Walking down the aisle in your dreamy wedding gown is a moment you’ll remember for the rest of your life. But when it’s time to hit the dance floor, that beautiful, flowing train can become a burden. This is where a wedding dress bustle comes in handy. With the right technique, you can transform your gown into a practical and stylish outfit that won’t interfere with your moves.
While the idea of bustling your wedding dress may seem daunting, fear not. With our step-by-step instructions , you can easily bustle your dress like a pro. First, you’ll need to decide which bustle style is right for you. Then, gather the necessary tools and follow our guide to prepare, create, secure, and adjust your bustle.
Whether you’re looking for a French, ballroom, or American bustle, we’ve got you covered. Our detailed instructions and expert tips will ensure that your wedding dress bustle stays secure all night long, so you can focus on having the time of your life.
So, are you ready to transform your gown into a dance-friendly dress? Let’s get started with our step-by-step guide and become a wedding dress bustle pro!
Why You Need To Bustle Your Wedding Dress
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. It’s a day when you want everything to be perfect, and that includes your wedding dress. As beautiful and intricate as your dress may be, it can be a hassle to wear it for the entire evening without being able to move around freely. That’s where bustling your wedding dress comes in.
Bustling your wedding dress is a way to keep the train of your dress off the ground, allowing you to move around more easily and preventing the risk of tripping or stepping on your dress. Not only does bustling your dress make it easier for you to move around, but it can also prevent any damage or dirt to the bottom of your dress.
The Benefits of Bustling Your Wedding Dress
Here are a few benefits of bustling your wedding dress:
- Prevents Accidents: When you’re walking down the aisle, dancing, or even just walking around, the last thing you want is to trip over your dress. Bustling your wedding dress eliminates the risk of accidents.
- Makes It Easier to Move: A bustled dress allows you to move around more freely and dance the night away without worrying about tripping on your dress or getting it caught on something.
- Protects Your Dress: By bustling your dress, you’re keeping the train off the ground and preventing it from getting dirty, stained or damaged. This means you’ll be able to cherish your dress for years to come.
Types of Bustles
There are several types of bustles you can choose from, depending on the style of your dress and the look you want to achieve. Here are a few:
- American Bustle: This is a popular choice for wedding dresses with a long train. It involves lifting the train and securing it to the waistline of the dress with a series of buttons or hooks.
- French Bustle: This type of bustle creates a more elegant and sophisticated look. It involves lifting the train and tucking it under the dress, creating a series of folds that are secured with a button or hook.
- Ballroom Bustle: If you plan on dancing the night away, a ballroom bustle is a great choice. This type of bustle lifts the train and creates a loop that is held up by a series of buttons or hooks.
Bustling your wedding dress is an essential part of your wedding day. Not only does it make it easier for you to move around, but it also helps protect your dress and prevent any accidents. Make sure to talk to your seamstress or tailor about the different types of bustles and which one is best suited for your dress.
Choose The Perfect Bustle Style For Your Dress
Choosing the right bustle style for your wedding dress is crucial to ensure that you can move around with ease and that the dress stays clean and undamaged throughout the night. Below are some tips to help you choose the perfect bustle style for your dress:
Consider your dress style: The style of your dress can greatly affect the type of bustle that will work best. For example, a ballgown may require a French bustle, while a mermaid style may need an American bustle.
French Bustle
The French bustle is a popular choice for ballgown or A-line dresses. It involves lifting the train of the dress and securing it under the skirt with buttons or ribbons, creating a beautiful cascading effect. This bustle style works best for dresses with intricate lace or embroidery details on the train.
American Bustle
The American bustle is a simple, yet elegant bustle style that works well with most dress styles. It involves lifting the train of the dress and securing it with buttons or hooks on the outside of the dress. This style is perfect for dresses with a simple, clean train.
Ballroom Bustle
The ballroom bustle is a great choice for dresses with a longer train that may be difficult to manage. This bustle style involves creating an intricate folding and tucking of the train, securing it underneath the skirt of the dress with buttons or ribbons. This style works best for dresses with a lot of fabric or a full skirt.
- Tip: Bring pictures of your dress to your alterations appointment to help your tailor determine which bustle style will work best for your dress.
