Deborah Chan
A bustle on a wedding dress train is a way to secure the fabric of the train to the rest of the dress, allowing the bride to move around freely and comfortably. This is especially useful for dresses with long trains that could get in the way during the reception and dancing. There are several types of bustles, including the American or over bustle, the French bustle, and the Austrian bustle, each with its own unique style and method of fastening the train. The choice of bustle depends on the silhouette of the dress, the fabric, and the length of the train, and it is often recommended to consult a seamstress or stylist to determine the best option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To secure the fabric of the gown's train, allowing the wearer to move around with ease |
| Who does it? | Maid of honour, bridesmaid, parent, close friend or wedding coordinator |
| When is it done? | After the ceremony and before the reception |
| Types | American/over, French, Austrian, Ballroom |
| Attachment methods | Hooks, ties, buttons, ribbons, drawstrings |
| Number of attachment points | Usually one or three, but can be up to 11 |
| Cost | Depends on the number of attachment points and layers to be bustled |
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What You'll Learn
Why you need a bustle
A bustle is an essential feature for any wedding dress with a train, and it is a great way to transform your look for the reception. But what exactly is a bustle, and why is it so important? A bustle is a simple mechanism that allows you to lift the train of your wedding dress and secure it in place, creating a beautiful, flowing silhouette that is perfect for dancing and moving around with ease. Without a bustle, your train may drag on the floor, becoming damaged or soiled, and it can also be a tripping hazard. Here are a few reasons why a bustle is a must-have for your wedding dress:
First and foremost, a bustle provides functionality and practicality. It allows you to move around with ease during your wedding reception, without having to worry about stepping on your train or tripping over it. With a bustle, you can walk, dance, and socialize confidently, knowing that your dress is securely in place and not a safety hazard. This is especially important if your wedding involves outdoor locations or uneven flooring, as it ensures your dress won't get caught or damaged.
Secondly, a bustle adds versatility to your wedding dress. It allows you to showcase two different looks on your special day. During the ceremony, you can have the dramatic effect of a long train, creating stunning photos and making a grand entrance. Then, for the reception, you can bustle your dress to reveal a new look, showcasing the beauty of the dress' details, such as the back design or intricate embroidery. This versatility gives you two distinct, yet equally breathtaking, styles for your wedding day.
Additionally, a bustle can enhance the overall aesthetic of your wedding dress. By lifting and securing the train, the bustle creates a graceful and elegant silhouette. It showcases the flow and movement of the fabric, adding a dynamic element to your look. A bustle can also emphasize the details of your dress, such as a beautiful train edge or a unique fabric design. With a bustle, you can achieve a more polished and refined appearance, ensuring your dress looks stunning from every angle.
Lastly, a bustle ensures the preservation and longevity of your wedding dress. By keeping the train off the floor, you reduce the risk of stains, tears, or other damage. This is especially important if your reception venue has an outdoor component, as it prevents the train from dragging through dirt or debris. With a bustle, you can confidently move throughout your celebration, knowing that your dress will remain pristine and in perfect condition, even after the festivities.
In conclusion, a bustle is not just a practical feature but an essential element that transforms your wedding dress. It allows you to showcase the beauty and detail of your gown, providing two distinct looks for your special day. With a bustle, you can move with ease, knowing your dress is both safe and stunning. So, whether you choose a traditional or more modern style, adding a bustle to your wedding dress train is an absolute must!
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Who can help you bustle your dress
A bustle on a wedding dress train is a way to secure the train, or any extra fabric, off the ground and into the back of the dress. This allows the bride to move around with ease. A bustle is usually sewn into the wedding dress using buttons, loops, ties, or hooks.
Bustling a wedding dress can be tricky, so it is important to enlist the help of someone trusted to do it for you. This person should attend your final fitting and learn directly from the seamstress how to bustle the dress. This can be your maid of honour, a bridesmaid, your mother, mother-in-law, or a close friend. It is also a good idea to have this person take notes or a video of the process so they can refer back to it on the day of the wedding.
Some bridal shops offer "Bustle School Practice" sessions, where they will show your bridal party all the steps of bustling the dress and have them practice with special tools. They may also take videos so that your bridal party can refer back to them on the wedding day.
It is important to remember that one bustle does not fit all dresses, and a seamstress will be able to help you determine which type of bustle will work best with your gown. They can also add extra loops or buttons to ensure that the bustle stays secure throughout the event.
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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, allowing the bride to move around with ease. There are several types of bustles, and nearly all full-length gowns have hooks, ties, or buttons sewn into the train to create a uniform hemline. Here are some of the most common types of bustles:
- American Bustle or Over Bustle: This style has several hooks scattered throughout the waistline of the dress, enabling the train to be lifted and hooked over the top of the gown. It can have one to five bustle pickup points, creating a dramatic look. This style transforms the silhouette from the back, making the train disappear.
