Skip to Content

Is it easy to add a bustle to a wedding dress?


Congratulations! You’ve found your dream wedding dress and you’re ready to walk down the aisle. However, you might have come across the issue of how to manage the train of your dress during the reception or after-party. This is where a bustle comes in handy. A bustle is a way to take up the excess fabric of a wedding dress and secure it in a way that makes it easier to move around without tripping or getting tangled in the fabric.

But the question is, how easy is it to add a bustle to a wedding dress? In this post, we’ll explore the answer to that question and give you all the information you need to know about bustles.

What is a Bustle?

A bustle is a sewing technique used to lift and secure the train of a wedding dress to the back of the dress. It can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the style of the dress and the preferences of the bride. There are two main types of bustles- American and French.

American Bustle

Also known as an Over Bustle, this method involves lifting the train of the dress and securing it to the outside of the dress with hooks, buttons, or ribbons. It’s perfect for dresses with a lot of volume, such as ballgowns or A-lines.

French Bustle

Also known as an Under Bustle, this method involves lifting the train of the dress and securing it underneath the skirt with buttons or ribbons. This type of bustle is perfect for fit-and-flare or mermaid wedding dresses, as it helps to maintain the silhouette of the dress.

Can I add a Bustle to Any Dress?

While most wedding dresses can be bustled, some fabrics and styles may not be suitable for adding a bustle. For example, dresses with a sheer or lace fabric may be difficult to work with, and adding a bustle could detract from the overall design of the dress. Additionally, some dresses may have a unique shape or structure that makes it challenging to add a bustle without altering the entire design.

Do I need a Professional to Add a Bustle?

While adding a bustle to your wedding dress may seem like a simple job, it’s important to remember that it’s a delicate technique that requires significant skill and expertise. Trust us, it’s not worth the risk of ruining your dress by attempting to add a bustle yourself. Always consult with a professional seamstress or tailor who has experience in wedding dress alterations.

How Much Does it Cost to Add a Bustle?

The cost of adding a bustle to a wedding dress can vary depending on the complexity of the design, the type of bustle, and the expertise of the seamstress. On average, a bustle can cost anywhere from $50 to $300, so make sure to plan for this additional expense when budgeting for your wedding dress.

Conclusion

A bustle is a practical addition to any wedding dress that allows you to move around without tripping or getting tangled in the fabric. While it might not be the easiest task to add a bustle to your dress, it’s certainly worth it for the added convenience and comfort during your big day. Just remember to budget for this additional expense and consult with a professional seamstress to ensure that it’s done correctly.

FAQ

How long does it take to get a wedding dress bustle?


Bustling a wedding dress is a necessary and important step that ensures the bride can move freely without tripping over the back of her gown or dragging it on the ground. A wedding dress bustle is essentially a series of hooks, ribbons, and buttons that can be used to secure the train of the dress to the back of the gown, allowing the bride to move more comfortably and dance more freely during the reception.

The amount of time it takes to get a wedding dress bustle varies depending on a few factors, such as the style of the gown and the type of bustle being used. However, on average, bustling a wedding dress takes about three to five minutes to complete.

During the bustling process, the bride will typically step out of her gown so that it can be secured properly. From there, the seamstress or wedding coordinator will work to create a series of loops and hooks that can be used to lift the train of the dress off the ground and secure it to the back of the gown.

One of the most common types of bustles is the over bustle, which involves using buttons or hooks to gather the train of the dress and secure it to the back of the gown. Another popular option is the under bustle, which involves creating loops and ties underneath the gown to lift the train up and secure it to the back of the gown.

While bustling a wedding dress may seem like a small detail in the grand scheme of things, it is an important step that can make a big difference in the comfort and mobility of the bride during her big day. Taking the time to properly bustle a wedding dress only takes a few minutes but can ensure that the bride can move freely and dance the night away without worrying about tripping or getting her dress dirty.

What is the French bustle technique?


The French bustle is a technique used to create a beautiful and functional way to bustle up a wedding or formal dress. It is designed to fold underneath the back of the gown and hook below, while still allowing the buttons to fall down the center of the gown. This technique is also known as an under-bustle, which means that the fabric is lifted from underneath the dress and is tucked away in a way that creates an elegant look.

The French bustle is a popular choice for brides, especially those who have a train on their wedding dress. This technique is used to create a seamless transition from the ceremony to the reception, where the dress can be bustled up effortlessly. It’s also a great way for brides to walk and dance freely without worrying about tripping over their dress.

In addition, the French bustle allows the dress to maintain its shape and design while it is bustled. Often, ribbons are attached to connect and secure the fabric and can have numerous pick-up points for extra flair. This creates a beautiful and unique look that adds to the overall elegance of the dress.

The French bustle is a practical and aesthetically pleasing technique that is perfect for brides and anyone who wants to add a touch of elegance to their formal dress. It’s a technique that requires certain skill and expertise, so it’s important to find a professional tailor who can execute it correctly. With a French bustle, you can dance the night away with confidence and grace, knowing that your dress is both functional and stylish.