Real Talk: What Is a Wedding Dress Bustle and How Does It Work?
We've got the answers, plus expert tips on how to get the job done.
Design: Natalie Romine
More often than not, the most glamorous wedding gowns out there are the hardest ones to move around in. Seriously—nothing gets in the way of your ability to bust a move on the dance floor quite like a cathedral-length train. Fortunately, that's where your wedding dress bustle comes in. It can help secure the fabric of your gown's train, giving you the freedom to move around with ease. Dress bustles play an extremely important role in the wedding, however, there's a lot of confusion and uncertainty that surrounds them. If you've ever been curious about the various types of wedding dress bustles, or how to bustle a wedding dress, you've come to the right place. Below, we're breaking down everything you need to know about wedding gown bustles. We've even included a video tutorial that you can refer back to on the day of the wedding. Save this article and the bustle styles you want to achieve all in one place with the help of "Your Favorites" on The Knot. To reference these ideas later, just click the heart icon on your screen (to the left for desktop or at the top for mobile) to save the article and click the heart on the bustle image examples you like below. Once saved, you can conveniently revisit these ideas when meeting with a stylist or when executing a bustle on your wedding day.
In this article:
- What Is a Bustle?
- How to Bustle a Wedding Dress
- Different Types of Bustles
- Wedding Dress Bustle Alternatives
What Is a Bustle?
A wedding dress bustle seamlessly secures the train, or any extra fabric, off of the ground and into the back of the dress to keep it from dragging across the floor all night. Despite what some might think, bustles aren't just for ball gowns or dresses with major train drama. There are many types of bustles and nearly all full-length gowns have hooks, ties or buttons sewn into the wedding dress train to create a uniformed hemline after the ceremony.
Before going into your dress fitting, it's helpful to know that one bustle doesn't fit all and there are many to choose from. During your wedding dress alteration appointment, your seamstress can help you determine which types of wedding dress bustles may work best with your gown. Once you land a bustle style you love, the next decision to tackle is which bridesmaid gets tasked with learning how to do it. It's helpful to have this lucky loved one attend your last fitting to learn directly from your seamstress (aka the bustle pro) so there's no stress when it comes time to officially bustle the train on your wedding day. Pro tip: There's no harm in taking notes, or better yet, a quick video of the pro in action so that you can refer back to it on the day of your wedding.
How to Bustle a Wedding Dress
Trust, delegate and plan. These are bridal stylist Hope LaVine's top tips for successfully bustling a wedding dress train.
"First, trust the seamstress to recommend the best type of bustle for the silhouette of the gown, amount of fabric and how you plan to wear your dress," she explains. (You can find a skilled seamstress near you on The Knot Vendor Marketplace.) The seamstress will sew hooks, ties or buttons onto the back of your dress that can help you achieve your desired wedding gown bustle.
Next, the task of dress bustling should be delegated to a trusted individual—usually a bridesmaid or family member. The "designated bustler" should attend your final alterations appointment with you to get hands-on practice before the big day.
Lastly, you'll want to set a plan and ensure you've given yourself enough time between the ceremony and reception to bustle your dress. "Whether it's before cocktail hour or after photos, make sure you know when and where you'll do it, and that the friends you've enlisted to bustle the dress will be there when needed," LaVine advises.
Wedding Dress Bustle Tutorial
Designated bustlers: listen up! You probably didn't think your role in the wedding party would come with homework, but to ensure everything goes smoothly on the big day, you'll want to prepare. Check out the helpful video below to see how you can achieve each of the main types of bridal gown bustles.
THE KNOT ORIGINAL VIDEO
Different Types of Bustles
Ready to give it a go? Keep reading to familiarize yourself with five of the most common bustles and how to achieve each of them. Remember: While certain types of bustles are more popular than others, your bridal stylist or seamstress can help you decide which is the best choice for your particular dress.
