Deborah Chan
A bustle on a wedding dress is a way to secure the extra fabric from the bottom of the gown to prevent it from dragging on the ground. This is done by fastening the train to the rest of the dress, allowing the bride to walk freely without tripping over her dress. The process of bustling a wedding dress usually takes place after the ceremony and before the reception. There are several types of bustles to choose from, including the American bustle, French bustle, and traditional bustle, each with its own unique style and method of fastening the train. The cost of adding a bustle can range from $75 to $250 on average, and it is important to have a designated person to help with bustling the dress before the reception.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To secure the train or any extra fabric off the ground and into the back of the dress to allow the bride to move around with ease |
| Who does it? | Maid of honour, a bridesmaid, mother, mother-in-law, or a wedding coordinator |
| When is it done? | Before the bride is announced for her first dance |
| Types | American/Over, French/Under, Royal, Ballroom |
| Cost | $75 to $250 on average |
| Number of attachment points | Usually one or three |
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What You'll Learn
The American bustle
While the American bustle is a popular choice, it is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to bustling a wedding dress. The right bustle style will depend on the specific gown and the bride's preferences. It is recommended that brides consult with their seamstress to determine which types of bustles will work best with their gown. Additionally, brides should consider enlisting the help of a trusted person, such as a maid of honour, bridesmaid, parent, or close friend, to learn how to bustle the dress directly from the seamstress during the final fitting.
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The French bustle
A bustle is a way to alter a wedding dress with a train so that it functions as if it had none, allowing the bride to walk freely without tripping over her dress. A French bustle, also known as an underbustle, is the opposite of the American-style overbustle. It has the train fold under itself instead of over, creating an understated, two-layer hem that adds design to the back of the dress.
To install a French bustle, you will need a wedding dress (this works best on satin A-line dresses with three seams in the back and a chapel train or longer), a dress form or mannequin (or a friend about the same size as the bride wearing heels), a measuring tape, grosgrain ribbons, straight pins, and an old sheet or blanket.
First, place the dress form in the middle of the blanket. Adjust the measurement settings on the dress form to be about two inches smaller than the measurements of the dress. Put the dress inside out on the dress form. Find the centre seam of the train (should be at the longest point) and flatten your train so you can see how long the train puddles on the floor. Find the "floor length" - where the hem of the dress would be if it were floor-length, i.e., without a train.
Next, measure from the floor to the end of the train. Place your straight pins at the correct distance between them (this measurement should be about eight inches). Sew on a pair of ribbons and then sew on the last pair of ribbons parallel to these ones. Tie the pairs together.
Finally, flip the dress back to right side out. At this point, you will have a one-point French bustle. For longer trains, you may want to distribute the weight among three points. To do this, put a point on either side of the first point and repeat the process, measuring off to the side of the centre seam.
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When to bustle your dress
A wedding dress bustle is a series of loops, hooks, and buttons that allow you to tie up your train to be even with your hemline, so you can move around freely without tripping over your dress. The process of bustling a dress varies depending on the type of bustle and the dress itself.
Before the wedding
It is recommended to assign someone to be in charge of bustling your dress on the day, such as a bridesmaid, maid of honour, parent, or close friend. This person should attend your final fitting so they can learn how to bustle the dress directly from the seamstress. Alternatively, they can watch a video of the process so they can be prepared on the day.
After the ceremony
Traditionally, the bride bustles her dress after the ceremony and before the reception. This is a good time to do it if you want to ensure your train is out of the way for the rest of the day's activities, including photos. If you're having a cocktail hour, this gives you ample time to bustle your gown before the grand entrance.
After photos
If you want to show off your train in your wedding photos, you can wait until after the ceremony and photos to bustle your dress. This way, you can enjoy the look of the train during the ceremony and capture it in your photos, but still have it bustled for the reception.
Before the first dance
Some brides opt to leave their train flowing for the ceremony and the majority of the reception, only bustling their dress before the first dance. This allows them to showcase the train for most of the day and then get it out of the way for dancing.
