Types of wedding dress bustles

There are several types of bustles for wedding dresses, and the best one depends on the silhouette of the dress, fabric, and train length, as well as your personal taste and how much movement you'll want for your reception. Here's the most popular types of bustles:

American Bustle (aka Over Bustle)

• How it works: Hooks or buttons are sewn on the outside of the skirt, and the train is lifted and secured over the top of the dress.

• Best for: Ball gowns, A-line, or dresses with long trains.

• Look: Creates a dramatic, layered effect in the back.       

French Bustle (aka Under Bustle)

• How it works: The train is tucked underneath the skirt and fastened from the inside, usually with ribbons.

• Best for: Dresses with fuller skirts.

• Look: Elegant and seamless — the train disappears into the folds of the gown.

Ballroom Bustle

• How it works: Multiple bustle points lift the train entirely off the floor, making the gown appear as if it had no train at all.

• Best for: Very long trains, ball gowns.

• Look: Creates a uniform hemline all around the dress.

Austrian Bustle

• How it works: A drawstring runs down the center back of the train, creating a ruched effect when pulled.

• Best for: Lightweight or sheer fabrics.

• Look: Romantic and gathered — looks a bit like drapery or ruching.

Some useful tips:

• Always have your seamstress or tailor guide you — they’ll suggest the best bustle type based on your dress structure.

• Have someone practice bustling with you — maid of honor, mom, bridesmaid — so they can help you on the wedding day.
• Record a video with a seamstress explaining step by step how to do your bustle  so you can reference them later.
• Take some safety pins with you, just in case. It is a Wedding , everything could happen. You may easily fix damaged bustles with the help of safety pins.