Junior Rasmussen
Wedding dress trains have been popular since the Middle Ages, when they were used to showcase the wealth of royalty and aristocrats. Today, they remain a symbol of elegance and grace in wedding ceremonies across the globe. However, after the ceremony, all that extra fabric can be cumbersome and get dirty or damaged. This is where a bustle comes in. A bustle uses a system of stitches, pins, and ties to gracefully secure the train to the back of the dress, keeping it out of the way and making it easier to move and dance in. The maid of honor, a bridesmaid, a parent, or a close friend is usually tasked with bustling the bride's dress before she is announced for her first dance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To secure the train to the back of the dress so it doesn't get dirty or damaged, and to make it easier to move and dance in |
| Who does it | The maid of honour, a bridesmaid, parent, close friend, or wedding coordinator |
| When it's done | After the ceremony and before the reception and first dance |
| Types of bustle | American, French, Ballroom |
| How to do it | Using a system of stitches, pins, ties, hooks, ribbons, buttons, or loops |
| Alternatives | A detachable train, a second dress without a train, or a wrist loop |
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What You'll Learn
The role of the maid of honour
The maid of honour is the head bridesmaid, responsible for leading all bridal party-related tasks. This includes communicating with the bridesmaids, ensuring all important tasks are completed, and introducing everyone in the bridal party to each other. The maid of honour is also in charge of planning certain events, such as the bachelorette party and bridal shower, and has final decision-making power.
One of the key responsibilities of the maid of honour is to help the bride prepare her wedding dress train and bustle between the wedding and the reception. The bustle is a system of stitches, pins, and ties that gracefully secure the train to the back of the dress, keeping it off the ground and making it easier for the bride to move around. The maid of honour should also ensure the bride's veil and train are arranged beautifully both to and from the altar, with the help of the other bridesmaids.
In addition to these duties, the maid of honour should provide emotional support to the bride, keeping her as calm as possible on her wedding day. The maid of honour may also be asked for opinions and help with other wedding-related tasks, such as providing input on flowers or colours. Overall, the role of the maid of honour is to be a source of support and assistance to the bride, ensuring that she can fully immerse herself in her special day.
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The benefits of a detachable train
A wedding dress train is an extra length of fabric attached to the back of the dress, which extends behind the bride as she walks. Trains have been used to showcase the wealth of the bride and exude feelings of majesty and grandeur. However, they can be cumbersome, heavy, and get damaged or dirty. This is where a detachable train comes in.
Detachable trains are a popular style because they provide two looks in one. They are available in many different styles, such as Watteau trains that attach to the shoulders or upper back, or styles that fasten at the waist with invisible snaps, hooks and eyes, or a belt. They can also be made in a variety of fabrics to mix and match with your wedding gown. This versatility provides many styling options and allows brides to have two dresses in one with very different vibes on their wedding day.
One of the main benefits of a detachable train is that it gives the bride the drama and flair of a long train for the ceremony, but the comfort of a shorter hemline for the reception and dance floor. Long trains can be tough to "bustle" (the process of pinning up a wedding dress train) and heavy to wear all night. Detachable trains allow brides to achieve their wedding day vision for the ceremony but be comfortable during the reception.
Another benefit of a detachable train is that it can be a convenient and elegant way to personalize the look and feel of your wedding dress. It can add visual interest for photos and give you a perfect "reveal" for a ceremony or reception change-up. It is a great way to spice up your bridal look and create a memorable and regal presence as you walk down the aisle.
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The use of hooks, ties, buttons and ribbons
Wedding dress trains can be a cumbersome addition to a wedding dress, especially at the reception. Trains can get dirty or damaged, and they can be heavy and tough to manage. This is where bustling comes in. A bustle is a system of stitches, pins, and ties that gracefully secure the train to the back of the dress. It keeps the train out of the way and makes it easier for the bride to move around and dance.
There are different types of bustles, and the choice depends on the style and fabric of the dress. For instance, an American bustle works best with a ball gown or longer wedding dress train, while a French bustle complements a mermaid or trumpet shape. Seamstresses can sew hooks, ties, or buttons onto the back of the dress to help create the desired bustle. For example, a royal bustle can be achieved with one hook and eyelet to lift the train, or multiple hooks can be added for a more elaborate look.
