When it comes to a bride’s big day, every detail counts. And one of the most important details is how the wedding dress looks and feels. However, dancing and walking around in a long train and heavy dress can be quite challenging, that’s where bustling comes in handy. Bustling is a method used to lift the train of the dress off the ground, allowing for more freedom of movement without compromising the beauty of the dress.
But, how do you bustle a lace wedding dress without it looking unappealing or falling apart on the dance floor? There are different types of bustles that work best for different styles of dresses, and the process can be quite complex. Fear not, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we will guide you through the different types of bustles, how to bustle your lace wedding dress, and provide expert tips to make sure it stays put all night long.
Whether you’re a bride-to-be or a bridesmaid helping out the bride, this guide will ensure that you know all there is to know about bustles. You won’t have to worry about tripping over your dress or dragging it around all night.
Ready to learn how to bustle a lace wedding dress like a pro? Keep reading!
Why Bustling a Wedding Dress is Crucial for Your Big Day
As the bride, all eyes will be on you on your big day. You’ll want to look and feel your best as you make your way down the aisle to your beloved. But what happens when it’s time to dance the night away with your guests? A long, flowing wedding dress can be a beautiful sight to behold, but it can also be cumbersome and impractical. That’s where bustling comes in.
Bustling is the process of securing the train of your wedding dress to the back of the gown, allowing you to move freely without tripping over the fabric. If you’re not convinced that bustling is essential for your big day, keep reading to find out why it’s crucial.
Avoid Accidents on the Dance Floor
- With a bustle, you can dance without fear of tripping over your dress.
- You can also move around more freely, which means you can greet your guests and enjoy their company without worrying about your dress.
- Not having a bustle can make it difficult for you to move around, which can be particularly frustrating if you’re trying to greet guests or participate in the festivities.
Preserve the Beauty of Your Dress
- Bustling your dress can help prevent damage to the train caused by people stepping on it or getting caught on something.
- Without a bustle, your dress is more likely to drag on the ground and get dirty, which can detract from its beauty.
- Preserving your dress also means that you’ll be able to enjoy it for years to come, whether you choose to pass it down to a future generation or simply keep it as a cherished memento.
Stay Comfortable Throughout the Day
- Wearing a heavy, cumbersome dress for an extended period can be exhausting.
- Bustling your dress can make it easier for you to move around and get comfortable throughout the day.
- Without a bustle, you may find yourself constantly adjusting your dress or struggling to move around, which can be uncomfortable and distracting.
So, as you can see, bustling your wedding dress is not only practical, but it can also help you look and feel your best on your big day. If you’re unsure about how to bustle your dress, be sure to talk to your seamstress or wedding planner to get their advice and recommendations. With the right bustle, you can dance the night away and create memories that will last a lifetime.
The Most Popular Bustle Styles for Lace Wedding Dresses
When it comes to bustles, there are several styles to choose from. Here are the most popular bustle styles for lace wedding dresses:
American Bustle: Also known as the “over bustle”, this style involves lifting the train up and fastening it to the waistline of the dress. This is a popular choice for lace wedding dresses, as it creates a romantic, elegant look.
French Bustle
- The French Bustle, also called an “under bustle”, is a popular choice for brides who want a sleek, minimalist look. The train is lifted and secured under the skirt of the dress, creating a seamless, elegant silhouette.
- This style is perfect for brides who want to dance the night away without worrying about tripping over their train.
Ballroom Bustle
- The Ballroom Bustle is perfect for brides who want a dramatic look. This style involves lifting the train and securing it to the back of the dress, creating a voluminous, dramatic effect.
- This style works best with lace wedding dresses that have a full skirt, as it adds to the overall drama of the dress.
Victorian Bustle
- The Victorian Bustle, also known as the “under-over bustle”, is a popular choice for vintage-inspired lace wedding dresses.
- This style involves lifting the train and securing it to the back of the dress, creating a layered effect that’s reminiscent of the Victorian era.
Ultimately, the bustle style you choose will depend on your personal style, the type of lace wedding dress you have, and the overall look you want to achieve. Consult with a professional seamstress to determine the best bustle style for your dress, and enjoy a stress-free, beautiful wedding day!
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Bustle a Lace Wedding Dress
One of the most important things to consider when wearing a lace wedding dress is how to bustle it. Bustling your dress ensures that it stays out of the way during your reception and allows you to move around comfortably while dancing the night away. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to bustle a lace wedding dress like a pro!
Step 1: Identify the Type of Bustle
The first step in bustling your lace wedding dress is to identify the type of bustle you have. There are several types of bustles, including the over bustle, under bustle, and French bustle. Each type of bustle requires a different technique, so it’s important to know which one you have before proceeding.
Step 2: Gather the Fabric
Once you’ve identified the type of bustle, gather the fabric of the train together where you want the bustle to be. This may require the help of a bridesmaid or a friend, as it can be difficult to do on your own. Once you’ve gathered the fabric, use a small safety pin or a ribbon to secure it in place.
Step 3: Secure the Bustle
- If you have an over bustle, secure the gathered fabric to the waistline of the dress using a hook and eye closure or a button and loop.
- If you have an under bustle, secure the gathered fabric to the underside of the dress using a hook and eye closure or a button and loop.
- If you have a French bustle, you’ll need to create several points of attachment by sewing ribbons or loops onto the underside of the dress, and then tying the gathered fabric to those points.
Bustling a lace wedding dress can be a bit tricky, but with this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to do it like a pro. Just remember to practice before the big day so that you feel confident in your bustle technique, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it!
