Q&A for How to Bustle a Wedding Dress

Yes, they often do. Lining layers can be very heavy and are sometimes even a different shape than the dress, so you want to get those out of the way first, and then your top layers can be bustled in a way that is more attractive.

The main two types of bustle are the American, which folds up on top of the gown, and the French, which tucks under. Which bustle you choose, and where you choose to place it (like at the waist, in the middle of the skirt, or at the hem) depends on the shape and construction of the gown. The right answer is always whatever gets the fabric out from underneath the bride's feet.

If you are talking about bringing it up for moving about more easily after the ceremony, put an elastic cuff dead center of the train about 6 to 12 inches up on the inside that can be wrapped around the bride's lower arm to carry the train to the side off the floor for the most part. It does not show when the train is down, and is not particularly difficult to locate when she needs to gather it up to carry, as it will be much too heavy for hook and eyes if very full at all. If not, make a waist strap to snap it into by adding a couple large snaps at an inconspicuous area under the arm near the waist and snaps inside the lower train.

I often do a multi-layered series of bustles: a ribbon under-bustle for the under layers, buttons and clear nylon threads for the tulle and lace layers. The tricky part is attaching multiple layers without ruining the flow of the dress.

Pull it to either side with ribbons going under from the middle back seam over to the side of choice. Add your side ribbon where the seam meats for the mermaid meets the bottom skirt. Depending on the length of the train you may need more ribbons. I use pastel ribbons and match up the colors when fastening. Very pretty!

The hem should stop at the side seams then taper in to the train. I never cut the lining under the train, so recommend that you don't either.