How to Make a Bustle on a Wedding Dress

A wedding dress is one of the most important pieces of clothing a bride will ever wear, and ensuring that it’s functional while still maintaining its beauty is crucial. One common modification many brides need is a bustle. Understanding how to make a bustle on a wedding dress can save time and ensure that the dress flows elegantly during the reception. In this article by Rita Bridal, we’ll walk through the process of creating a bustle, types of bustles, and tips for success, ensuring your wedding gown remains picture-perfect all day long.

What Is a Wedding Dress Bustle?

Before diving into the steps of how to make a bustle on a wedding dress, it’s important to understand what a bustle is. In essence, a bustle is a sewing alteration that allows a wedding dress with a long train to be lifted off the ground. This creates a more practical option for the reception after the formal ceremony is over. While many wedding dresses come with the option to add a bustle, it is often custom-fitted to match the unique style and design of the gown.

Why You Need a Bustle for Your Wedding Dress

A bustle is more than just an aesthetic feature; it’s essential for several reasons. For brides wearing gowns with long trains, moving around during the reception becomes cumbersome without a bustle.

A bustle will lift the train, preventing it from dragging and making it easier to dance, mingle, and move without tripping. Moreover, bustles help preserve the fabric and intricate details of the dress by keeping them off the floor, minimizing the risk of damage or dirt.

How to Make a Bustle on a Wedding Dress: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let’s get into the details of how to make a bustle on a wedding dress.

Follow these steps to create a secure and beautiful bustle that blends seamlessly with the design of your dress.

Step 1: Determine the Type of Bustle

Before beginning, you’ll need to decide which type of bustle works best for your dress. The three main types are:

1. Overbustle (also called an American bustle): This style involves hooks or buttons placed on the outside of the gown, allowing the train to be lifted and fastened to the back of the dress.
2. Underbustle (also called a French bustle): In this style, the train is tucked under the dress and fastened beneath the gown’s fabric, creating an elegant, billowy effect.
3. Austrian Bustle: This unique type involves threading a cord through channels in the gown, allowing the train to be cinched up with a drawstring-like effect.

Once you’ve chosen the bustle style, the next step is to gather the necessary materials.

Step 2: Gather Your Materials

To create a bustle, you’ll need the following materials:

• Needle and thread (matching the dress color)
• Scissors
• Hooks, buttons, or ties
• Measuring tape
• Safety pins for marking

Step 3: Measure the Train

Next, put the dress on a mannequin or ask the bride to wear it. Use the measuring tape to determine how high you want to lift the train. For a formal look, you may want the train just slightly above the ground. For a more casual appearance, the train can be lifted higher. Mark these points with safety pins to ensure accuracy.

Step 4: Mark the Bustle Points

Once you have measured and decided where the train will be lifted, mark these points on both the dress and the train. For an overbustle, you will mark where the hooks or buttons will attach. For an underbustle, mark where the ties will fasten under the fabric.

Step 5: Attach the Hooks or Buttons

After marking the attachment points, begin sewing hooks or buttons onto the dress. For an overbustle, these will go on the back of the gown, typically just below the waistline. For an underbustle, the ties or hooks are hidden beneath the skirt. Make sure they are securely attached and blend with the dress.

Step 6: Test the Bustle

After attaching the hooks or ties, test the bustle. Lift the train and secure it to the appropriate points. Check for any gaps or loose areas and make adjustments as necessary. This step ensures the bustle is functional and looks natural with the dress’s overall design.

Types of Bustles for Different Wedding Dresses

The type of gown you’re working with can influence which bustle style will work best. Here’s a breakdown of how different bustles pair with popular wedding gown styles:

Ball Gown Bustle

Ball gowns typically have fuller skirts and longer trains, making the overbustle a popular choice. This style allows the train to be elegantly lifted to create a seamless look while maintaining the dress’s grand shape.

Mermaid or Trumpet Gown Bustle

For mermaid or trumpet gowns, where the dress is fitted through the hips and flares out, the underbustle (French bustle) works well. It tucks the train under the dress, keeping the sleek silhouette intact while adding a touch of drama.

A-Line or Princess Gown Bustle

An Austrian bustle can work well for A-line or princess dresses. It adds dimension to the gown and gives it a romantic, ethereal feel. The drawstring-style cinching enhances the gown’s structure without being too bulky.

Common Mistakes When Making a Bustle on a Wedding Dress

Learning how to make a bustle on a wedding dress is a useful skill, but there are common mistakes to avoid:

• Mismatching thread color: Always use thread that blends perfectly with the dress fabric to ensure the alterations are invisible. 
• Weak hooks or buttons: Since the bustle will carry a lot of weight, ensure that the hooks or buttons are sturdy enough to hold the train for an entire evening. 
• Misplacing attachment points: Bustles that are too high or too low can look awkward. Always test and adjust the positioning before making the final stitches.

How Long Does It Take to Make a Bustle on a Wedding Dress?

The time it takes to create a bustle depends on the complexity of the dress and the type of bustle.

For simpler gowns, the process can take 1-2 hours. However, for dresses with extensive detailing or heavy trains, it may take longer to ensure the bustle looks flawless. Always start early and avoid rushing the process.

The Cost of Adding a Bustle

For brides opting to have a bustle added by a professional seamstress, the cost can vary. On average, adding a bustle can range from $50 to $150, depending on the complexity of the gown. Keep in mind that some bridal shops include the cost of a bustle in their alteration packages, while others charge separately.

Bustle Care: Ensuring It Stays Secure

Once you know how to make a bustle on a wedding dress, the next step is ensuring it remains secure throughout the big day. Brides should have someone—often a bridesmaid or wedding planner—familiarize themselves with the bustling process. This person can help fasten the bustle during the reception and check that everything is in place. Carrying extra safety pins and small sewing kits can also be a lifesaver in case of any mishaps.

Bustle Alternatives: If You Don’t Want a Bustle

Some brides may choose to forego a bustle entirely. In these cases, there are alternatives:

• Hand loops: These small loops sewn into the underside of the train allow the bride to carry the train by hand without dragging it.
• Train removal: Some dresses are designed with detachable trains, allowing the bride to remove the extra fabric after the ceremony.

FAQs

Conclusion

In this article, we explored how to make a bustle on a wedding dress step-by-step, from understanding the different types of bustles to attaching hooks or ties for a secure and seamless look. We discussed the importance of a bustle in keeping the train off the ground during the reception and reviewed the best options for various gown styles, including ball gowns, mermaid dresses, and A-line silhouettes. We also highlighted common mistakes to avoid, the cost and time involved in adding a bustle, and practical tips to ensure your wedding dress bustle remains flawless throughout the day.

At Rita Bridal, we understand that every detail of your wedding dress matters. Our professional alteration services ensure that your dress, including the bustle, fits perfectly and stays secure all day. Whether you need help bustling your gown or require expert alterations, our experienced team is here to assist you. Trust Rita Bridal to make your wedding day stress-free and picture-perfect! Book an appointment today.