A wedding dress is one of the most important outfits a woman will ever wear, and as such, it is crucial that it fits perfectly and looks beautiful. One aspect of this is the train of the wedding dress, which can be long and elaborate and adds a touch of elegance to the gown. However, when the ceremony is over and the reception begins, that long train can become a bit of a nuisance as it can get dirty, caught, or stepped on. This is where bustles come in handy. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why you should bustle your dress and what types of bustles are available.
What Is a Bustle?
A bustle is a mechanism used to pull up the train of a wedding dress, allowing it to be gathered or hooked up to the back of the dress to keep it off the ground. It is an essential part of the bride’s wedding outfit, especially when she needs to move around freely, dance, and keep the dress from getting dirty after the ceremony. Bustling a dress can also help to avoid tripping, as it lifts the train off the ground and makes it easier for the bride to walk without getting trapped in her own dress.
Reasons to Bustle a Wedding Dress
There are several reasons why bustling a wedding dress is beneficial:
1. It Keeps the Dress Clean
The wedding dress is often the focal point of the ceremony, and it deserves to look stunning in every picture. Lifting the train off the ground with a bustle will keep it clean and prevent dirt, grass stains, and other debris from ruining the dress as you move around or pose for photos.
2. Dancing Convenience
Most brides look forward to dancing with their guests at the reception, but this can be challenging if you have a long trailing gown. A bustle will pull up the train of the wedding dress, allowing you to dance without any restrictions while avoiding the embarrassment of tripping on the dress in the middle of the celebration.
3. Preventing Trips and Falls
Moving around in a wedding dress with a long train can be challenging, especially when walking upstairs or on uneven surfaces. Bustling prevents tripping and falling by keeping the train off the ground and making it easier for you to move around without worrying about getting trapped in your own dress.
4. Showcasing the Dress Design
If you have selected a dress with intricate details on the back, a bustle can be an excellent way to show off those details without the train getting in the way. This can be a great way to let the dress shine at the reception, where guests can appreciate its unique design.
Types of Bustles
There are different types of bustles, each suited to particular dress styles and requirements. Here are the most popular types of bustles:
1. Over bustle
The over bustle gathers the train of the dress upwards and attaches it to the waistline of the dress, creating a layered effect. This bustle is perfect for ballgowns, A-line, and mermaid dresses as it lifts the train up and creates a flowing effect.
2. Under bustle
An under bustle or French bustle pulls the train under and attaches it to the underside of the gown. This creates a more concealed effect, perfect for fishtail or trumpet dresses.
3. Hook and eye bustle
A hook and eye bustle uses hooks to gather the train of the dress into the bottom of the gown, creating an elegant and subtle look that is well-suited for simple a-line dresses. This type of bustle is also discreet and not as obvious as other bustle options.
4. Three-point bustle
The three-point bustle raises the embellishments on the train and attaches to three points at the hemline of the gown. This type of bustle is terrific for a fitted wedding dress as it pulls up the train and showcases any intricate designs.
The Bottom Line
Bustling a dress is an essential part of any wedding dress. It keeps the beautiful dress off the ground, prevents tripping, and ultimately makes the reception more enjoyable, and it allows you to move freely and show off the beauty of the whole outfit. With a range of options available, it is essential to ensure that the bustle option selected is appropriate to the style of dress to allow it to shine at the reception. Not only does busting make the wedding dress itself, but it also allows the bride to relax, enjoy the occasion and not have to worry about delicate dress damage or dealing with a cumbersome train. So, go ahead and bustle that dress for a stunning and carefree wedding day!
FAQ
Is it necessary to have a bustle?
When it comes to wearing a wedding or formal dress with a long train, one question that frequently comes up is, “Is it necessary to have a bustle?” The answer to this question can vary depending on a few different factors.
First and foremost, one of the main reasons to have a bustle is to be able to move around comfortably while wearing a dress with a long train. Without a bustle, the train of the dress will drag along the floor and can easily become stepped on or tripped over. This can not only be inconvenient but can also be dangerous and can cause damage to the dress.
Secondly, without a bustle, it can be difficult to dance or move around freely while wearing a dress with a long train. The train can get in the way, making it hard to move freely or perform certain dance moves. Having a bustle can allow the wearer to enjoy their time on the dance floor without any worries.
However, some shorter wedding or formal dresses may not require a bustle. Additionally, some brides and formal wear enthusiasts may prefer to forgo a bustle for aesthetic or comfort reasons. the decision to have a bustle is a personal one and can depend on the specific dress, the wearer’s personal preferences, and the event they are attending.
It is also important to note that not all dresses come with bustles and they may need to be added by a seamstress. Having a bustle added to a dress can be an additional cost and should be considered when budgeting for the dress and event.
While it may not always be necessary, having a bustle can make wearing a dress with a long train more comfortable and practical. The decision to have a bustle ultimately depends on personal preference and the specific dress being worn.
