Custom Bustle Guide
Introduction: The Art of the Bustle
Welcome to your Custom Bustle Guide!
Choosing how to secure your train after the ceremony is one of the most important (and fun!) design decisions we make. It ensures your dress is comfortable for dancing and fully protected all night long. Because you’ve already trusted me with your alterations, I’ve created this private gallery to showcase the different styles I design and execute. Take a look and bring your favorites to our next fitting!
The Essentials:
Before diving into the photos, get comfortable with the basics. Read my article on the fundamental purpose and mechanics of a bustle: Blog Post: 'What is a Bustle?'
Gallery: Bustle Styles & Design
The American Bustle
The American Bustle (Exterior): The train is secured over the skirt to create a beautiful, clean waterfall effect.
The French Bustle
A wristloop is a great supplementary option, perfect for a quick photo opportunity or for managing your dress briefly without lifting the entire skirt. I design loops that retract cleanly back into the dress when not in use.
The Ballroom Bustle
Ballroom Bustle: The seamless look. The entire perimeter of the train is evenly gathered and tucked, making the dress look as if it were originally floor-length.
The Tulip Bustle
The Tulip Bustle: An elegant variation. The train is gathered to create a singular, defined shapes.
The Invisible Wristloop
A wristloop is a great supplementary option, perfect for a quick photo opportunity or for managing your dress briefly without lifting the entire skirt. I design loops that retract cleanly back into the dress when not in use.
Pro Tip: Bustling Your Veil!
Many brides don't know this is an option, but you can actually bustle your veil for the reception!
Since guests who only attend the reception often miss seeing you in your full veil, this technique is a fantastic way to keep your complete look visible while keeping the delicate material safe. This is done by sewing small loops onto the veil's edging or trim, which are then hooked up to a tiny, hidden hook attached near the veil's comb. The result is an elegant drape that maximizes the wear of your beautiful veil.
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If this is something you are interested in discussing, please mention it at your next fitting!
Still Deciding on a Veil? This is a decision that goes beyond just the look. Read my guide on the pros, cons, and thought process: Blog: "Should I Wear a Veil?"
Specialty & Supplementary Options
The Detachable Train
If you want the maximum train drama for the ceremony but want it completely gone for the party, a custom detachable train is a fantastic solution. I build the train to clip or button cleanly over your skirt, giving you two distinct looks for your wedding day.
Important Planning Note: Shortening Your Train
It is absolutely possible to shorten your train (or even cut it off)—this is a great option if you love the idea of a train but prefer a more manageable length.
However, it's important to know how this affects the financial scope of your alterations:
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Double Hem Cost: Altering the hem requires two distinct alterations: the front hem (to shorten the skirt) and the back hem (to shorten the train). This results in two separate itemized hem charges on your invoice.
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Bustle May Still Be Needed: Even after shortening the train, you will still need a bustle if you want the dress completely off the floor for the reception. This is a third, separate charge.
We will always itemize every service clearly on your invoice, so please keep this in mind as we plan your final budget.
Conclusion: What's Next?
The goal of this guide is to give you a head start! Please review this gallery and bring your favorite styles and any inspiration photos or questions to our next fitting. We can also try on a few of my studio samples to help you get a feel for the different looks.
See you at your next fitting!
I’VE GOT YOU covered,
AGAchu 😉