When it comes to wedding dresses, the bustle is an essential feature that helps brides move freely during the reception. A bustle is a series of hooks, buttons, or ribbons that lift the train of a wedding dress off the floor. There are different types of bustles available, but the French bustle is particularly well-suited for mermaid dresses. This article explains why.
What is a Mermaid Wedding Dress?
Before diving into the benefits of the French bustle, let’s define what a mermaid dress is. A mermaid dress is a style of wedding gown that is fitted through the bodice, waist, hips, and thighs. The skirt then flares out at or below the knee, resembling the shape of a mermaid’s tail. This style of dress is popular among brides who want to show off their curves and create a dramatic effect.
The Challenges of Mermaid Dresses
While mermaid dresses are stunning to look at, they can be challenging to move in, especially with a long train. The fitted style of the dress means that the bride’s movement is restricted, and dragging the train on the ground can be a tripping hazard. That’s why bustles are an essential feature for mermaid dresses.
The Advantages of French Bustle for Mermaid Dresses
Out of the various types of bustles available, the French bustle is the most suitable for mermaid dresses. Here are some of the advantages of choosing a French bustle for your mermaid dress:
1. Flawless Aesthetic Appeal
French bustles have a seamless look that blends well with the mermaid dress’s design. The bustle folds are hidden beneath the skirt, so there are no visible buttons or hooks that can detract from the dress’s beauty. This way, the bride looks stunning from every angle, without any distractions.
2. Ideal for Long Trains
Mermaid dresses often come with long trains, which can make it difficult to move around. Fortunately, the French bustle is perfect for long trains as it lifts the hemline off the floor at several points. This feature creates a billowy effect, so the bride still has the elegance of a train without worrying about tripping over it.
3. Comfortable to Wear
Wedding dresses are heavy, and mermaid dresses are no exception. The weight of the dress can cause it to sag at the back, making it uncomfortable to wear. French bustles allow the bride to move around with ease, without the dress weighing her down. This way, she can enjoy the reception without any discomfort.
4. Easy to Install
The French bustle is relatively easy to install, even for inexperienced seamstresses. The hook-and-eye closures are hidden beneath the dress, and the number of bustle points can be adjusted depending on the length of the train. This way, the bride can have a custom bustle that suits her unique needs.
Conclusion
In summary, mermaid dresses are a popular style among brides, but they can be challenging to manage without a bustle. The French bustle is the best type of bustle for mermaid dresses because it creates a seamless, billowy effect that lifts the hemline off the floor. This feature makes the dress more comfortable to wear and provides the bride with more freedom of movement during the reception. If you’re shopping for a mermaid dress, consider choosing a French bustle for an effortless, elegant look.
FAQ
What is the difference between a ballroom bustle and a train flip bustle?
When it comes to wedding gowns, bustles are a common alteration for brides who want to dance and move around more freely at their reception without having to worry about their train getting in the way. There are various types of bustles to choose from, but two of the most popular types are ballroom bustles and train-flip bustles.
A ballroom bustle is a type of bustle that involves pulling up and bustling the train of the gown in a way that creates an elegant, flowing look, as if the bride is wearing a ballroom gown. This type of bustle is typically more expensive than other bustles, but it can be worth the investment for brides who have a ball gown-style dress and prefer a more formal look. The ballroom bustle is a perfect choice for brides who like a little extra volume and drama in their gown and need extra space to move around.
On the other hand, a train-flip bustle involves flipping the train underneath the dress and pinning it to itself, creating the illusion that there is no bustle at all. This type of bustle is also known as an under bustle or a flip bustle. Train-flip bustles are a great option for brides who are looking for a more subtle and understated way to secure their train while still keeping the overall aesthetic of the dress. Train-flip bustles can work for a variety of dress styles, including A-line, sheath, and trumpet styles, although they may not work as well for dresses with extremely heavy trains.
Both types of bustles require an experienced seamstress to create and attach to the dress, so it’s important to work with someone who has plenty of experience dealing with these types of alterations. the decision between a ballroom bustle and a train-flip bustle will depend on personal preferences and the style of the dress, but both options offer a great way to keep the train from getting in the way while still showing off the beauty of the gown.
What is a waterfall bustle?
A waterfall bustle is a style of bustle that is commonly used in wedding dresses or other types of formal gowns. This style is known for creating a cascading effect on the skirt of the dress, similar to a waterfall. The waterfall bustle style is achieved by fastening a loop on the outer layer of the dress to a button on the higher area of the inner layer of the skirt.
This style of bustle is similar to the basic under bustle, but it has more than one row of under bustles, which are commonly placed at different heights on the skirt. The multiple rows of bustles give the dress a dimensional look, which is perfect for gowns with a lot of fabric.
To achieve the waterfall bustle style, the dressmaker will typically make several loops and buttons along the seam of the inner and outer layers of the skirt. These loops and buttons will be strategically placed to create the desired effect. Once the loops and buttons are in place, the dressmaker will sew a hook onto the outer layer of the dress, which will be attached to the bottom of the loop when the bustle is applied.
When it comes time to bustle the dress, the loops and buttons will be fastened to create the cascading effect of the skirt. The outer layer of the skirt will be lifted, and the loops will be fastened onto the buttons, causing the fabric to fan out and flow beautifully down the back of the dress. The hook will then be attached to the bottom of the loops to keep the bustle secure and prevent it from coming undone.
A waterfall bustle is a beautiful and elegant style of bustle that can make a wedding dress or formal gown truly unique. This style of bustle adds depth and dimension to the skirt of the dress and is perfect for gowns with a lot of fabric. If you are looking for a way to make your wedding dress or formal gown stand out, consider asking your dressmaker about the waterfall bustle style.