If you’re planning your wedding, you’ve probably heard the term “bustle” before. But what exactly does it mean, and why is it important? In this post, we’ll explain the ins and outs of wedding dress bustles, including what they are, when you need one, and how they work.
What Is a Wedding Dress Bustle?
A bustle refers to the process of transitioning a wedding gown to function as if it had no train, involving fastening the train to the rest of the dress. The train is the portion of the gown that extends behind the bride as she walks. While it adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the ceremony, it can also be cumbersome when it comes time to dance and socialize with guests.
Bustles are typically created by lifting the train of the dress and either tying or buttoning it into place so that it falls evenly in line with the hem of the gown. This keeps the train off the floor and out of the way, allowing the bride to move freely and easily.
Why Do You Need a Bustle?
If you’re planning a wedding, you may be wondering why you need a bustle in the first place. After all, can’t you just hold up the train when you want to dance or move around? While this may work for a few minutes, it’s not a long-term solution.
For one thing, constantly holding up your train can be both uncomfortable and impractical. It’s difficult to hold up a heavy gown for hours on end, especially when you’re trying to eat, drink, and enjoy your reception. Additionally, holding up the train can be unflattering, as it can create awkward bunching and pulling in the fabric.
By contrast, a bustle allows you to maintain the beauty of your dress without sacrificing comfort or practicality. It provides a seamless transition from ceremony to reception, allowing you to move freely and comfortably while still looking your best.
When Do You Need a Bustle?
While not all wedding dresses require a bustle, many do. In general, you’ll need a bustle if your dress has a train that extends longer than a few inches past your feet. This can vary, however, depending on the style of your dress and how low it sits on your waist.
Your dress designer or tailor should be able to advise you on whether a bustle is necessary for your gown. If you’re not sure, it’s best to err on the side of caution and have a bustle added. You don’t want to be caught unprepared on your big day!
How Do Bustles Work?
Bustles come in a variety of styles, each of which works slightly differently. Here are a few of the most common types of bustles, along with how they work:
- American Bustle: This style involves lifting the train and fastening it to the back of the dress with a series of buttons or hooks.
- French Bustle: In a French bustle, the train is lifted and fastened to the back of the dress with a series of loops and ribbons.
- Under Bustle: In this style, the train is lifted and fastened to the underside of the gown, creating a soft, flowing effect.
Whichever style of bustle you choose, it’s important to practice moving around in your gown before the big day. You want to make sure that you’re comfortable walking, sitting, and dancing in your dress with the bustle in place. Additionally, you should ask a trusted friend or family member to help you learn how to bustle your dress (and to lend a hand if anything goes wrong on the day of the wedding).
The Bottom Line
A wedding dress bustle is a simple yet essential part of many gowns. It provides a seamless transition from ceremony to reception, allowing you to move freely and comfortably while still looking your best. By consulting with your dress designer or tailor, you can choose the perfect bustle style for your gown and ensure that everything goes smoothly on your wedding day.
FAQ
What does it mean to add a bustle to a wedding dress?
When it comes to planning a wedding, every detail counts. One of the things that most brides consider is their wedding dress. Most brides opt for a beautiful flowing dress with a train at the back, but as beautiful as it is, it can also be challenging to dance in or maneuver in tight spaces. To solve this issue, many brides opt to add a bustle to their wedding dress.
So, what exactly does it mean to add a bustle to a wedding dress? In simple terms, it is the process of “removing” the train from your gown. This is done by adding buttons, ribbons, a hook, or a wristlet to the back of your gown. These additions serve as attachment points where the train can be fastened to the back of the dress after the ceremony.
When the bustle is added to your wedding dress, it allows you to move freely and comfortably without the risk of tripping over your train and causing an embarrassing scene on the dance floor. If you are having an outdoor wedding or your reception is in a tight space, having a bustle added to your dress can come in handy.
Another benefit of adding a bustle to your dress is that it allows you to show off the entire design of the dress. Typically, a train is made to complement the design of the gown, and you wouldn’t want that detail to go unnoticed. With a bustle, you can show off the beauty of the design throughout the ceremony without worrying about it getting in the way.
Most importantly, adding a bustle to your wedding dress means you won’t have to buy two separate gowns for your ceremony and reception. You can have the best of both worlds, a beautiful flowing gown for the ceremony and a comfortable dress for the reception. This saves you money, and you can still enjoy the best of both worlds.
Adding a bustle to a wedding dress is a simple yet crucial alteration that can add comfort to your wedding day. It allows you to dance and party without the hassle of a long train getting in the way. Additionally, it will save you money and enable you to show off the beauty of your gown’s design throughout the ceremony and reception.
What is a traditional bustle?
A bustle is a technique in wedding dress alterations that allows a bride to move around more easily. It is implemented to shorten a long gown’s train to allow for better mobility as well as to protect it from damage. One of the two classic bustle types, the American/Traditional Bustle, is a common bustle variation used to pick up the fabric from the train and attach it to the back of the gown using buttons, hoops, and loops.
This bustle type is particularly popular in America and has been in fashion for over a 100 years. It is a classic and timeless way to create the perfect silhouette for a bride. The traditional bustle is also an excellent choice for gowns that have intricate lace or beadwork on the train or hem, as it preserves the design and structure of the gown.
The traditional bustle typically includes one pick-up point, but you can add more depending on the length of the train and the bride’s preference. The dress is bustled by gathering the fabric from the underside of the train and hooking it up to the back of the gown using buttons, snaps, or loops. Once bustled, the length of the train is shortened, making it easier for the bride to walk, dance, and move around comfortably.
There are many different types of bustles available today, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages. However, the classic traditional or American bustle remains a popular choice among brides for its elegant simplicity and timeless appeal. Whether you’re getting married in a grand ballroom or a rustic barn, a traditional bustle will ensure that your dress looks beautiful and feels comfortable, allowing you to enjoy your special day with ease.