A wedding dress bustle is both functional and stylish, allowing you to move freely at your reception while preserving the beauty of your gown. Choosing the right bustle is an essential part of finalizing your wedding day look, especially if your dress has a train. With so many types and styles to consider, how do you decide which one is best for you?
At Princess Bridals, we’re here to guide you through the different types of bustles to help you find the perfect fit for your dress and celebration.
What Is a Bustle?
A bustle is a series of loops, buttons, or ties added to a wedding gown that lifts and secures the train. It’s usually added during the dress alteration process and is designed to be easy for your bridesmaids or family to secure after the ceremony.
Popular Bustle Types
1. American Bustle (Overbustle)
The American bustle is one of the most common and straightforward options. The train is lifted and secured with buttons or hooks placed on the outside of the dress.
Best For:
- Dresses with long, flowing trains
- Brides who want a simple and elegant look
Why Brides Love It:
- Easy to secure
- Maintains the flow of the gown’s fabric
2. French Bustle (Underbustle)
The French bustle tucks the train under the dress, creating a more seamless and gathered appearance. It’s secured with ties or ribbons inside the gown.
Best For:
- Dresses with lightweight fabrics or lace details
- Brides who want a romantic and subtle look
Why Brides Love It:
- Adds volume and elegance
- Perfect for ballgowns or A-line dresses
3. Ballroom Bustle
The ballroom bustle completely tucks the train under the dress, making it appear as though there was never a train at all.
Best For:
- Dresses with heavy or elaborate trains
- Brides who want maximum freedom to dance
Why Brides Love It:
- Creates a clean, polished look
- Ideal for brides who want to dance without worry
4. Austrian Bustle
The Austrian bustle gathers the train using a series of drawstrings, creating a ruched effect.
Best For:
- Dresses with soft, flowing fabrics
- Brides who love unique and modern designs
Why Brides Love It:
- Adds a stylish, textured look
- Easy to adjust
5. Bustle with a Train Flip
This simple bustle involves flipping the train up and securing it to the waistline, often with a single button or hook.
Best For:
- Shorter trains
- Casual or outdoor weddings
Why Brides Love It:
- Minimal fuss and effort
- Perfect for informal dresses
6. Victorian Bustle
The Victorian bustle uses multiple layers of buttons or ties to create a cascading, tiered effect.
Best For:
- Gowns with dramatic, multi-layered trains
- Brides seeking a regal, vintage-inspired look
Why Brides Love It:
- Adds depth and dimension to the dress
- Ideal for formal weddings
How to Choose the Right Bustle
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Consider Your Dress Style
The type of bustle should enhance your gown’s design. For example, an American bustle works well for simpler dresses, while a French or Victorian bustle suits more elaborate designs. -
Think About Your Venue
For outdoor or beach weddings, a simpler bustle like the Train Flip may be more practical. Ballroom and Austrian bustles are better for formal indoor settings. -
Test It Out
During your dress fitting, practice bustling the gown to ensure it’s easy to secure and comfortable to wear. -
Work with a Seamstress
Your seamstress will be your best guide when choosing a bustle. They’ll take your dress’s fabric, weight, and train length into account to recommend the best option.
Tips for a Flawless Bustle
- Assign a Helper: Designate a bridesmaid or family member to help you bustle your dress on the big day.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Practice bustling the gown during your final fitting to avoid stress during the reception.
- Consider the Timeline: Allow extra time for bustling in your reception schedule.
Conclusion
A well-chosen bustle ensures that your wedding dress looks flawless from ceremony to reception. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of a French bustle or the practicality of a ballroom bustle, Princess Bridals has the expertise to guide you through every step.
Visit our boutique for a personalized fitting and let us help you find the perfect bustle for your dream gown!