Tips and Tricks to Make Your Bustle Stay Put All Night Long
When it comes to your wedding day, you want to ensure that everything stays in place, including your bustle. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your bustle looking perfect all night long:
Get the Right Bustle Style
Before your wedding day, make sure you have chosen the right bustle style for your wedding dress. Consult with your seamstress or bridal boutique to ensure you have chosen the right style that will work best for your dress.
Use Extra Secure Buttons
- One of the most important tips for a secure bustle is to use extra secure buttons. Make sure you have enough buttons to hold the train in place, and consider using a heavier-duty button to ensure it stays put.
- If your dress doesn’t come with enough buttons, ask your seamstress to add some or purchase them yourself and bring them to your fitting.
Practice Before the Big Day
- It’s always a good idea to practice bustling your dress before your wedding day. Ask a friend or family member to help you, or practice on your own if possible.
- Make sure you know exactly how to bustle your dress, and practice it multiple times so that you can do it quickly and efficiently on your wedding day.
By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your bustle stays put all night long, leaving you free to enjoy your special day without worrying about your dress.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Bustling Your Lace Wedding Dress
If you’re planning on wearing a lace wedding dress on your big day, you’ve likely put a lot of thought into the intricate details and design. One of the most important details that you’ll need to consider is how to bustle your dress. Although bustling a dress might seem like a simple task, it can actually be quite challenging and there are some common mistakes that brides make. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
Waiting Until the Last Minute – Bustling a lace wedding dress can take time, so it’s important to start practicing early. Waiting until the day of your wedding can cause unnecessary stress and can lead to mistakes.
Choosing the Wrong Bustle
- Overbustling – Overbustling a dress can create an unflattering and bulky look. Be sure to choose a bustle that is appropriate for the style and shape of your dress.
- Underbustling – Underbustling can cause the train to drag on the floor, which can ruin the delicate lace and be a tripping hazard. Make sure to choose a bustle that lifts the train off the ground.
Not Practicing Enough
- Not Practicing with Your Shoes – Bustling your dress with a different pair of shoes than the ones you plan on wearing on your wedding day can result in a poor fit and uneven hemlines.
- Not Practicing with Your Maid of Honor – Your maid of honor will likely be the one helping you bustle your dress on your wedding day, so it’s important to practice with her beforehand to ensure that she understands the process and can do it quickly and efficiently.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your lace wedding dress is bustled properly and looks stunning all night long.
Expert Advice on When to Bustle Your Lace Wedding Dress
If you’re planning to wear a lace wedding dress on your big day, you may be wondering when the best time is to bustle it. There are a few things to keep in mind when making this decision, so we reached out to some wedding dress experts to get their advice.
First and foremost, it’s important to consider the style of your dress. Not all lace dresses are created equal, and some may require a specific type of bustle or may not be able to be bustled at all. It’s best to consult with your seamstress or the boutique where you purchased your dress to determine the best course of action.
Factors to Consider
- Fabric: The type of fabric your dress is made from can impact when you should bustle it. For example, if your dress is made from a delicate lace, you may want to bustle it earlier in the evening to prevent it from getting snagged or damaged.
- Venue: The type of venue you’re getting married at can also play a role in when to bustle your dress. If you’re having an outdoor wedding, you may want to consider bustling your dress earlier in the evening to avoid getting dirt or grass stains on the train.
- Dancing: If you’re planning on hitting the dance floor with your guests, you may want to wait to bustle your dress until after the first dance or after dinner so that you can move around more freely.
Tips for a Secure Bustle
Once you’ve determined when to bustle your dress, it’s important to ensure that it stays securely in place throughout the night. Here are a few tips from the experts:
- Practice: Make sure to practice bustling your dress with your maid of honor or another trusted friend before the big day to avoid any mishaps.
- Pins: Consider using extra pins or a sewn-in bustle to keep your dress in place.
- Support: If you’re concerned about the weight of your train, consider wearing a crinoline or petticoat to provide additional support.
By keeping these factors in mind and following the advice of the experts, you can ensure that your lace wedding dress is perfectly bustled and stays in place throughout your special day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bustle in a lace wedding dress?
Bustle is the method of securing the train of a wedding dress, making it easier to walk and dance without tripping. A lace wedding dress can have multiple bustle points, which are hooks, ribbons or buttons that lift and attach the train to the back of the dress.
How do I know if my lace wedding dress needs to be bustled?
If your wedding dress has a train that extends past the hemline, it will need to be bustled for convenience and safety. During the dress alteration process, the seamstress will typically advise on the bustle style that would suit the gown and the occasion best.
When is the best time to bustle my lace wedding dress?
The best time to bustle your lace wedding dress is after the ceremony and before the reception. It is essential to have a trusted bridesmaid or family member who can help with bustling the dress, as it can be a challenging task to accomplish alone.
How long does it take to bustle a lace wedding dress?
The time it takes to bustle a lace wedding dress varies depending on the bustle style and the complexity of the gown. However, it typically takes around 10-15 minutes to secure the dress and have it ready for the reception.
What are some popular bustle styles for lace wedding dresses?
The most popular bustle styles for lace wedding dresses are French bustle, American bustle and the under bustle. A French bustle is where the train is gathered and hooked underneath the dress, while the American bustle involves bringing the train up and over the back of the gown. An under bustle is a unique style where the train is secured under the dress with hooks or buttons.
How do I care for the bustle after the wedding?
After the wedding, it is important to care for the bustle by following the care instructions on the gown label. A lace wedding dress should be cleaned by a professional dry cleaner who specializes in wedding gowns. Ensure that the bustle hooks or buttons are secure before transporting the dress to the cleaner.