WHAT IS A BUSTLE?

A bustle is a sewing/ alterations technique that lifts the train of a wedding gown off the ground for ease of movement after the ceremony and... to keep the guests from stepping all over it, especially during the reception. 

Bustles date back to the 1800s when stylish women wore a frame underneath their dress to support the back of their very full skirts.  

Today, Instead of a framework worn under the wedding gown, the long train is lifted with buttons, loops, hooks or ties to create a lovely pouffed style that will complement the style of the gown 

Even though most brides utilize Bustles for their wedding gowns, you may be surprised to discover that most gowns do not come with bustles already in place. Bustles are added during alterations. This makes sense since all brides are not the same height and body type . A bustle should lift the back of a gown to the hem length. Each bustle must be custom made. The seamstress will discuss the different options with you. 

There are several choices in bustles: The Over Bustle and the French Under Bustle are the two most popular. Depending on the fullness of the gown, the number of layers and the type of bustle that would most complement the dress, you may only need 1 bustle point or as many as 15 or more. 

If your bridesmaids have full dresses, consider the pick-up bustle option for them as well since they most likely do not want their dresses stepped on or dirty, either!