A wedding dress is arguably one of the most important pieces of clothing a woman will ever wear. It’s important that the dress not only looks beautiful but is also practical for the big day. One common question that many brides-to-be have is how many bustles should their wedding dress have to accommodate the train. In this blog post, we will explore the answer in detail.
What is a bustle?
A bustle is a method of lifting the train of a wedding dress off the ground. Wedding dresses often have long trains that can cause difficulty for the bride while walking, dancing, or even just moving around. To prevent this, bustles are used to secure the train to the rest of the dress, allowing for greater mobility.
Types of bustles and how many are required
The answer to this question is that it varies based on the style of the dress. The number of bustles required will depend on the length of the train, the material of the dress, and the overall design.
Below are some of the most common types of bustles and how many of them are typically required:
American bustle
The American bustle is one of the most popular types of bustles, especially in the United States. This style has several hooks scattered throughout the waistline of your dress that enable the train to be lifted up and hooked (you guessed it) over the top of the dress itself. This style can have one, three, or even five bustle pick-up points for an even more dramatic look.
Ballroom bustle
Ballroom bustles are typically used for dresses with a fuller skirt. This type of bustle features several tie-up points underneath the dress to secure the train in place. Typically, only one or two pick-up points are required for a ballroom bustle.
French bustle
The French bustle is one of the more classic types of bustles and is often found on dresses with a train that runs along the bottom edge of the dress. This style of bustle has several buttons, ribbons, or hooks on the back of the dress that lift the train up and secure it in place. Typically, a French bustle will have three to five pick-up points.
Under bustle
An under bustle is a style of bustle that is created by securing ribbons or ties to the underside of the dress. These ribbons or ties are then pulled up to gather the train and secure it to the rest of the dress. Typically only one or two pick-up points are required for an under bustle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the number of bustles required for a wedding dress depends on the style and design of the dress. There are a variety of different bustle types to choose from, each with its own unique benefits and requirements. When choosing a wedding dress, make sure to consider the length of the train and the overall design of the dress to determine which type of bustle will work best for you. With the right bustle in place, you can ensure that your dress looks beautiful and is practical for your big day.
FAQ
Do all wedding dresses have a bustle?
When it comes to wedding dresses, a lot of details may go unnoticed by the bride-to-be. One of the many features that might be overlooked is the bustle. A bustle is a sewing technique done to the backside of a wedding dress to lift the train and secure it to the back of the gown. This is usually done after the ceremony and before the reception primarily for the bride’s safety and the safety of the guests.
However, contrary to popular belief, not all wedding dresses come with a bustle, nor are they designed with a bustle in mind. Some dresses tend to have shorter trains, which eliminates the need for a bustle. Others may have the fabric cut in such a way that the train doesn’t interfere with the movement, so there is no need to attach it to the main part of the dress.
If a bride-to-be wants a bustle for their wedding dress, it might be helpful to check with the boutique or the designer before purchase to ensure that it is possible to add a bustle to the dress they desire. Some dresses may require a different bustle type or a more complicated alteration process to add one.
Not all wedding dresses have a bustle, and it is essential to check with the designer or boutique about the possibility of adding one to the dress if the bride-to-be intends to have one. A bustle adds functionality to the dress, and it is essential to have a proper fitting gown to prevent any last-minute issues or accidents during the reception.
What are the 3 distinct looks of the bustle period?
Bustles were a fashionable addition to women’s clothing during the Victorian era. They were used to alter the shape of the dress, emphasizing the hips and creating a more feminine silhouette. The bustle trend was divided into two distinct periods, the early bustle period and the later bustle period. In each period, different styles of bustle supports were popular, resulting in three different looks for the bustle period.
The early bustle period, from 1869 through 1876, was characterized by the use of the lobster-tail or crayfish bustle. The lobster-tail bustle was made of a series of graduated padded rolls, which were stacked and sewn together to create a crescent shape. This shape gave the illusion of an exaggerated curve at the rear, creating the distinctive silhouette so popular during the period.
During the later bustle period, from 1883 through 1889, the small bustle became popular. This style of bustle was much less dramatic than the lobster-tail bustle, consisting of a small pillow or pad that was fastened to the waistline of the dress. The small bustle allowed women to have a more modest silhouette while still incorporating the trend into their clothing.
Finally, the bustle pad or cushion was another popular style of bustle support during the later bustle period. The cushion was designed to sit atop the area where the buttocks would be, creating a rounded shape and enhancing the natural curves of the hips. This style of bustle was often paired with a small tournure, which consisted of a narrow fabric panel that extended from the waistline to the back hem of the dress, providing additional support for the bustle pad.
The bustle period featured three distinct looks that were popular during different periods. The lobster-tail bustle was the trend of the early bustle period, while the small bustle and bustle pad were popular during the later bustle period. These different styles of bustle support gave women the opportunity to incorporate the trend into their clothing in a variety of ways, emphasizing their feminine curves and creating a style that was uniquely Victorian.
How many points is a ballroom bustle?
When it comes to ballroom bustles, the number of points required will depend largely on the length and complexity of the train on the gown. Essentially, a bustle allows a long train to be elegantly lifted or tucked away once it is no longer needed, allowing for greater ease of movement and avoiding any potential tripping hazards.
Some dresses may only require a single bustle point, which involves folding the train up and securing it in one place. However, for more intricate trains that have multiple layers or embellishments, dozens of bustle points may be required to achieve the desired effect.
Each individual bustle point will be created by attaching a button or hook onto the dress, which will then be used to hold the train in place when it is lifted up. To create a bustle, a seamstress will carefully fold, tuck, and secure the excess fabric of the train using these points until the train is neatly and securely fastened to the back of the dress.
While creating a bustle can involve a significant amount of work and skill, it can also completely transform the look of a gown, giving it a more versatile and practical feel without impacting its overall glamour or elegance. Whether you opt for a single point or dozens, the use of a bustle can certainly help to make movement and dancing on your big day a lot easier, allowing you to fully enjoy every special moment of your wedding day.