One of the most important decisions brides make is choosing the perfect wedding dress for their special day. There are many different styles and designs to choose from, but one thing to consider is whether or not to add a bustle to the dress. A bustle is a modification that lifts the train of a wedding dress off the ground and allows the bride to move around more freely. In this blog post, we will explore the question of whether or not you have to get a bustle on your wedding dress before the wedding.
What is a Bustle?
A bustle is a modification made to the back of a wedding dress to lift the train up off the ground. Bustles can be created in several different ways, including using buttons or hooks to gather the train and secure it to the back of the dress. Bustles can be simple or intricate, depending on the bride’s preferences and the style of the dress.
Do You Need a Bustle?
Whether or not a bride needs a bustle really depends on the style of her dress and her personal preferences. If the dress is one length or doesn’t touch the ground, then there is no need for a bustle. However, if the dress has a train and the bride wants to be able to move around comfortably without stepping on her dress, then a bustle is definitely something to consider.
A bustle is also a great option if the bride wants to have a different look for the ceremony and reception. With a bustle, the train can be lifted up for the ceremony and lowered down for the reception, giving the bride two different looks for her special day.
Types of Bustles
There are several different types of bustles that can be added to a wedding dress. The most popular types include the over-bustle, the under-bustle, and the French bustle.
The over-bustle is created by folding the train of the dress up and securing it with buttons or hooks on the outside of the dress. This style of bustle is perfect for dresses with long trains and is often used for ball gowns.
The under-bustle is created by folding the train of the dress up and securing it with buttons or hooks on the inside of the dress. This style of bustle is perfect for dresses with lighter fabrics and is often used for A-line dresses.
The French bustle is created by tucking the train of the dress underneath itself and securing it with buttons or hooks on the inside of the dress. This style of bustle is perfect for dresses with intricate designs and is often used for mermaid or trumpet style dresses.
When to Get a Bustle Added
If a bride decides that she wants a bustle added to her wedding dress, it is important to have it done well before the wedding day. Generally, a bride should have her dress altered 2-3 months before the wedding to allow time for any changes to be made.
It is also important to have the bustle added during the dress alterations. This will ensure that the bustle is properly fitted to the dress and that the buttons or hooks used to secure the bustle are hidden within the dress.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether or not a bride needs a bustle for her wedding dress really depends on the style of the dress and her personal preferences. If the dress is one length or doesn’t touch the ground, then there is no need for a bustle. However, if the dress has a train and the bride wants to be able to move around freely without stepping on her dress, then a bustle is definitely something to consider. There are several different types of bustles that can be added to a wedding dress, including the over-bustle, the under-bustle, and the French bustle. If a bride decides to have a bustle added to her dress, it is important to have it done well before the wedding day to ensure that it is properly fitted and secure.
FAQ
Can you add a bustle to any wedding dress?
If you’re wondering whether or not it’s possible to add a bustle to your wedding dress, the answer is generally yes! Despite what some might think, bustles aren’t just for ball gowns or dresses with major train drama. In fact, nearly all full-length gowns have hooks, ties, or buttons sewn into the wedding dress train to create a uniformed hemline after the ceremony.
There are many types of bustles that can be added to a wedding dress, and some are more complicated than others. A French bustle is a popular option, where the train is elegantly folded underneath the dress and secured with buttons or hooks. An American bustle involves pulling the train up and attaching it to the back of the dress, usually with buttons or ribbon ties. A Victorian bustle is a more elaborate option, where layers of fabric are gathered and draped to create a voluminous effect.
When it comes to adding a bustle to your wedding dress, it’s essential to work with an experienced seamstress or tailor who can help you select the best option for your dress and ensure a perfect fit. Some dresses may require alterations to the train before a bustle can be added, while others may already have the necessary hooks or buttons in place.
While adding a bustle to your wedding dress can be an additional expense, it’s often a practical solution that can make a big difference in your wedding day comfort. By securing your train out of the way, you can move around more easily, keep your dress clean, and avoid tripping hazards throughout the night.
Adding a bustle to almost any wedding dress is possible with the help of a skilled seamstress or tailor. Whether you opt for a French bustle, an American bustle, or another style, the end result will be a more functional and comfortable wedding dress for your big day.
Should cocktail be before or after ceremony?
The question of whether to have a cocktail hour before or after the ceremony is a common one among couples planning their weddings. The decision will depend on the couple’s priorities and preferences.
Having a cocktail hour before the ceremony can be beneficial in several ways. It gives guests a chance to mingle and get to know each other, which can create a more convivial atmosphere for the ceremony and reception. It can also help guests feel more relaxed and comfortable, especially if they don’t know many other people at the wedding.
One of the most significant advantages of having a cocktail hour before the ceremony is that it allows for latecomers. While it’s always polite to show up on time, the reality is that life happens, and sometimes people run late. If you have a cocktail hour first, nobody will know if someone is 20 minutes late. Conversely, if the ceremony starts immediately upon arrival, late guests will undoubtedly interrupt the proceedings, which can be distracting and awkward.
Another factor to consider is the logistics of the ceremony and reception venues. If the ceremony and reception take place in different locations, having a cocktail hour before the ceremony can give guests something to do while the bridal party takes photos. In some cases, this may be the most practical option, especially if the ceremony venue doesn’t have a suitable space for a cocktail hour.
On the other hand, having a cocktail hour after the ceremony has some benefits as well. Couples who want to prioritize the vows and ceremony itself may prefer to have the cocktail hour afterward, so that there are no distractions or interruptions.
It’s also worth considering the timing of the wedding. If the ceremony is taking place during the day, having a cocktail hour afterward may make more sense. Guests may be more likely to drink and enjoy themselves in the evening, rather than midday.
The decision of whether to have a cocktail hour before or after the ceremony will depend on the couple’s priorities, the logistics of the venues, and the timing of the wedding. By carefully weighing these factors, couples can choose the option that best fits their needs and preferences.
Does cocktail hour start right after ceremony?
The cocktail hour is a key part of the wedding reception, but when does it take place? It’s a question that many couples and guests might have. Generally speaking, the cocktail hour takes place right after the wedding ceremony and typically lasts one hour. During this time, the newlywed couple is often taking photos and greeting their guests, so it’s an opportunity for guests to mingle, grab a drink and some appetizers, and enjoy some music before the reception dinner.
That being said, the exact timing of the cocktail hour can vary depending on the couple’s preferences, the location of the wedding ceremony and reception, the availability of vendors, and other logistical factors. For example, some couples might choose to hold the cocktail hour before the ceremony, particularly if they have a morning or early afternoon wedding with a reception dinner later in the day. This gives guests a chance to socialize and grab refreshments before the ceremony, which can help set the tone for the celebration to come.
In other cases, the cocktail hour might be delayed slightly if the ceremony runs longer than expected or if there are transportation issues that delay the arrival of the wedding party or guests. In some cases, couples might even choose to forego a formal cocktail hour altogether, opting instead for a more casual reception with food stations or buffet-style dining options.
The timing and style of the cocktail hour will depend on the couple’s preferences, as well as the specific details of their wedding day. However, regardless of when it takes place, the cocktail hour is a great opportunity for guests to unwind, chat, and celebrate with the newlyweds before the reception dinner begins.