- Tip: Practice bustling your dress with your maid of honor or bridesmaid before the wedding day to ensure a smooth transition from the ceremony to the reception.
Choosing the perfect bustle style for your wedding dress can make all the difference in ensuring that you have a stress-free and comfortable wedding day. Take the time to consider the style of your dress and consult with your tailor to ensure that you choose the right bustle style for your needs.
Gather The Necessary Tools Before You Start
Before you start bustling your wedding dress, you need to gather the necessary tools. You don’t want to be in the middle of bustling and realize that you don’t have the right tools.
The following are the tools that you will need for bustling your wedding dress:
Needle and Thread
One of the most important tools that you will need for bustling your wedding dress is a needle and thread. You will use this to sew the bustle in place. Make sure that the thread you use matches the color of your dress.
Bustle Clips or Buttons
You will also need bustle clips or buttons to hold the bustle in place. These come in various shapes and sizes, so choose the one that works best for your dress.
Scissors
You will need a pair of scissors to cut the thread once you are done with bustling your wedding dress. Make sure that they are sharp so that you can make clean cuts.
Step 1: Prepare Your Dress
Before you begin to add a bustle to your dress, you need to ensure that your dress is ready for the process. The first step in preparing your dress is to make sure that it is clean and free of any stains. If there are any wrinkles, use an iron or a steamer to smooth them out. Additionally, check the hemline of your dress to ensure that it is even and straight. If the hemline is uneven, it will impact the way that the bustle looks once it is added.
Next, make sure that you have all the necessary tools and materials that you will need for the process. This includes a sewing machine or needle and thread, scissors, pins, a measuring tape, and the bustle materials themselves. Once you have gathered all of your tools, find a clean and flat surface to work on, such as a table or an ironing board.
Measuring and Pinning
Start by measuring the length of your dress from the waistline to the hemline. This measurement will help you determine where to place the bustle on your dress. Once you have determined the placement of the bustle, use pins to secure the fabric in place. Be sure to use enough pins to hold the fabric securely, but not so many that it becomes difficult to work with.
Adding the Bustle
Once the fabric is secure, it’s time to add the bustle. Depending on the type of bustle you have chosen, this may involve sewing fabric onto the underside of your dress or adding ribbons or hooks to the exterior of your dress. Take your time and follow the instructions carefully to ensure that the bustle is attached securely and looks the way you want it to.
Final Touches
After the bustle is attached, take a moment to examine your dress and make any necessary adjustments. Check the placement of the bustle and make sure that it looks even and balanced. If there are any loose threads or uneven edges, use your scissors to trim them carefully. Finally, try on your dress to ensure that the bustle looks the way you want it to and is comfortable to wear.
Step 2: Create The Bustle
After preparing your dress, the next step is to create the bustle. The bustle is a mechanism that lifts the train of your dress off the floor, making it easier to move around and preventing it from getting dirty. Here are some tips to create the perfect bustle:
Tip 1: Start by gathering the train of the dress. You can do this by lifting the back of the dress and holding it in one hand while using the other hand to gather the fabric together at the bottom.
Underbustle
- Step 1: Take the gathered train and tuck it up under the back of the dress, securing it with pins or hooks. Make sure the fabric is smooth and evenly distributed.
- Step 2: Use additional pins or hooks to create loops or folds in the fabric, giving the bustle a more decorative look.
- Step 3: Adjust the length and height of the bustle until it’s comfortable and functional for your needs.
Overbustle
Tip 2: An overbustle is another option for creating a bustle. This technique involves lifting the train of the dress over the back and securing it with pins or hooks. Here are some steps to follow:
- Step 1: Gather the train of the dress and lift it over the back of the dress, creating a pleat or fold in the fabric.
- Step 2: Use pins or hooks to secure the pleat in place, making sure the fabric is smooth and even.
- Step 3: Adjust the height and length of the bustle to make it comfortable and functional for you.
Creating a bustle can seem daunting, but with a little practice, you can achieve a beautiful and functional bustle that complements your dress and makes it easier to move around on your big day.
Step 3: Secure The Bustle
After you have created your bustle, the next step is to secure it in place. This will ensure that it stays put throughout the day or night, and you won’t have to worry about it coming undone or falling apart. There are a few different ways you can secure your bustle, depending on the style you’re going for and the type of dress you’re wearing.