Bustle types: American | Ballroom | French | Royal | Bow
American Bustle (A.K.A. Over-Bustle)
Design: Natalie Romine
A popular way to pick up the train is with the American bustle. Also known as an over-bustle, this look is made when the outside of the train is lifted and secured over the back of the gown to the wedding dress's waistline. It's a simple bustle for the seamstress to create and easy to attach on wedding day. This bustle adds drama to the back by creating a cascading feel as the fabric folds flow over the rest of the skirt. Brides also have some flexibility with this bustle to decide if they want one statement pickup or multiple pickup points for extra flair depending on what they think complements the style of their gown best.
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A traditional bustle is very similar to the American bustle—these styles may be used interchangeably. Like the American bustle, the fabric folds over instead of under, but the difference is in the pickup placements. For this wedding dress bustle, loops or hooks are added along the waistline and when the train is fastened across the multiple points, it creates the look of elegant pleats for the waist.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ballroom Bustle
Design: Natalie Romine
Don't let the name fool you—this style bustle isn't exclusive to sweeping gowns. Instead, the ballroom bustle is one of the most flattering wedding dress bustle types on most dress silhouettes because it completely hides the train without changing the look of the dress. In order to create this seamless illusion, several points are added under the dress for the train to attach to. This results in the look of an untouched, floor-length gown.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
French Bustle (A.K.A. Under Bustle)
Design: Natalie Romine
Although this type of bustle can make some bridesmaids sweat, a French bustle is a stunning option and isn't overly complicated thanks to a handy trick from the seamstress. Also known as the under-bustle, this technique is the opposite of the American style as it has the train fold under itself instead of over. The end look is an understated, two layer hem that creates design in the back. With this type of bustle, the seamstress adds color-coordinated ribbons or numbers underneath the gown. Then when it's time to be bustled, the train tucks up and under as each hook is easily matched with its pair, creating a streamline fold.
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Royal Bustle (A.K.A. Victorian Bustle)
Design: Natalie Romine
A royal bustle can be simple or elaborate depending on the desired look. If the bride wants a singular pickup point, it only requires one hook and eyelet to lift the train. But for more detail, multiple pickup points can be added down and across the back. This style is known as the royal or Victorian bustle because it ups the drama as the folds add more dimension to the silhouette.
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Bow Bustle
Design: Natalie Romine
This type of wedding dress bustle is easy to envision and is perfect for gowns that have a statement bow or sash in the back. With a bow bustle, the fabric is folded above the gown and secured with ties hidden under the bow. This allows the fabric to pick up and symmetrically flow from the elegant visual point of the bow.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Wedding Dress Bustle Alternatives
While many brides do decide to utilize one, a dress bustle is by no means mandatory. Depending on your specific dress, a wedding dress bustle alternative may be a better fit for your big day. Below, we've rounded up a few popular alternatives to discuss with your seamstress.
Wrist Loops
Design: Natalie Romine
If you've attended a wedding recently, you may have seen the bride carrying the train of her dress from a loop of fabric sewn onto the back. While wrist loops are becoming an increasingly popular wedding dress bustle alternative, the truth is that they're not designed to be used this way. According to Nayri Kalayjian, bridal stylist and founder of Wedding Fashion Expert, "fabric loops on dresses are intended to hang the train on a hanger so it doesn't wrinkle while in a garment bag." Recently, brides have begun wrapping the loop around their wrist to carry the train of their dress on their arm. While it can be a helpful short-term solution, Kalayjian doesn't recommend forgoing a bridal dress bustle in favor of a bustle loop. "It's hard to hug and greet guests with heavy fabric hanging from your arm. A bustle allows your dress to carry its own train, leaving your arms free to move about your day with ease and comfort," she explains.
Outfit Changes
If bustling a dress sounds like the last thing you'll want to do in between your ceremony and reception, you might decide to change into a shorter dress. Mini and midi-length reception dresses are both great options, since they don't require dress bustling. While second looks can certainly be stylish, they also come with an added cost, so be sure to factor one into your overall wedding budget if you decide to go this route. Psst: The Knot Budget Advisor can help you do just that.
