A bustle is a wedding dress’s best friend. A wedding dress bustle is how the train of a dress transitions from falling behind to falling at floor length; they pick the train up off the ground, saving the bottom of the dress from damage. And if you plan on moving, dancing, and mingling on your wedding day and don’t want to worry about your BFF’s stiletto putting a hole in the most important article of clothing you’ll ever wear, you need to think about a wedding dress bustle. They are held in place by either ribbons, buttons, hooks, or loops. In most cases, wedding dresses do not come with a bustle. Instead, the bustle is customized based on the type of dress, height of the client, and the shoes to be worn. Bustles are very important…which is why we’ve enlisted the help of an expert. Amanda, owner and head workhorse of The Iron Horse Atelier is sharing her knowledge on wedding dress bustles below, as well as answering some of the most frequently asked questions!
From Amanda…
Bustle Types
American (aka Traditional or Over Bustle)
This style picks the train up over the top of the back of the dress, either at the waistline or below it. Where and how many points are determined by the length and width of the train. The mechanisms can be hook and loops or buttons and loops.
Great dress styles for this bustle include A-line, ballgown, mermaid, sheath, and trumpet.
French (aka Under Bustle)
This is the reserve of the American bustle. The train is tucked underneath of the dress below the waistline in different points for the fabric to fold under and out. It is tied together by matching, numbered ribbons.
A-line, ballgown, sheath, mermaid, asymmetrical trains, and dresses with oversized bows all work well with this bustle type.
Double/Triple French (sometimes referred to as a Royal or Victorian Bustle)
The double or triple French bustle is named after the number of layers or folds required to bring the train up off the floor. The number of points on this bustle can be in the double digits. This type of bustle is used for very long trains that cannot be bustled in one single layer.
This bustle works well on A-line, mermaid, sheath, and trumpet style wedding dresses.
Ballroom
With a ballroom bustle, the train is completely tucked underneath the dress, giving the illusion that there is no train. There is no change in the silhouette of the dress and there are many points to bring the fabric to fold underneath of itself. This is usually the most expensive type of bustle because of the amount of points it needs to have to make the dress fall floor length. The mechanism for this style is tied ribbons and loops.
Great dress styles for this bustle include A-line, ballroom, and sheath.
Australian
This newer style is not as common as the above options, but it is starting to gain some popularity. This bustle type is created by gathering the train down the middle and making pleats that are reminiscent to rouching. Think of a French bustle but just down the center many times.
A-lines with a long train, ballgowns, or trains with intricate detailing work well with this type of bustle.
Wristlet
Last but not least, there is the simple wristlet bustle type. It is a loop ribbon at the bottom of the train that hangs over your wrist. Wristlets are an easy go-to if it’s the right kind of dress. Attaching your train to your wrist using a loop can be a very romantic and timeless look for first dance pictures. However, given how your reception will play out and how heavy your dress is, it may not be an effective way to carry on the entire evening. It can be cumbersome trying to keep a drink in your hang and hug guests with something heavy hanging from your wrist. Dresses with long and wide trains are not ideal candidates for this particular bustle since the train will not be entirely picked up off the floor, thus defeating the purpose of the bustle.
Both lightweight sheath and A-line dresses with shorter trains are great fits for this bustle type.
Bustle FAQs
When should I bustle my dress?
Typically, dresses are bustled after the ceremony and before the reception, usually at some point during the cocktail hour. Most definitely, your dress should be be bustled prior to being announced into the reception. Once the party starts, it’s hard to step away.
Should someone learn how to bustle my dress?
Absolutely! I like to make bustles user-friendly for those who don’t work with bustles every day. That being said, one person other than yourself should know how to bustle your dress. I suggest bringing a designated bustler to either your second fitting or your pick-up appointment so that they can learn how to properly bustle your dress. It’s always a good idea to take a video to refer back to later too!
How long does it take to bustle my dress?
Depending on the style of bustle and how many bustle points there are will determine how much time it will take to get everything tied or looped. I typically tell my clients to leave about 15 minutes for bustling the dress.
I’m wearing heels for my ceremony and flats for my reception. Help!
This is very common! Depending on your heel heights, most of the time, the dress can be hemmed and bustled at the same length. When you change into your lower shoe, the hem and bustle will fall at the same length all the way around. Another option is hemming the front of your gown for your ceremony shoes and having your seamstress pin the bustle according to your higher heel. With this option, the front of the dress will sit lower, but the train will at least be picked up a little bit higher so it won’t get stepped on. Either option can be discussed with your seamstress.
