Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Make a standard (or traditional) bustle
• Method 2 of 3: Make a French (or under-) bustle
• Method 3 of 3: Make an over-bustle
• Tips

Although most wedding dresses do not come standard with a so-called bustle, it is still important to be able to button the dress up after the ceremony. This secures the back of the dress so that it does not get dirty, the bride can move easily after the ceremony and lessens the chance of her falling over a long train. There are several ways to fasten your dress. Each method looks slightly different, but the benefits for the wearer are the same. Here are some options for buttoning up your wedding dress in a bustle.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Make a standard (or traditional) bustle

1. Decide if you like the look of a standard bustle. With a standard bustle, the end of the train is tied up under the back of the dress. This looks like a balloon skirt and plumps the back of the dress. A standard bustle may not even stand out to others, as it is often thought that the dress simply has no train, but a full skirt.
   • A standard bustle is normally easy to make with a skirt that is full, but does not have multiple layers of tulle at the bottom. The tulle will make it more difficult for the dress to fall naturally when it is tied up.
2. Make a ribbon at the bottom of the skirt. The ribbon should be positioned so that when your dress is tied up, your dress falls just above the floor. Your seamstress or yourself can sew this ribbon into the seam of the dress so that it is not visible from the outside.
3. Sew an eyelet on the end of the train. The eye must be hidden as much as possible. There are many available that look like lace or decorative beads, so don't settle for an eye-catching eye.
   • Note that the eyelet must be sturdy enough to hold up the train of your dress, so if your train is very heavy, make sure to attach a sturdy eyelet to it.
4. Tuck the back of the skirt under your dress. You probably need someone to help you. Attach the ribbon to the eyelet at the bottom. This will make your hem convex and your skirt will appear fuller. Smooth out your dress and make sure the back drapes well.
   • It may be necessary to create multiple attachment points to achieve a natural look. When in doubt, ask an experienced seamstress to make this bustle.

Method 2 of 3: Make a French (or under-) bustle

1. Determine if you like the look of a French bustle. With a French bustle, both the loop and the button are placed under the skirt. When fastened, a bulge will form in the center of the dress and the bottom part of the dress will fall straight down. This type of bustle is very striking and creates one or more layers at the back of the dress, which are full and voluminous.
2. Attach a ribbon to the inside of the skirt, almost at the top of the waist. The position of this ribbon depends on where you want the back of your dress to bulge. Remember that the top of the convex part will end up where you attach the ribbon.
   • If you opt for multiple attachment points, for example because your train is very long or because you like to have several convex parts, you will need to attach several ribbons at the top of the inside of the dress.
3. Attach another ribbon to the bottom of the dress, but this time further down. This ribbon should be placed high enough to keep the dress off the ground, but far enough from the first ribbon to create a nice looking bulge. You may need more ribbons depending on the length of your train.
   • If you are using multiple ribbons, it is useful to choose different colors so that you know which ribbons belong together. This makes it easy to tie the dress up and you can see the ribbons under the layers of tulle and the underskirt more quickly. If you are concerned that the colors will show through the fabric, put a number on the ribbons that corresponds to the ribbon that you attach in the next step.
4. Tie the ribbons together. Make sure they are secure and tuck the back of your dress until it falls nicely. If you are using multiple ribbons, make sure they are tied together correctly.
   • It is important to help someone who can help you with this bustle. On your wedding day, ask someone to help you button up your dress. Normally you do this in between the wedding and the reception. Also take this person with you when trying on your dress so that he or she can learn how to tie the dress properly. Often this will be a bridesmaid or other important person at the wedding.

Method 3 of 3: Make an over-bustle

1. Decide if you like the look of an over-bustle. An over-bustle is probably the easiest bustle. This bustle is made by attaching the center of your train to a button at the top of the back of your dress, on the outside. You can do this with a single attachment point, especially with dresses that are light and don't have a long train, or with multiple points, with heavier fabrics or a longer train.
   • This is the best option if your drag has a lot of detail, such as embroidery, as it will still be visible when tied.
2. Attach an eyelet or button on the outside of your wedding dress. It should be attached high on the trail, near your lower back. A good knot is fastened between the seams and decorated with creative decoration.
3. Attach the bottom attachment point about halfway down the back of the skirt. Ribbons are usually not used with an over-bustle, because they are very visible. Often people opt for a hook and an eye.
4. Connect the hook and the eyelet together. Once secured, the bottom of the skirt should hang completely above the floor. Smooth out the trail and make sure that the details at the end of the trail are nicely visible.
5. Use additional sets of hooks and eyes as needed. The skirt may need to be tied at several points to highlight the details and decoration on the train. If this is the case, make sure that the folds fall nicely so that after tying the last point, the dress falls neatly in layers.

Tips

• There are many different types of bustles. Talk to your seamstress about the options for your particular dress, as he or she will know exactly which bustle matches the style of your dress.
• The manufacturer does not provide a bustle on the wedding dress, so this must be done by a seamstress.