Let’s talk about the most underappreciated girlie on your wedding gown: the bustle.
You may not think about it much until you’re mid-appointment, holding a flute of prosecco and your stylist says, “Let’s talk about how we’ll bustle the train.”
And suddenly, you’re like: “Wait… what’s a bustle?”
Let me break it down for you — no panic, no jargon. Just real talk from someone who’s been pinning bustles backstage for ages and has rescued more trains than I can count.
What Is a Bustle?
A bustle is what we use to lift and secure your train after the ceremony so you can move, dance, hug, and walk like the main character you are — without dragging layers of delicate fabric behind you (and getting your white dress very very dirty…I’ve seen some things). It’s functional, yes. But when done right? It’s also flawless. Invisible from the front. Seamless from the back. And just as intentional as every other part of your gown.
This isn’t an afterthought — it’s part of your bridal engineering.
Yeah. It’s damn near science.
The Three Main Types of Bustles
Each gown is different, and your bustle should match the cut, weight, fabric, and vibe of your dress. Here’s what I recommend most often (and why):
1. The French Bustle (aka Under Bustle)
👗 Best for: Heavier fabrics, ballgowns, dramatic volume.
💍 Why we love it: Hidden from view. The fabric is tucked under the skirt and secured with ribbons or buttons underneath, creating a soft, romantic fold that keeps all the drama — but none of the tripping hazard.
Pro Tip: You’ll need a bridesmaid (or me!) to get under your skirt and tie it. It’s a little dance we do backstage, but it’s worth it.
2. The American Bustle (aka Over Bustle)
👗 Best for: Sleeker silhouettes, lighter fabrics, or brides who want a quick switch.
💍 Why we love it: Simple, effective, and easy to do. The train is lifted and buttoned on top of the skirt at several points, creating cascading folds that look intentional and elegant.
Pro Tip: If your dress has detailed lace or beading, we place the buttons strategically so the eye sees texture, not hardware.
3. The Ballroom Bustle (aka Invisible Bustle)
👗 Best for: Brides who want the train gone without sacrificing silhouette.
💍 Why we love it: This one makes your train disappear completely — lifted and tucked within the gown so it looks like the dress was always floor-length. Seamless, sculpted, and truly magical when done well.
Pro Tip: This one takes a little more tailoring (and expertise), but once it’s in, it’s red carpet-ready.
What to Consider When Choosing a Bustle:
- How long is your train? The longer the train, the more secure your bustle points need to be.
- Where is your reception? Please, for the love of god, make sure you tie a bustle if your wedding is outdoors, on a patio, or anywhere else it can drag on dirt and grime. Because dry-cleaning your dress is not cheap, especially when removing grime and stains.
- What’s the vibe of your reception? If you’re planning a high-energy dance floor, your bustle needs to move with you. And you do not want a long line of fabric dragging on the floor.
- Who’s doing the bustling? I always recommend a bridesmaid, mom, or coordinator get a bustle lesson during your final fitting. (If I’m your stylist, don’t worry — I teach and tag like a pro.)
- How do you want to feel? Elegant? Effortless? Snatched and ready to slay the dance floor? Your bustle should support that energy, not get in the way of it.
A Final Note (from someone who’s seen it all):
The bustle isn’t just a practical detail. It’s a piece of your bridal puzzle that deserves just as much thought and intention as your veil, your shoes, or your second look. When it’s done right, you won’t even notice it — because you’ll be too busy living the night of your life.
So yes, we’ll talk about the beading and the neckline and the fit.
But we’ll also talk about the bustle. Because your gown isn’t finished until it moves with you — from aisle to first dance to late-night fries.
You get one wedding dress. Let’s make sure every angle, every layer, and every step of it is styled to perfection.
Are you ready to style your wedding like the luxury event it actually is?
Grab our Wedding Style Workbook — your complete DIY guide to curating intentional, cohesive looks for you and your entire bridal party. From ceremony to afterparty, welcome dinner to farewell brunch — we cover it all so you’re not scrambling last-minute wondering, “…What the hell are we wearing?”
And if you’re ready to take the guesswork off your plate completely…
👰🏾♀️ We’re now booking brides for our Bridal Concierge — a white-glove service for you, your bridesmaids, your mother, and everyone who’s getting dressed in your honor. Tailored, elevated, and fully handled by a pro. Book time to chat with us here.
Let’s style this right. ✨