If you have a ball gown or a dress with a long train, you may want to consider using a bustle pin. This is a pin that you can use to secure the bustle to the dress, and it will hold everything in place. Another option is to use a ribbon or a piece of fabric to tie the bustle together. This can be a great option if you want to add a little bit of extra detail to your dress.
Option 1: Bustle Pin
If you choose to use a bustle pin, start by folding the bustle up and securing it with one hand. Use your other hand to insert the pin through both layers of fabric, making sure that it goes through the top layer of fabric and the lining. Once the pin is in place, you can release the bustle and it should stay put. You may need to use more than one pin, depending on the size and weight of your bustle.
Option 2: Ribbon or Fabric
If you decide to use a ribbon or a piece of fabric to secure your bustle, start by folding the bustle up and holding it in place with one hand. Use your other hand to tie the ribbon or fabric around the bustle, making sure that it’s tight enough to hold everything in place but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable. You can tie the ribbon or fabric in a bow or a knot, depending on the look you’re going for.
Option 3: Sew It In Place
- Using a needle and thread, you can sew the bustle into place. This is a more permanent solution, but it will ensure that the bustle stays put all day long.
- Start by folding the bustle up and holding it in place with one hand. Use your other hand to sew the bustle to the dress, making sure to sew through both layers of fabric. You can use a thread that matches the color of your dress or a contrasting thread to add a little bit of extra detail.
Whichever option you choose, make sure that you test it out before the big day to ensure that it’s secure and comfortable. You don’t want to be fussing with your dress all day or worrying about it falling apart, so take the time to make sure everything is in place before the event.
Step 4: Adjust And Fluff Your Bustle
Once you have created and secured your bustle, the final step is to adjust and fluff it to achieve the desired look. This step is crucial to ensure your bustle looks natural and enhances your dress perfectly.
First, adjust the bustle by gently pulling and tugging at the layers to make sure they fall in a flattering way. You can also use bobby pins to secure any loose sections or to adjust the length of the bustle. Next, fluff the bustle by gently lifting the layers to create volume and dimension.
Useful Tips For Adjusting And Fluffing Your Bustle:
- Ensure your bustle is evenly adjusted to avoid any lumps or uneven sections.
- Be gentle when fluffing your bustle to avoid damaging any delicate fabrics or lace.
- Experiment with different fluffing techniques to achieve your desired look.
What To Avoid When Adjusting And Fluffing Your Bustle:
- Avoid pulling too hard on the layers to prevent tearing or damaging the fabric.
- Do not over-fluff your bustle, as this can make it look bulky and unnatural.
- Avoid using too many bobby pins, as this can weigh down your bustle and make it uncomfortable to wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a bustle?
A bustle is a technique used to lift and secure the train of a wedding dress off the ground. This is typically done after the ceremony to make it easier for the bride to move around and dance during the reception. Train is the keyword related to this question.
Q: How do I know what type of bustle my dress needs?
The type of bustle your dress needs will depend on the style of the dress and the length of the train. Your dressmaker or bridal consultant can advise you on the best type of bustle for your particular dress. Dressmaker is the keyword related to this question.
Q: When should I bustle my dress?
You should bustle your dress after the ceremony and before the reception begins. It’s important to give yourself enough time to do this, so make sure to practice with your maid of honor or a family member beforehand. Reception is the keyword related to this question.
Q: How do I secure the bustle?
The exact method of securing the bustle will depend on the type of bustle your dress has. However, in general, you will need to gather the train and attach it to the dress with hooks, buttons, or ties. Your dressmaker or bridal consultant can show you how to do this. Attach is the keyword related to this question.
Q: Can I bustle my dress myself?
It’s possible to bustle your dress yourself, but it can be difficult to do alone. It’s recommended to have someone help you, such as your maid of honor or a family member. They can assist with lifting the train and securing the bustle while you attach it to the dress. Difficult is the keyword related to this question.
Q: How long does it take to bustle a dress?
The amount of time it takes to bustle a dress will depend on the type of bustle your dress has and how experienced you are with the process. It’s recommended to give yourself at least 15-20 minutes to bustle your dress, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. Time is the keyword related to this question.