George Boyle
A wedding dress bustle is a way to alter a bridal gown to function as if it had no train. This is done by fastening the train to the rest of the dress so that the bride can walk and dance freely without tripping over her dress or worrying about guests stepping on her train. There are several types of bustles, including the American bustle, Austrian bustle, and ballroom bustle, each of which can be created using different fasteners such as hooks, buttons, ties, ribbons, or snaps. Brides can work with a seamstress to determine the best type of bustle for their gown, and then enlist the help of a bridesmaid or another member of the bridal party to learn how to properly bustle the dress before the wedding day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To secure the fabric of the gown's train, allowing the bride to move around with ease and avoid tripping over a long train |
| Types | American/Over, French, Ballroom/Train Flip, Austrian |
| Attachment Methods | Hooks, ties, buttons, ribbons, loops, eye hooks |
| Considerations | Gown silhouette and train style, number of bustle points, cost (average $75 to $250), weight of the dress |
| Who Can Help | Seamstress, maid of honor, bridesmaid, mother or mother-in-law |
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What You'll Learn
The purpose of bustling a wedding dress
Bustles are not just for ball gowns or dresses with long trains; any dress that is floor-length can be bustled to create a shorter hemline post-ceremonies. There are many types of bustles, including the American bustle and the French bustle, and the choice depends on the silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, and how the bride plans to wear her dress. For example, the American bustle, also known as an over-bustle, has several hooks scattered throughout the waistline of the dress that enables the train to be lifted and hooked over the top of the gown. This style can have one to five bustle pickup points for a dramatic look, transforming the dress silhouette from the back. On the other hand, the French bustle involves tucking the train underneath the skirt to create a billowing effect, adding fullness to the back of the gown. This style is better suited for gowns with enough excess fabric to handle the plentiful bustling points.
The bustling process can be done by a seamstress during the alteration appointment, or it can be done by the bride herself if she is handy with a needle and thread. The seamstress or bride will sew hooks, loops, ties, buttons, or ribbons onto the back of the dress to help secure the train. On the wedding day, a designated person such as a bridesmaid or family member will be tasked with bustling the train, usually with the help of safety pins.
Overall, bustling a wedding dress is an important step to ensure the bride can move around with ease and showcase her gown's beauty without the train getting in the way. It adds functionality and a unique aesthetic touch to the bridal ensemble.
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Types of wedding dress bustles
A wedding dress bustle is an alteration made to the back of a wedding dress to lift the train off the ground and secure it to the dress. This allows the bride to move around freely without worrying about guests stepping on the train. There are several types of wedding dress bustles, including:
- American Bustle: This is a simple and popular option, especially for fitted gowns with a small train. It involves gathering the train and affixing it to the dress at the waistline, creating a cascading effect. It is also known as an "overbustle" and works well with A-line, ball gown, and mermaid silhouettes.
- French Bustle: Also known as the "under bustle," this style is perfect for gowns with embellishments near the waist. It is simple and elegant, often used for lace and satin gowns.
- Royal Bustle: This style is for those seeking an elaborate, vintage-inspired look. It involves gathering the train and affixing it to the dress at several points, creating dramatic folds that add visual interest to the gown.
- Ballroom Bustle: This option makes the train visually disappear, creating the illusion of wearing two separate dresses. It is perfect for brides who want a flirty and playful look, as it gives the appearance of a shorter hemline.
The type of bustle chosen depends on the silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, and the bride's personal preference. It is important to consult with a seamstress to determine the best option and to have a trusted individual, such as a bridesmaid or family member, learn how to bustle the dress during the final fitting.
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How to bustle a wedding dress
A wedding dress bustle is a way to secure the train or any extra fabric of a wedding gown to keep it from dragging on the floor. This allows the wearer to move more freely, especially when greeting guests, dancing, or walking. There are several types of bustles, including the American bustle and the French bustle, and nearly all full-length gowns have hooks, ties, or buttons sewn into the wedding dress train to create a uniform hemline.
- During your wedding dress alteration appointment, consult with your seamstress to determine the best type of bustle for your gown. Consider the silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, and how you plan to wear your dress.
- Decide who will be in charge of bustling the dress on the wedding day, usually a bridesmaid or family member. It is recommended that this person attends your final fitting to learn directly from the seamstress.
