As a bride, it’s important to choose the perfect wedding dress that will make you feel like a queen on your big day. You’ve spent hours trying on dresses, going to fittings and perfecting every last detail. One important detail you’ll need to consider is whether or not to have a bustle added to your gown. A bustle is a system of hooks or buttons that lift the train of a wedding gown up so it doesn’t drag on the ground.
There are many types of bustles including the American bustle, the ballroom bustle, the English bustle, and the French bustle. In this blog post, we’ll be diving into the French bustle and everything you need to know about this particular type of bustle on a wedding gown.
What is a French Bustle?
The French bustle is a popular and elegant way to bustle the train of a wedding gown. This style of bustle lifts the train of the gown up and tucks it underneath the back of the dress. Unlike the American bustle, the French bustle is not visible on the outside of the dress, which makes it a great option for brides who want to maintain the clean and seamless look of their dress.
This style of bustle is also perfect for dresses with heavier fabrics or shorter trains. The French bustle distributes the weight of the train evenly and lifts it off the ground so that the bride can move around and dance comfortably without tripping over the train.
How to Create a French Bustle on a Wedding Gown
Creating a French bustle on a wedding gown can be a bit complicated, but most seamstresses are experienced in this technique. The process involves adding tiny hooks and loops to the inside of the dress that will hold the train in place. Here is a general guide to how it works:
1. The seamstress will first survey your wedding gown to determine the best placement for hooks and loops. They will carefully consider the weight of the fabric and the length of the train to ensure that the bustle will hold up well.
2. Next, they will sew tiny hooks onto the under layer of the dress. These hooks can vary in number depending on the size and weight of the train.
3. Small loops will then be sewn onto the outer layer of the dress, usually at the point where the dress begins to flare out. These loops will correspond to the hooks underneath the dress.
4. When it’s time to bustle the dress, the loops will be hooked onto the hooks, lifting the train up and tucking it neatly underneath the dress.
The Benefits of a French Bustle
The French bustle is a great option for many reasons. It’s elegant, practical and long-lasting. Here are a few benefits of choosing a French bustle on your wedding gown:
1. Clean and seamless look: Because the bustle is hidden under the dress, it allows for a clean and seamless look to the gown.
2. Comfort: The French bustle allows the bride to move around comfortably without tripping over the train.
3. Durability: The French bustle is known for its durability and can hold up well over time.
4. Elegance: The French bustle adds an elegant and sophisticated touch to a wedding gown.
French Bustle vs. Other Bustle Styles
There are many types of bustles, so it’s important to know the differences between them to choose the best one for your wedding dress. Let’s compare the French bustle to three other popular bustle styles:
1. American Bustle: The American bustle is perhaps the most common type of bustle. It involves lifting the train up from the back of the dress and tucking it under with buttons or hooks. Unlike the French bustle, the American bustle can be visible from the back.
2. Ballroom Bustle: The ballroom bustle is a style of bustle that lifts the train of a wedding gown up and distributes the fabric evenly across the back of the dress with small loops and buttons.
3. English Bustle: The English bustle is a bit more complicated and involves gathering the train of the dress and tucking it up underneath the back of the dress with ribbon ties.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a French bustle is a great option for brides who want an elegant, practical and seamless look to their wedding gown. It’s perfect for dresses with heavier fabrics or shorter trains and can hold up well over time. If you’re still unsure which type of bustle to choose for your wedding dress, consult with a professional seamstress who can guide you on the best selection for your gown. Regardless of which bustle you choose, just remember to enjoy your special day and dance the night away!
FAQ
What is the difference between French and American bustle?
When it comes to wedding dresses, one of the questions you may be asked is whether you prefer a French bustle or an American bustle. But what exactly is the difference between these two types of bustles?
A bustle is a style technique used to lift the train of a wedding gown off the floor and secure it at the back of the dress. This allows for easier movement and prevents the bride from tripping over the train. There are different types of bustles, but the two most common are the French bustle and the American bustle.
So, what is the difference between these two types of bustles? Let’s start with the French bustle, also known as the Victorian bustle or under-bustle. With a French bustle, the train of the gown is lifted and secured underneath the back of the dress, creating a gathered, draped effect. The buttons or hooks used to secure the bustle are hidden underneath the fabric, giving the dress a more seamless look. This type of bustle is typically used with gowns that have a lot of fabric, like ballgowns or A-line dresses.
On the other hand, the American bustle, also known as the over-bustle or ballroom bustle, lifts the train of the gown and secures it on top of the back of the dress. With this technique, the back of the gown will look similar to the front of the dress, with buttons or hooks visible and the train gathered above the floor. This type of bustle is typically used with slimmer-fitting dresses, like mermaid or trumpet gowns.
In short, the main difference between the French and American bustle is where the train of the gown is lifted and secured. The French bustle creates a gathered effect underneath the dress, while the American bustle gathers the train on top of the dress. Each bustle has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to try both types on and see which type works best with your gown and personal style.