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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 using hooks, buttons, or ribbons, so that the bride can walk and dance freely without tripping over her dress. The bustle adds a new dimension to the bride's look, and prevents the gown from dragging on the floor and getting dirty or damaged. There are several types of bustles, including the American bustle, where the train is gathered and hooked over the top of the skirt, and the French bustle, where the train is tucked underneath to create a billowing effect. The price of adding a bustle depends on the number of attachment points and the number of dress layers that need to be bustled.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To secure the fabric of the gown's train, giving the bride freedom to move around with ease |
| Who does it? | A trusted friend, bridesmaid, mother, or mother-in-law |
| When is it done? | Before the reception, when the bride needs to move around and dance |
| Types | American/Over, French, Ballroom |
| Cost | $75 to $250 on average, depending on the number of attachment points and layers |
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What You'll Learn
Why bustle a wedding dress?
Wedding dresses with long trains can be a hassle to move around in, especially on the dance floor. This is where bustling your wedding dress comes in. A wedding dress bustle seamlessly secures the train or any extra fabric off the ground and into the back of the dress, allowing you to move around with ease.
There are several reasons why brides choose to bustle their wedding dresses:
Freedom of Movement
The primary reason for bustling a wedding dress is to allow the bride to move around freely, especially during the reception and on the dance floor. A long train can get in the way, causing the bride to trip or get caught on things. By bustling the dress, the train is lifted and secured, preventing it from dragging on the floor. This is especially important for dresses with cathedral-length trains, which can be a hindrance during activities such as dancing and walking.
Preservation of the Dress
Bustling also helps to preserve the wedding dress. By keeping the train off the floor, it reduces the risk of the dress being stepped on, torn, or stained. This is particularly important if you plan to keep your wedding dress as a memento, as it will be easier to clean and preserve if it is not dragged on the ground throughout the reception.
Enhanced Appearance
Bustling a wedding dress can also add a new dimension to the bride's look. Certain types of bustles, such as the American bustle or the French bustle, create a dramatic and elegant effect by adding fullness to the gown silhouette. Additionally, bustling the train can showcase the beautiful details at the back of the dress, which may otherwise be hidden under the fabric.
Practicality
For brides who plan to change into a different dress for the reception, bustling may not be necessary. However, for those who wish to wear their wedding dress all day, bustling provides a practical solution to manage the train. It allows the bride to walk, dance, and move around without the train getting in the way, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience throughout the wedding celebrations.
Overall, bustling a wedding dress is a practical and aesthetic choice that allows the bride to move with ease, showcases the beauty of the gown, and helps preserve the dress. It is an important consideration for brides who want to fully enjoy their special day while looking and feeling their best.
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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 and secure the train off the ground, allowing the bride to move around and dance freely. There are several types of wedding dress bustles, including:
Traditional or Over Bustle
Also known as a classic style, this bustle is one of the most popular choices among brides. The outside of the train is secured near the waistline, creating a cascading effect. This style works well with various bridal gown silhouettes, including A-line, ball gown, and mermaid, and is especially elegant with a cathedral train.
French Bustle or Under Bustle
The French bustle is perfect for lace and satin gowns with embellishments near the waist. It is a simple and sweet option where the train is secured beneath a statement bow at the back of the dress.
Royal Bustle
The royal bustle is an elaborate, vintage-inspired style that adds instant visual interest to the wedding gown. It involves gathering the train and affixing it to the dress at several points, creating dramatic folds. This style pairs beautifully with A-line and ball gown silhouettes.
Ballroom Bustle
The ballroom bustle creates the illusion of wearing two separate dresses. It makes the train visually disappear, resulting in a playful and flirty look with a shorter hemline. This option may make the dress look fuller, giving it the appearance of a ball gown.
The cost of adding a bustle to a wedding dress ranges from $75 to $250 on average, 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 wedding 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 costs between $75 and $250. However, some people have reported paying as little as $30 or as much as $500. The final price will depend on the following factors:
Type of bustle
There are several types of bustles to choose from, including the American, French, Ballroom, Train-Flip, and Austrian. The type of bustle you choose will impact the cost. For example, the American bustle, which involves gathering the train and fastening it over the skirt, often has multiple hooks that create a dramatic effect. This style tends to be more expensive than a simple bustle.
Number of layers and bustle points
The number of layers in your skirt and the number of bustle points needed to secure the train will also affect the cost. More layers and bustle points will result in a higher price. For example, a gown with a ballgown silhouette and a tulle skirt will likely require more attachment points for the train, increasing the cost.