- On the wedding day, lift the center back seam of the dress and position it against the center of the waistline at the base of the bodice. Ensure the train is slightly off the floor (about 1.3 - 2 cm).
- Attach the train to the seam using pins. You can also use hooks or buttons, which can be concealed with hand-sewn lace appliqués if desired.
- Fold and pin the train to lift it off the floor. If the train is too long or heavy, redistribute the folds into smaller ones.
- Adjust the positioning and folds of fabric on the train to create a fuller and more voluminous bustle.
By following these steps, you can securely and effectively bustle a wedding dress, ensuring the train is off the ground and allowing the wearer to move with ease.
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When to bustle a wedding dress
Wedding dress bustles are a way of lifting and securing the train of a wedding dress so that it's off the ground and no longer trailing behind. This makes it easier for the wearer to move around, especially during the wedding reception, first dance, and photos.
There are no rules about whether you should or shouldn't have a train on your wedding dress or how long it should be. Trains have been a part of wedding dresses since medieval times, when they were a sign of wealth, but today they are usually included to add formality and fluidity to dresses and give the illusion that the wearer is taller.
If you opt for a wedding dress with a long train, you may want to consider adding a bustle to make it easier to walk around, dance, and mingle during the reception. A bustle can also help to ensure that your dress doesn't get stepped on or dirty during the festivities.
When deciding whether to add a bustle to your wedding dress, it's important to consider the style of your dress, your proportions, the location of your wedding, and your comfort and practicality. For example, a long train may be more suitable for a formal venue, but a shorter train or no train may be preferable if you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors. Additionally, a long train can often drown brides with a petite frame, so you may want to opt for a bustle to create a more proportional look.
If you decide to add a bustle to your wedding dress, it's recommended to bring your wedding shoes to your fitting to ensure the bustle is placed at the right height. You can also ask your bridal seamstress or tailor for advice on the best type of bustle for your gown, and they can help you add it during alterations.
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Cost of adding a bustle to a wedding dress
The cost of adding a bustle to a wedding dress depends on several factors, including the type of bustle, the number of layers and bustle points, the complexity of the design, and the cost of living in your area.
On average, adding a bustle to a wedding dress can range from $35 to $500. Simple bustles typically start at around $50, while more intricate designs with multiple layers and points can cost upwards of $300. The type of gown also plays a role in determining the cost, with ball gowns or dresses with a lot of fabric typically costing more due to the need for multiple attachment points.
Some common types of wedding dress bustles include the American bustle, French bustle, Ballroom bustle, Train-Flip bustle, and Austrian bustle. The American bustle, also known as an over bustle, involves placing hooks throughout the waistline to lift the train over the top of the gown. This style can have one to five pick-up points for a dramatic look. The Ballroom bustle, on the other hand, creates the illusion that the gown was always floor-length by sewing multiple bustle points around the bodice, allowing the fabric to fold delicately. The Train-Flip bustle is similar, but with hooks inside the gown to flip the train underneath, completely hiding it from view.
The French bustle is ideal for gowns with a natural waistline, such as mermaid or A-line silhouettes. It involves tucking the train underneath the skirt to create a billowing effect, adding fullness to the back of the gown. The Austrian bustle is perfect for embellished gowns as it gathers the fabric down the middle of the back, creating a ruching effect and making it easier to operate.
It's important to note that bustles can be susceptible to breaking due to the weight of the fabric. Therefore, it's recommended to have safety pins, a needle and thread, or a clear fishing line on hand for quick repairs during the wedding.
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Frequently asked questions
A bustle on a wedding dress is an alteration that lifts the train, allowing the gown to function as though it doesn't have one. This makes it easier for the bride to move around and dance without the risk of tripping over the train.
There are several ways to bustle a wedding dress, including using hooks, ties, buttons, ribbons, or a combination of these elements. It is recommended to consult a seamstress to determine the best type of bustle for the specific gown. The seamstress can also advise on how to attach the bustle, which may involve sewing loops, eye hooks, or buttons onto the dress.
Popular types of wedding dress bustles include the American bustle (or over bustle), French bustle, Austrian bustle, and ballroom bustle. The American bustle is one of the simplest and most versatile styles, featuring one or more bustle points at the waist or hip line. The Austrian bustle creates a beautiful shape with ruching, while the ballroom bustle gives the illusion that the gown was always floor-length.
