One of the most important aspects of a wedding is the wedding dress. It’s the centerpiece of the bride’s ensemble and often a representation of a lifelong dream. Many brides dream of wearing a fairytale-like ball gown with a long train that exudes elegance and grace. However, navigating a huge cumbersome dress can be difficult during the reception. Having your dress bustled makes movement much easier, and it’s an important part of your wedding dress transformation.
If you’re wondering at what point you should bustle your wedding dress, you’re not alone. Many brides aren’t sure when to begin the process of bustling their dress. In this post, we’ll help you understand when to bustle your wedding dress, and what specifics you should consider before bustling your wedding gown.
When Should You Bustle Your Wedding Dress?
The ideal time to bustle your wedding dress is after the ceremony and before the reception. After the ceremony is over, and you have arrived at your wedding reception venue, you’ll need to put on your reception shoes, and it’s time to start busting the dress.
The bustle is a delicate dance that requires you to lift the train of your wedding dress, and attach it to the fabric of the gown. There are generally three types of bustles that are used: the French bustle, the American bustle, and the Ballroom bustle. The type of bustle that you use would depend on the design of your wedding dress, and if there any special features.
Types of Bustles
Let’s take a closer look at the three different types of bustles.
The French Bustle
The French bustle is a common choice for brides with elegant lace dresses. This bustle is also called the “under bustle” or “European bustle.” It is characterized by an intricate arrangement of loops and hooks, sewn to the inside of the back of your dress. These loops and hooks allow you to raise the train and connect it to the back of your dress in a staggered formation.
The American Bustle
The American bustle is another common option for brides with dresses that have simpler designs. This bustle is also known as the “over bustle.” The American bustle attaches to the outside of your dress, creating a series of buttons or hooks along the train. When the train is lifted, the hooks or buttons secure the fabric in place, creating a seamless transition.
The Ballroom Bustle
The ballroom bustle is also known as the “box bustle,” and it’s typically used for dresses with long trains and taffeta fabric. This bustle gathers up the fabric in the back and creates a box shape, securing the fabric with hooks or buttons.
Concluding Thoughts
Bustling your wedding dress might seem tedious, but it’s an important part of making sure your dress stays perfect throughout your big day. Knowing when to bustle your wedding dress and which type of bustle to use on your wedding day can make things much easier and safer for you and your guests. If you’re unsure about the specifics of bustling your dress, your wedding planner or seamstress will be able to assist you with this critical process so that you can truly enjoy every moment of your special day.
FAQ
Do you have to get bustle on your wedding dress before the wedding?
The decision to get a bustle on your wedding dress before the wedding depends on the type of dress you have and your personal preferences. Not all wedding dresses need a bustle. Wedding dresses come in all different styles and lengths, so some dresses are naturally designed to be shorter or to not have a train. In this case, there is no need for a bustle.
However, if your wedding dress has a train that trails behind you as you walk down the aisle, then you may want to consider getting a bustle. A bustle is a way to lift the train off the ground and secure it to the back of the dress so that you can move around more freely without tripping on your train or accidentally stepping on it. Bustles are also a great option if you plan to wear your wedding dress during the reception and don’t want to be dragging your train around all night.
There are several types of bustles that you can choose from, including the American bustle, the French bustle, and the ballroom bustle. Each bustle style works slightly differently and creates a unique look for your dress, so it is important to talk to your tailor about what type of bustle would work best for your dress and your style.
The decision to get a bustle on your wedding dress before the wedding is up to you. If you have a dress with a train and don’t want to have your train down for the full wedding, then a bustle is a great option to have put in your dress. However, if your dress is designed to be shorter or doesn’t have a train, then a bustle may not be necessary.
What is the timeline of the bustle?
Bustles were a fashion trend in the Victorian era and were worn by women to add volume to their clothing at the back of the skirt. The bustle was not a continuous fashion trend and had two distinct periods when it was in style.
The first period of the bustle trend was known as the Early Bustle Period, which lasted from 1869 through 1876. During this period, the bustle was smaller in size and more structured, with support coming from a metal or whalebone frame. The style of the early bustle period was designed to bring the back of the skirt high, creating a shelf-like structure behind the body. Women wore narrow skirts in this early period that were draped over the frame’s structure, sometimes with a pleated or ruched train.
After a brief hiatus, the bustle returned in a different form for the later fashion period, known as the Later Bustle Period, which lasted from 1883 through 1889. This period marked a resurgence of the bustle in a more extreme form than that of the early bustle period. The bustles during this period were much larger, sometimes made of crinoline and adorned with frills, tassels, and other decorations. The skirts themselves became wider in both the front and back of the dress, which made walking more difficult for women.
