it to function as if it had no train. This is done by fastening the train to the rest of the dress, allowing the bride to walk, dance and mingle without the risk of tripping. It is a useful addition to any floor-length dress, not just large ball gowns, as it can create a shorter hemline and prevent the dress from dragging on the floor.
The cost of bustling a wedding dress can vary depending on several factors. Basic bridal gown alterations typically range from $150 to $700, with more complex alterations and intricate details commanding higher prices. For bustling specifically, prices can range from $10 to $200, with the average cost being between $75 to $250. The price depends on the number of attachment points, with more points resulting in a higher price.
It is worth noting that some bridal boutiques offer a flat alteration fee, which covers most basic alterations and can range from $500 to $1000. This can be a more cost-effective option if multiple alterations are required. However, it is important to remember that bustling is a highly customisable process, and the final price will depend on the specific style and fabric of your gown, as well as the rate of your seamstress.
To ensure a seamless bustling process on your wedding day, it is recommended to choose a designated person, such as a bridesmaid or your mother, to help you with the bustle. Practising bustling the gown ahead of time can also ensure a smooth transition once the train needs to be lifted.
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Frequently asked questions
Bustling is when you tie up the train of your wedding dress to be even with your hemline, so that it’s out of the way after the ceremony. This allows you to dance and mingle post-ceremony without worrying about tripping over your dress.
Bustling your wedding dress is a way to make sure you can move and groove in your wedding dress during your wedding reception. It also allows you to stylishly protect your gown, walk around to greet your guests, and of course, execute your first dance with ease.
Most brides opt for bustling their wedding dress between the ceremony and reception, or after their first dance. You should also take most of your family and newlywed photos before bustling your dress, so that you can show off your train in all of its glory.
There are different types of bustles that a seamstress can add to a dress, including an over bustle or under bustle, depending on how the train folds into the dress. The American, or “over” bustle, can add interest to your wedding gown, because it creates cascading layers that fall over the skirt of your dress in the back. The French bustle, on the other hand, is lifted from under the dress, creating a 'blouson' shape.
