What is a Bustle on a Wedding Dress?
Understanding Bustles in Wedding Dresses
As you are planning your dream wedding and shopping for the perfect wedding dress, you may hear about a wedding dress bustle and are curious what it is and what it’s for. Let’s dive into the wedding dress bustle. We’ll break it down and get to the heart of what it’s all about – from its history to why it’s an important part of your wedding celebration.
What's a Bustle on a Wedding Dress?
So, a wedding dress bustle is a superhero move for your gown. It’s there to help you transition from the dreamy ceremony look to a practical dance-ready outfit for the reception. Think of it as a way to lift and secure the train of your dress, so you can move around freely.
What's the Story Behind Wedding Dress Bustles?
Originating in the late 19th century during the Victorian era, wedding dresses with voluminous skirts and long trains prompted the invention of the bustle. It lifted and supported those trains, allowing brides to move gracefully without tripping over their fancy dresses.
What's the Point of a Bustle on a Wedding Dress?
The main deal with a wedding dress bustle is keeping it practical and stylish. After your emotional ceremony, when it’s time to hit the dance floor and party, a bustle lets you move freely without dragging that train everywhere. It’s like having the best of both worlds – looking fabulous and being able to dance your heart out. We highly suggest bustling your dress immediately after your formal portraits and before your grand entrance into your wedding reception.
What Does a Wedding Bustle Look Like?
Bustles come in different styles, each giving your dress a unique look. You’ve got the over-bustle, where the train is lifted and secured on top, creating a cool cascading effect. Then there’s the under-bustle, tucking the train underneath for a sleek look. The French bustle? That’s a mix of both, making your dress look all romantic and fancy.
What Exactly Does a Bustle Do?
The magic of a bustle is in how it transforms your dress. It takes that elegant ceremony look and makes it practical for all the fun that follows. By lifting and securing the train, a bustle enables you to dance, move, and enjoy the celebration without having to drag around your trailing gown.
Types of Wedding Dress Bustles
- Over-Bustle: Classic move – lift and secure the train on top for that cascading effect.
- Under-Bustle: A discreet method of tucking the train underneath for a smooth and cohesive appearance.
- French Bustle: A sophisticated combination of both styles, producing a romantic and intricate design.
How to Bustle a Wedding Dress Train
Bustling might sound tricky, but it’s a skill you can totally nail with a bit of practice. During your dress fittings, your bridal shop can teach you, your bridal party or family members how your specific dress bustles. Pro tip: If it is a complicated bustle, pull out your cell phone and do a quick video of how it’s done, so everyone will remember on wedding day!
- Locate the Bustle Points: Your dress will have specific points marked during alterations – those are your bustle buddies.
- Practice Before Showtime by familiarizing yourself with the bustling process before the wedding day. This can be done at your last fitting.
- Enlist the support of a bridesmaid or family member to get you bustled on wedding day, bustling is typically not something you will be able to do all by yourself.
Bustling a Wedding Dress Train – The How-To
- Round Up the Train: Lift the train a bit and pull it towards the back of the gown.
- Lock in the Bustle: Utilize hooks, buttons, or ribbons as per the chosen bustle style.
- Prioritizing Comfort: Ensure a snug yet comfortable fit, allowing for graceful movement without constraint.
How Long Does It Take to Bustle a Wedding Dress?
The length of time needed to bustle a wedding dress depends upon the dress’s complexity and the chosen bustle style. Some dresses will bustle in just a minute or two while others can take 15-20 minutes. Dress fittings are the best time to familiarize yourself with the bustling process under the guidance of your bridal consultant.
A wedding dress bustle serves as a refined addition to your bridal ensemble, giving you the best of both worlds. The ability to have a full flowing train and then lift it out of the way to dance and celebrate all night.
If you need any additional help or if you are looking for a wedding photographer, we’d love to hear from you!
