You've got this fabulous dress with a big, huge train (or not a huge train, but probably it's still trails out behind you slightly). I know, you feel so elegant walking around with it sweeping behind you, and when your bridal gown salesperson asked you about the bustle, you yada yada yada'd her. It's not the most fun part of the dress, but totally necessary. In fact, to opt out of bustling your train is considered a top wedding offense, so take notice.
You have several options, all depending on 1) the length of your train, 2) the design of your dress, and 3) your budget. A bustle is basically the gathering of the back of your dress and train, and there are two basic categories of bustles.
The overbustle brings part of the train up and secures it to several points near your waistline (or lower) using hook-and-eyes. The underbustle (also called French or Victorian) brings part of the train up underneath and is fastened using either ribbons or hook-and-eyes.
For a long train, the bustle (whichever type you choose) will necessitate more points in order to hold the weight. The more points involved, the greater the complexity of the bustle and therefore, the greater the price.
You'll also want to take the way it looks into consideration -- some dresses really lend themselves to being bustled one way or the other (like the Justina McCaffrey dress in the picture -- definitely underbustle that one), and your seamstress should be able to guide you in that regard.
Last, but certainly not least important -- take someone with you to your final fitting and have them practice the bustle, and make sure they will be there on your wedding day. Bustling is not rocket science, but it's not the easiest thing in the world either, and you don't want to be stressed about it on the Big Day.
What's in a name?
Dress of the day: Anastasia by Maggie Sottero
Unusual wedding cakes from Dragons and Daffodils
