Rhiannon Hendricks
A bustle on a wedding dress refers to the process of altering 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. The bustle can be achieved through hooks, buttons, ribbons, or a combination of these elements. There are several types of bustles, including the American bustle, French bustle, and ballroom bustle, each creating a different effect on the silhouette of the dress. The cost of adding a bustle ranges from $50 to $400, depending on the number of attachment points and dress layers involved. It is recommended to have someone knowledgeable about bustling assist the bride on the wedding day, as it can be challenging to do it alone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To allow the bride to walk and dance freely without tripping over the train of the dress |
| Types | American/Over, Ballroom, French, Under |
| Attachment Methods | Hooks, ties, buttons, ribbons |
| Cost | $50-$250, depending on the number of attachment points and layers to be bustled |
| When to bustle | After the ceremony and before the reception |
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What You'll Learn
Why you might want a bustle
A bustle on a wedding dress refers to altering the gown 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 freely without tripping over her dress. A bustle is not just for ball gowns or dresses with long trains; any floor-length dress can be bustled to create a shorter hemline.
Comfort and Ease of Movement
A bustle allows the bride to move around comfortably and with ease. Without a bustle, the train can get in the way, making it difficult to walk or dance. With a bustle, the bride can walk freely and dance the night away without worrying about tripping over her dress.
Aesthetic and Style
A bustle can transform the silhouette of a dress, creating a uniformed hemline and a dramatic look. For example, an American bustle, or over-bustle, has several hooks at the waistline to lift and hook the train over the gown, making the train disappear from the back. A ballroom bustle gives the illusion that the gown was floor-length all along, with the fabric folding delicately into itself.
Safety and Functionality
A bustle helps to prevent tripping hazards and ensures the train is securely fastened to the dress. Wedding dresses can be heavy, and a bustle helps to distribute the weight evenly, reducing the risk of the dress getting caught or stepped on.
Cost-Effectiveness
While adding a bustle to your wedding dress incurs additional costs, ranging from $75 to $250 on average, it is a more cost-effective option than changing into a shorter dress for the reception. A bustle allows you to have the best of both worlds, with a dramatic train for the ceremony and a functional, shorter hemline for the reception.
When deciding whether to add a bustle to your wedding dress, consider your comfort, mobility, and desired aesthetic. A bustle can provide both functionality and style, ensuring you can move with ease and showcase your dress's unique features.
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Types of bustles
A bustle is an alteration made to the back of a wedding dress to lift and secure the train off the ground, allowing the bride to move around freely. There are several types of bustles to choose from, and the right one will depend on the silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, and how you plan to wear your dress. Here are some of the most common types of wedding dress bustles:
American Bustle/Over Bustle
Also known as a traditional 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 can be paired with various gown silhouettes, including A-line, ball gown, and mermaid styles, and is especially stunning with a cathedral train. This style can have one, three, or even five bustle pick-up points for a dramatic look.
Ballroom Bustle
This bustle style gives the illusion that the bride is wearing a floor-length gown when, in reality, the train has been bustled. Multiple bustle points are sewn around the bodice, allowing the fabric to fold delicately into itself. This option is perfect for brides who want to create the illusion of wearing two separate dresses on their wedding day.
French Bustle/Under Bustle
The French bustle is a great option for gowns with embellishments near the waist. This bustle style is simple and elegant, perfect for lace and satin gowns.
Royal Bustle
The royal bustle is perfect for brides seeking an elaborate, vintage-inspired look. This style involves gathering the train and affixing it to the dress at several points, creating dramatic folds that add instant visual interest to the gown. It pairs beautifully with A-line and ball gown silhouettes.
The cost of adding a bustle to a wedding dress typically ranges from $75 to $250, depending on the number of bustle points and the type of bustle chosen. It is important to note that bustles can break during the reception due to the weight of the dress, so it is recommended to have safety pins, a sewing needle, and a clear fishing line on hand for quick repairs.
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Cost of adding a bustle
The cost of adding a bustle to a wedding dress varies depending on several factors. On average, adding a bustle to a wedding dress ranges from $75 to $250. However, some people have reported paying as little as $30 for a 5-point bustle, while others have paid up to $350 for a simple bustle in a high cost-of-living area.
The final price will depend on the number of bustle points, the type of bustle, and the complexity of the design. For example, an American bustle, also known as an over bustle, involves scattering several hooks throughout the waistline of the dress to lift and hook the train over the top of the gown. This style can have one, three, or even five bustle pick-up points for a more dramatic look. A ballroom bustle, on the other hand, gives the illusion that the gown was always floor-length by sewing multiple bustle points around the bodice and allowing the fabric to fold into itself delicately.
