How to Attach the Bustle on a Wedding Dress

Use hooks or buttons that will coordinate with your dress.

There are many methods for bustling a wedding dress. The method to use depends upon the length of the train and the style of the dress. The simplest bustle is the over bustle. In this method, the train is picked-up and attached over the back of the dress with a simple hook and eye. If you are bustling your own wedding dress and have no previous experience, this is the bustle to choose. For more complicated bustles, it is best to consult a professional.

Things You'll Need

• Straight pins
• Fabric measuring tape
• Hook or button
• Needle
• Button thread
• Beads

Instructions

1. Determine where you want the bustle to be attached to the back of the wedding dress. The bustle should be no higher than the end of the zipper. If the train is short, you may want to drop the bustle point three to four inches below this. Put the dress on and have someone hold the train up to decide at what point it looks the best. Mark the bustle point with a pin in the center seam.

2. Measure from the pin to the floor with a fabric measuring tape. Start at the edge of the train and measure this distance. Mark the point with a pin in the center seam of the train. Pick up the train and hold the two pins together to see if the draping looks correct. Adjust as needed.

3. Attach a hook or button to the top mark on the back of the dress. Use a needle and matching button thread to tightly sew it in place. Always attach the bustle point at the center seam. The hook or button should match the color and style of the dress. If there is existing bead-work on the dress, sew beads around the hook to disguise it. If the dress back contains buttons, use a button that will coordinate with them.

4. Sew three to four thread loops at the mark on the train with button thread. The loops should be just big enough to easily slip over the hook or button. Make sure the thread matches the color of the dress. Always sew the loops in the center seam of the train for the best support. Sew beads around the loops to disguise them.

5. Check the bustle to see that the draping is correct and the loops will hold. Put the dress on and have someone attach the bustle.

References

• LiveWeddings.com: Do the Bustle
• Corals Bridal: Install a Bustle in a Wedding Gown