Complexity of the bustle
The complexity of the bustle design will also impact the price. A simple bustle will generally be more affordable, while a more intricate or complicated design will be priced higher.
Cost of living in your area
The cost of adding a bustle can also vary depending on your location and the cost of living in that area. It is recommended to research wedding alteration services in your area to get a better estimate of the average cost.
Embellishments on the gown
If your wedding gown has embellishments or intricate details, you may need to be extra careful when adding a bustle to avoid damaging the gown. This could increase the cost of the bustle.
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Who should be tasked with bustling the dress?
The task of bustling a wedding dress should be assigned to a trusted individual who is part of the bridal party, such as the maid of honour, a bridesmaid, mother, mother-in-law, or a close friend or family member. This person, often referred to as the "designated bustler", should be present at the final alterations appointment to receive hands-on practice from the seamstress before the wedding day.
It is important to note that bustling a wedding dress can be a complicated and tricky process, and it is nearly impossible to secure a bustle while wearing the bridal gown. Therefore, it is crucial to enlist the support of someone who can be trusted to confidently execute the task. This designated person should be familiar with the process and the specific style of bustling required for the dress, as this will reduce any fumbling time on the wedding day.
Additionally, it is recommended to have a backup plan in case the bustle breaks during the reception. The designated bustler should be equipped with an emergency kit containing items such as large safety pins, a sewing needle, and clear fishing line to make any necessary adjustments.
In summary, the task of bustling a wedding dress should be delegated to a reliable member of the bridal party, who has received proper training from the seamstress and is prepared to handle any potential issues that may arise during the reception.
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What to do if the bustle breaks
If you're facing the dilemma of a broken bustle on your wedding dress, don't panic! Here are a few steps you can take to address the issue gracefully and ensure your dress remains comfortable and secure for the remainder of your special day.
First and foremost, assess the damage. Identify exactly how and where the bustle has come undone or broken. Is it a simple unfastening of a button or hook, or has there been a more significant tear or breakage? If it's the former, you might be able to fix it yourself or with the help of your bridesmaids or a handy guest. If the damage is more extensive, you may need to call in a professional for assistance.
If the issue is a simple unfastening, try to refasten the bustle. Buttons can sometimes come undone with movement, and a simple fix might be all that's needed. If the buttonhole is torn or the button itself is missing, you may need to sew it back on. If you have a sewing kit on hand, or if someone in your bridal party or among your guests has basic sewing skills and a small emergency kit, this should be an easy fix.
For more complex issues, such as a torn or ripped bustle, you may need to call upon the services of a professional seamstress or tailor. They will be able to assess the damage and make the necessary repairs to ensure your dress is secure for the rest of the day. If you're near the venue where you got ready, consider calling your stylist or whoever helped you get into your dress, as they may be able to provide an on-the-spot solution or recommend a nearby professional.
If you don't have access to a professional, and the tear is significant, you might need to consider an alternative solution. One option could be to use safety pins to secure the dress in a way that is comfortable and discreet. This might involve pinning the dress to the underside of your hips, creating a makeshift bustle that is less noticeable. Another option could be to use fabric tape, which can be purchased at most convenience stores, to secure the dress in place.
Remember to keep a small emergency kit with you, or with your bridesmaids, that includes sewing essentials such as needles, thread, and safety pins, as well as fabric tape and perhaps a small pair of scissors. This will ensure that you're prepared for any wardrobe malfunctions and can quickly address them so you can get back to enjoying your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
To bustle a wedding dress means to alter it 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 and dance freely without tripping over her dress.
A bustle keeps your gown from dragging on the floor, specifically at your wedding reception. This will allow you to move freely throughout the night without worrying about your dress being stepped on or getting dirty.
Two popular types of wedding dress bustles are the American bustle and the French bustle. The American bustle, also known as an over bustle, 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. The French bustle involves the train being tucked underneath the skirt to create a billowing effect, giving the back of your gown more fullness.
The price of adding a bustle will depend on how many attachment points it will have and how many dress layers need to be bustled. On average, the cost of adding a bustle ranges from $75 to $250, but it can cost up to $400 or more depending on your location and other factors.
It is recommended to choose a designated person, such as a bridesmaid or your mother, to help with bustling your wedding dress. This person should attend your final dress fitting to learn how to bustle the dress directly from the seamstress and practice bustling it before the wedding day.