What does it mean to add a bustle to a wedding dress?
A bustle is a unique and essential feature that is added to the back of a wedding gown. Bustling a wedding dress means lifting the train of the bridal gown off the ground and securing it with buttons, hooks, ribbons or wristlets, for instance, after the wedding ceremony.
Most wedding gowns are designed with long trains that add an elegant flair to the overall look, making a bride look and feel like a true princess on her big day. However, a train can be a little bit cumbersome during the post-ceremony celebrations. This is where the bustle comes into play.
By bustling a wedding dress, the bride is able to free herself from the weighty train. Whether she needs to move about the reception hall comfortably, dance with her loved ones, or simply use the restroom, the bustle provides the necessary flexibility for a hassle-free and enjoyable celebration.
Bustles come in many styles and depend on the design of the gown. Some dresses need a French bustle, which means the train is gathered up under the skirt with loops, while an American bustle requires loops to be added to the outside back of the gown. A Ballroom bustle creates a side-swag effect, while an Austrian bustle creates a similar look but with more volume.
A bustle is an essential feature that should be included in any wedding gown design. It offers greater flexibility to the bride, allowing her to move freely, celebrate, and enjoy her special day without worrying about tripping over her train. Brides should work with their dressmakers and bridal boutiques to select the perfect bustle option for their gown and ensure it is professionally altered for perfect fit and comfort.
Does a bustle make your dress shorter?
When it comes to wedding dresses, one common concern is the length of the gown. While some brides prefer a full-length gown that sweeps the floor, others may want a shorter hemline for various reasons, such as dancing comfort or avoiding tripping on the dress. One adjustment technique that can help to shorten the length of a wedding dress is a bustle.
A bustle is a technique used to lift and attach the train of a wedding dress to the back of the gown, allowing it to remain off the floor while still preserving the overall appearance of the dress. While there are several types of bustles, the ballroom bustle is a popular option for those who want to shorten their gown. This type of bustle tucks the train under the skirt and attaches it at pickup points around the bodice of your gown.
When done correctly, the ballroom bustle can make your wedding dress look like a completely different gown, giving you more flexibility throughout the event. You can comfortably dance the night away while still maintaining your bridal look. However, it’s important to note that the bustle will only shorten the visible length of the gown, as the fabric remains the same length. Therefore, if you have a particularly long train, the bustle may provide a subtle shortening effect, but it will not turn a floor-length gown into a knee-length dress.
A bustle is an excellent option for brides who want to enjoy the practicality of a shorter length while still maintaining the elegance of a full-length gown. Just be sure to work with a skilled seamstress or tailor who can create a bustle that complements your dress style and body type.
When did people stop wearing bustles?
The bustle was a device used in women’s clothing to support the back of a skirt. It was fashionable in the late Victorian era, around the 1870s and 1880s. However, as with all fashion trends, the bustle eventually fell out of favor and was replaced by different styles.
According to the Victoria and Albert Museum, the bustle went out of fashion around 1888. By this time, the “S” curve silhouette had become popular, and designers were creating more natural-looking shapes that didn’t require a bustle. The slimmed-down and more understated shape of the new fashions meant that the bustle’s time had come to an end.
It is worth noting that while the bustle went out of fashion in the late 19th century, it has occasionally reappeared in fashion. However, this is usually only in historical reenactments or wedding garb, rather than in mainstream fashion. The development of new materials and technologies means that modern fashion has moved beyond the constraints of the bustle era, allowing for a greater range of shapes and styles.
People stopped wearing bustles around 1888 as fashions moved towards a more natural silhouette. While the bustle has occasionally reappeared in some contexts, it has remained largely out of fashion since its heyday in the late Victorian era.
What can I use instead of bustle?
When it comes to wedding dresses, bustles are commonly added to help lift the train off the ground and secure it in place during the reception. However, not all brides are a fan of this extra piece, whether it be because they find it uncomfortable, unnecessary, or it simply does not fit with the overall look they are going for. Luckily, there are a few alternatives you can try instead of a bustle.
One option is to opt for a wedding dress with a shorter train. This way, you eliminate the need for a bustle altogether. Alternatively, some designers have started creating dresses with detachable trains. This way, you can have the best of both worlds – a beautiful long train during the ceremony and photos, and then the flexibility to remove it for the reception.
Another option is to use a long veil or cape as an alternative to a bustle. These can add a touch of drama to your wedding day look, as well as serve as a practical solution for lifting your train off the ground. They tend to be easily removable, so you can take them off for mingling and dancing, but they make for the prettiest of wedding photos.
There are several alternatives to bustles that you can consider for your wedding day look. From choosing a dress with a shorter train or detachable train to using a long veil or cape as a practical and beautiful solution, there are many ways to eliminate the need for a bustle while still achieving the desired look and functionality.