The cost of adding a bustle may also depend on the type of gown and the amount of fabric in the train. Gowns with more train fabric, such as ball gowns, will generally cost more to bustle as they typically require multiple attachment points. Additionally, embellished gowns may require extra care when adding a bustle to avoid damaging the intricate details, which can also increase the cost.
It is worth noting that some seamstresses and tailors charge based on the number of points and the complexity of the bustle, with prices starting at $50 per point. Therefore, it is recommended to research wedding alteration services in your area to get a more accurate estimate of the cost.
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How to bustle a dress
A wedding dress bustle is a process of altering 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 a bride can walk freely without tripping over her ensemble throughout the night. Bustles can be created using hooks, ties, or buttons sewn into the wedding dress train to create a uniformed hemline.
There are many types of bustles, and nearly all full-length gowns have hooks, ties, or buttons sewn into the wedding dress train. The seamstress will be able to recommend the best type of bustle for the silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, and how you plan to wear your dress. The seamstress will then sew hooks, ties, or buttons onto the back of your dress to help you achieve your desired wedding gown bustle.
- American Bustle / Over Bustle: This style has several hooks scattered throughout the waistline of a dress that enables the train to be lifted and hooked over the top of the gown. This style can have one, three, or even five bustle pickup points for an ultra-dramatic look.
- Ballroom Bustle: This style gives the illusion that the gown was floor-length all along. Multiple bustle points are sewn around the bodice, allowing the fabric to fold into itself delicately.
- French Bustle: This bustle is great for dresses with lots of train decoration centered below the waist because the bustle won't hide the designs. It is also ideal for dresses with long trains or that are made of heavier fabrics.
- The task of dress bustling should be delegated to a trusted individual, usually a bridesmaid or family member.
- The designated bustler should attend your final alterations appointment to get hands-on practice before the big day.
- Prepare an emergency kit with safety pins, a sewing needle, and a clear fishing line in case the bustle breaks during the reception.
- Ensure you've given yourself enough time between the ceremony and reception to bustle your dress.
- If you don't like the look of exposed buttons or hooks, you can hand-sew lace appliqués on top of them to conceal them.
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What to do if your bustle breaks
A wedding dress bustle is a clever way to transform a long train into a more manageable length, ideal for the reception and dancing. It is a clever way to ensure your dress is both practical and dramatic! The bustle allows the train to be hooked up and creates a beautiful feature at the back of the gown. There are various types of bustles, from the traditional over-bustle to the French and Victorian styles. So, what do you do if this feature, so key to the design and functionality of your dress, breaks?
Stay calm! It is important to remember that this is a fixable issue and a common one at that. Wedding dresses are often made with long, flowing trains, and the bustle is there to help manage the train, so it is not surprising that it may need some attention during your big day. It is a good idea to be prepared and know what to do if this happens. Firstly, locate the issue. Is it a hook that has come undone, or has a button come loose? Perhaps a loop has come free, or maybe the fabric has torn. Knowing the issue will help you know how to fix it.
If it is a simple case of a hook or button coming loose, you can try to reattach it. If you have a sewing kit, this is a simple fix, and it may be worth asking your bridesmaids or a family member to help you. It is a good idea to have an emergency kit with needle and thread for this very reason! If the issue is more complex, such as a torn fabric, you may need to get creative. One option is to use safety pins. Safety pins can be used to attach the train to the dress, creating a temporary bustle. This is a quick and easy solution, and again, your bridesmaids can help you with this.
Another option is to use fabric tape. This is a strong, double-sided tape that can be used to attach the train to the dress. It is a good idea to test the tape on a small area of the fabric first to ensure it does not cause any damage. This tape can be a lifesaver and is another good item to include in your wedding day emergency kit. If all else fails, you may need to accept that the train will be left flowing and consider other ways to manage it. Perhaps your bridesmaids can help you carry it, or you could drape it over your arm when walking. It is a good idea to practice this beforehand so that you feel comfortable and confident.
Remember, it is always a good idea to be prepared and have a plan for any wedding day emergencies. Knowing how to fix a broken bustle, or at least manage it, will ensure you can continue to enjoy your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
A bustle is a way of altering a wedding dress to make it more comfortable to walk and dance in. It involves fastening the train to the rest of the dress, creating the appearance of a shorter hemline.
A bustle allows you to move around more freely, reducing the risk of tripping over your dress. It also lets you show off the detail of the train and the back of the dress in your wedding photos.
The American bustle, also known as an over bustle, is one of the most popular types. It involves using hooks along the waistline of the dress to lift and hook the train over the top of the gown. The French bustle, on the other hand, uses buttons sewn underneath the dress to create "pick-ups" or tiers.
The cost of adding a bustle can vary depending on the number of attachment points and dress layers involved. On average, it can range from $75 to $250, but it can be cheaper or more expensive depending on your location.
It is recommended to bustle your dress after the ceremony and before the reception. However, some brides may prefer to leave the train flowing for their first dance.