- Ballroom Bustle: The ballroom bustle gives the illusion that the bride is wearing a floor-length gown, when in fact, the train has been skillfully bustled. Multiple bustle points are sewn around the bodice, allowing the fabric to fold delicately into itself. This style is perfect for creating the playful look of a dress with a short hemline.
- Traditional or Classic Bustle: This popular style involves securing the outside of the train near the waistline, forming a cascading effect. It works well with various silhouettes, including A-line, ball gown, and mermaid styles, and is especially stunning with a cathedral train.
- French Bustle or Under Bustle: The French bustle is ideal for gowns with embellishments near the waist. It creates a simple and elegant look, perfect for lace and satin dresses.
- Royal Bustle: If you're aiming for an elaborate, vintage-inspired look, the royal bustle is a dramatic choice. It involves gathering the train and affixing it to the dress at several points, creating eye-catching folds that add instant visual interest.
When choosing a bustle, it's essential to consult a skilled seamstress who can recommend the best option based on the silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, and the bride's preferences. The designated "bustler," usually a bridesmaid or family member, should also attend the final alterations appointment to learn how to bustle the dress before the wedding day.
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$14.59
How to choose the right bustle
Choosing the right bustle for your wedding dress is an important decision, as it can impact your comfort and mobility on your big day. Here are some tips to help you select the most suitable option:
Consult a Professional
Before deciding on a bustle, it is recommended to consult a skilled seamstress. They can advise on the best type of bustle for your gown's silhouette, the amount of fabric used, and your intended wear. Seamstresses are familiar with various bustle styles and can guide you in choosing the most appropriate one for your dress.
Understand the Different Types of Bustles
There are several types of bustles available, each serving a unique purpose. The American bustle, also known as an over-bustle, features hooks scattered along the waistline, allowing the train to be lifted and hooked over the gown. This style can add drama and flair to the back of the dress. On the other hand, the French bustle, or under-bustle, is ideal for gowns with embellishments near the waist, as it tucks the train underneath. If you want to create the illusion of a floor-length gown, the ballroom bustle is a good choice, as it delicately folds the fabric into itself.
Consider the Length of Your Gown and Train
The length of your wedding dress and its train will play a significant role in choosing the right bustle. If your dress is short or tea-length, a bustle may not be necessary for comfort or mobility. However, for floor-length gowns, a bustle is often required to create a shorter hemline and facilitate ease of movement during the reception.
Assign a "Designated Bustler"
Enlist the help of a trusted individual, such as a bridesmaid or family member, to be your "designated bustler." They should accompany you to your final alterations appointment to learn how to bustle your dress properly. This ensures that they are familiar with the process and can assist you efficiently on your wedding day.
Plan and Practice
Finally, set aside time between the ceremony and reception to bustle your dress. Practicing beforehand will help you and your designated bustler feel more confident and prepared. Additionally, have safety pins, a sewing needle, and clear fishing line on hand in case any last-minute adjustments are needed.
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Cost of adding a bustle
Adding a bustle to a wedding dress typically costs between $75 and $250, depending on the type of gown, the number of layers, and the complexity of the bustle.
The cost of adding a bustle can vary depending on several factors. Firstly, the type of gown you have will impact the price. Gowns with more train fabric, such as ballgowns, tend to cost more as they often require multiple attachment points for the train. Additionally, embellished gowns may require extra care to avoid damaging intricate details, which can increase the cost.
Secondly, the number of layers in the skirt and the number of bustle points will influence the price. A simple bustle with fewer layers and attachment points will generally be more affordable, while a more intricate bustle with multiple layers and points will be priced higher. The type of bustle you choose will also make a difference in the cost. Common types of bustles include the American bustle, French bustle, Ballroom bustle, Train-Flip bustle, and Austrian bustle, each with its unique style and pricing considerations.
The cost of adding a bustle can also depend on your location and the tailor or seamstress you choose. Prices can vary between different areas, with some high-cost locations charging between $350 and $500 for even a simple bustle. It is recommended to research wedding alteration services in your area to get a more accurate estimate.
It is worth noting that some people may choose to add a bustle themselves or with the help of a friend or family member. This can be a more affordable option, but it is important to consider the complexity of the task and the potential risk of damaging the gown. Seeking a professional's help is generally advised to ensure the bustle is securely and correctly added.
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Frequently asked questions
A bustle is a way of fastening the train of a wedding dress to the rest of the dress, allowing the bride to walk and dance freely.
A bustle will allow you to move around more easily, especially if your wedding dress has a long train. It will also ensure that your dress doesn't get stepped on or caught on anything during your wedding reception.
There are several types of bustles, including the American or ''over' bustle, the French bustle, and the Austrian bustle. The American bustle uses hooks or buttons at the waistline of the dress or the start of the skirt flare to lift the train and hook it over the gown. The French bustle uses buttons sewn on the inside of the dress skirt to create "pick ups" or tiers, and is perfect for dresses with heavier fabrics or shorter trains. The Austrian bustle uses a drawstring to pull up any excess fabric and is inspired by Austrian theatre curtains.
