What is a Bustle?

What is a Bustle?

A bustle is a padded undergarment used to add fullness, or support the drapery, at the back of women’s dresses in the mid-to-late 19th century. Bustles were worn under the skirt in the back, just below the waist, to keep the skirt from dragging. Heavy fabric tended to pull the back of a skirt down and flatten it.

Who makes the bustle in my wedding dress or evening gown?

A seamstress or tailor will add the bustle in your dress at your final fitting. This will need to be created after you have chosen your shoes, and all your undergarments so that the way the dress lays does not change between your final fitting and your event day.

Are there different ways to bustle a dress?

American Bustle: the train is gathered up and fastened over the rest of the skirt, resulting in cascading folds. This works best for ball gowns and cathedral trains.

French Bustle: tucks beneath the skirt, creating a tidy billow or two of fabric. It is recommended for A-line, Sheath, Mermaid or Trumpet gowns.

Royal or Victorian Bustle: an elaborate option with multiple points affixed to the

back of the gown creating dramatic folds. Also great for ball gowns and cathedral length trains

At my wedding, who will bustle my dress after the wedding ceremony?

Typically, when the bride goes in for the final fitting, the mother or her maid of honor will be with her. If not our professional and Certified Wedding Planner & Designers will gladly assist in bustling the dress.

As a wedding planner, we get the ability and the joy of wearing lots of different hats. Helping a Bride look her best is such a fun job. Watching their significan t other see them for the first time with breathtaking love is priceless. It is our joy and our privilege to be a part of every moment of the event day…. Even the tough ones!

For more tricks and tips please contact Krista Larrison or Event Director at 206-405-0776