The bustle is a distinct fashion trend in history and went through two distinct eras, the Early Bustle Period, from 1869 through 1876, and the Later Bustle Period, from 1883 through 1889. The bustle trend evolved over time, with the later period showcasing a more extreme design characterized by more oversized and elaborate designs than the early bustle period.
What is the order of first dances at wedding?
One of the most exciting and memorable moments at a wedding reception is the first dance. The first dance is the moment when the newlywed couple takes center stage for the first time as husband and wife. It’s a tradition that has been around for centuries and is still an essential part of many wedding receptions today. The order of first dances at a wedding reception typically follows a set format.
The bride and groom will usually dance first. This is the traditional format, and the song they choose could be a reflection of their personalities or a classic love song. This dance is truly the highlight of the evening and sets the tone for the rest of the celebrations.
The second dance is usually reserved for the father of the bride and the bride, also known as the father-daughter dance. The father-daughter dance is a special moment that is full of emotions and significance. It’s a time for the father to show his love and support for his daughter as she embarks on a new chapter in her life. This dance also allows the bride to share one last special moment with her father before she officially becomes a wife.
The mother-son dance is the third dance, where the groom dances with his mother. This dance is also full of emotions, as it represents the bond between the mother and her son. While some choose to keep things sentimental with the song choice, others opt for a fun and upbeat number to surprise their guests and take the focus off the emotions.
The fourth dance is the father of the groom dance with the bride. This dance is a great way for the groom’s father to also have a special moment with the bride. It’s another sentimental dance that helps to complete the family dances segment of the reception.
Finally, the groom and his mother-in-law will dance. This is another opportunity to show appreciation, love and support for the family of the bride.
The order of the first dances at a wedding reception is designed to be respectful and sentimental, with each dance allowing the couple and their family to express their emotions. It is an essential part of the reception that sets the tone for an evening of celebration, love, and memories that will last a lifetime.
What comes after the first dance?
After the newlywed’s first dance, it’s time for the father-daughter dance and mother-son dance. This tradition is a heartwarming moment where the bride dances with her father and the groom with his mother. It’s a delightful moment where the family bonds are celebrated, and emotions run high. The choice of song for these dances is crucial. Typically, slow and sentimental music is played, although upbeat and lively music can also be danced to in some weddings.
Following the family dances, the DJ, band, or wedding party will encourage the guests to hit the dance floor and join in the fun. Professional DJs or bands will usually have a playlist to follow. Still, they will also take requests from the guests to ensure everyone hears the music they enjoy. Dancing can continue well into the night, and there is no specific time when it should end. However, some venues might have a curfew, and music must stop at that point.
Often, couples choose to have interactive activities during the reception such as photo booths, games and even food stations to ensure that there is something for their guests to do if they don’t feel like dancing. The guests can take photos, get their portraits drawn or create a fun food combination, leaving them with lasting memories of the special day.
The first dance is just the start of a night filled with fun activities, dancing, and celebration. The father-daughter dance and mother-son dance allow for additional sentimental moments while the dancing creates a lively and memorable atmosphere. Adding games or food stations provides further options to ensure that the guests enjoy a night they won’t forget.
Does the first dance come before or after?
When it comes to wedding receptions, one of the highlights of the evening is often the first dance between the newlyweds. However, the question remains, does the first dance come before or after dinner? Well, the answer is that it depends on the couple’s preferences and the style of the wedding.
Traditionally, the first dance was held immediately following the bride and groom’s entrance into the reception venue. This is known as the grand entrance. The newlyweds would step straight out onto the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife, setting the tone for the rest of the reception. This approach allowed couples to get the dance out of the way, so they could enjoy the rest of the night without feeling nervous about dancing in front of all their guests.
However, more recently, it has become much more popular to have the first dance after dinner has been served. This approach has several advantages. Firstly, it allows guests to watch the newlyweds have their first dance without feeling anxious about getting up to serve themselves. Secondly, it provides a natural break between dinner and the dancing portion of the evening, allowing guests to digest their food and chat before getting up to dance. Finally, it is often easier to coordinate the first dance when the dance floor is clear of tables and chairs, which is only possible once dinner has finished.
The choice of whether to have the first dance before or after dinner is up to the couple. It should be based on what feels right to them and what best suits the style of their wedding. Whatever the decision, the first dance is a magical moment that will be remembered forever by the newlyweds and their guests.