Another option is to use a detachable train, which is a popular choice as it provides two looks in one. These trains can attach to the gown with invisible snaps, hooks and eyes, or a belt around the waist. Detachable trains offer a longer look for the ceremony and can be easily removed for the reception.
If you are handy with a needle and thread, you can also sew a loop onto the dress. This involves placing a safety pin on the back of the dress, halfway up the length of the train, and then threading the needle to create a loop. You can also use ribbon ties to create a bustle. This method involves sewing a length of narrow grosgrain ribbon to the waistline of the dress, with the ribbon falling between the lining of the skirt and the train. Loops are then stitched to the underside of the train, and the ribbon is attached to the corresponding loop, securing the train.
Whether you choose hooks, ties, buttons, or ribbons, bustling a wedding dress train requires some practice and preparation. It is important to ensure that the bride feels comfortable and at ease during the reception, with the train secured gracefully out of the way.
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Wrist loops: pros and cons
Wrist loops are an increasingly popular alternative to bustling a wedding dress train. Fabric loops are typically intended to hang the train when the dress is on a hanger, but some brides have begun wrapping the loop around their wrist to carry the train.
Pros of Wrist Loops
- Wrist loops can be a helpful short-term solution for keeping the train off the ground, especially when moving around during the ceremony.
- They can also be useful for photos, creating a "fancy" or "Cinderella"-like look.
Cons of Wrist Loops
- Wrist loops can be awkward and uncomfortable, causing "wrist-ache".
- They can make it difficult to greet guests with hugs, and the heavy fabric can get in the way of moving and dancing.
- Wrist loops can also be a tripping hazard for the bride and guests.
- A bustle, on the other hand, allows the dress to "carry its own train", leaving the bride's hands free.
Ultimately, the decision to use a wrist loop or a bustle depends on the bride's preference and the style of the dress. Some brides opt for both, using the wrist loop during the ceremony and bustling the dress for the reception, or choosing a detachable train to achieve two looks in one.
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The different types of bustles
A wedding dress train is an extra length of fabric that extends behind the dress, adding drama and flair to the gown. After the ceremony, however, the train can be cumbersome and get dirty or damaged. This is where a bustle comes in. A 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, allowing the bride to move around freely.
There are several types of bustles, and nearly all full-length gowns have hooks, ties, or buttons sewn into the wedding dress train to create a uniform hemline after the ceremony. The style chosen depends on the silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, and how the bride plans to wear her dress. The right bustle will make transitioning from the ceremony to the reception seamless and stress-free.
- American Bustle: This bustle, also known as an over bustle, is suitable for ball gowns or longer wedding dress trains. It has several hooks scattered throughout the waistline of the dress, enabling the train to be lifted and hooked over the top of the gown. This style can have one, three, or even five bustle pick-up points for a dramatic look.
- French Bustle: Also known as the under bustle, this bustle is perfect for gowns with embellishments near the waist. It is less desirable if there are intricate details near the hemline, as these will be less visible once the bustle is applied. It is best suited for dresses with minimal trains because the train tucks under instead of over.
- Royal Bustle: This bustle is for brides who want an elaborate, vintage-inspired look. It 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 well with A-line and ball gown silhouettes.
- Ballroom Bustle: This bustle makes the train visually disappear, giving the playful look of a dress with a short hemline. It has multiple bustle points sewn around the bodice, allowing the fabric to fold into itself delicately.
While wrist loops are becoming popular, they are intended to hang the train to prevent wrinkling while in a garment bag. Carrying the train on the wrist can be cumbersome and make it difficult to greet guests.
The bustle will depend on the style and fabric of the dress, and it is best to trust the seamstress to recommend the best type. The task of bustling the dress should be delegated to a trusted individual, usually a bridesmaid or family member, who should attend the final alterations appointment to get hands-on practice.
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Frequently asked questions
A bustle uses a system of stitches, pins, ties, hooks, eyes, ribbons, or buttons to gracefully secure the train to the back of the dress. It keeps the train off the ground and makes it easier to move in.
The maid of honour, a member of the bridal party, or the wedding coordinator is usually responsible for bustling the wedding dress train before the first dance.
The type of bustle used depends on the style and fabric of the dress. For example, an American bustle works best with a ball gown or longer wedding dress train, while a French bustle complements a mermaid or trumpet shape.
Some brides opt for a detachable train that can be removed for the reception. Wrist loops are another alternative, but bridal stylists do not recommend them as they can be cumbersome when greeting guests.