Ultimately, the decision of when to bustle your dress depends on your personal preference and what you want to showcase during the ceremony and reception. Discuss your vision with your seamstress, who can advise on the best type of bustle for your dress and how to prepare for bustling it at the desired time.
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Who should be tasked with bustling your dress
A wedding dress bustle is when the train of the dress is buttoned up to floor length, allowing the bride to move around freely and preventing the dress from getting stuck, caught, or stepped on. It also showcases the beautiful detail of the train and the back of the dress.
Now, who should be tasked with bustling the wedding dress? Well, it is usually the maid of honour, a bridesmaid, a parent, or a close friend. Since it is nearly impossible to secure a bustle while wearing a bridal gown, the bride must enlist the support of a trusted person to help her with this task. The designated "bustler" should attend the final alterations appointment to get hands-on practice before the big day. It is also a good idea to take notes or a video of the seamstress demonstrating how to do the bustle so that it can be referred to on the wedding day.
Additionally, it is important to set a plan and ensure there is enough time between the ceremony and reception to bustle the dress. Whether it is before cocktail hour or after photos, the designated "bustler" should be available when needed.
Lastly, it is a good idea to be prepared for any worst-case scenarios. Wedding dresses can be very heavy, and there is always a possibility that the bustle can break during the reception. Thus, it is recommended to have safety pins, a sewing needle, and a clear fishing line on hand.
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The cost of adding a bustle
The addition of a bustle to a wedding dress is a common alteration, and the cost can vary depending on several factors. A bustle is a clever way to transform your wedding gown for the reception, making it easier to move and dance while also showcasing the beautiful train. There are a few different types of bustles to choose from, each with its own price range:
The American Bustle: This is one of the most common types of bustles, featuring a single point of attachment that creates a large loop of fabric at the back of the dress. The cost for this type of bustle can range from $100 to $250, depending on the complexity and the fabric of your dress. It is a versatile option that works with many dress styles.
The French Bustle: The French bustle, also known as the "under bustle," creates a more elegant and subtle look. It features multiple points of attachment, usually three to five, which lift the train and secure it in place. This type of bustle is more intricate and works well with heavier fabrics. The cost for a French bustle can range from $200 to $400, again depending on the fabric and the complexity of your dress.
The Pick-Up Bustle: This is a simpler option that involves picking up the fabric of the train and securing it in place with ribbons or buttons. The pick-up bustle is less structured than the American or French bustle and creates a more relaxed look. The cost for this type of bustle can range from $50 to $150, making it a more affordable option.
It's important to consider the fabric of your dress when budgeting for a bustle. Heavier fabrics like satin or taffeta may require more support and intricate construction, increasing the cost. Delicate fabrics like chiffon or organza may be easier to work with and therefore may be on the lower end of the price range.
Additionally, the complexity of the design and the number of layers in the skirt can impact the price. If your dress has intricate beading or embroidery, the seamstress will need to take extra care to ensure that the bustle attachments are secure and do not damage the delicate details.
When planning for your wedding dress alterations, it is always a good idea to get quotes from multiple seamstresses or tailors. They will be able to provide you with a more accurate estimate based on your specific dress and the type of bustle you desire.
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Frequently asked questions
A bustle on a wedding dress is a way of securing the extra fabric from the bottom of the gown to prevent it from dragging on the ground. This allows the bride to move freely without tripping over her dress.
A bustle can help prevent your wedding dress from getting dirty and makes it easier to move around in your dress. It can also help to create a shorter hemline post-ceremony.
There are several types of bustles, including the American bustle (or over-bustle), the French bustle, and the traditional bustle. The American bustle is created by lifting and securing the train over the back of the gown to the waistline, while the French bustle tucks the train underneath the skirt to create a billowing effect. The traditional bustle is similar to the American bustle but with different pickup placements.
