One thing that is consistently a headache for brides is a bad bustle. It's such a simple
thing that if not done properly can result in me using an obscene amount of safety pins
to keep the dress in place.

There are countless types of bustles and based on your dress design there may be
a bustle type that best suits the dress. The main points to remember when working
with your seamstress are the following:

1. What looks best with the dress style?
2. How many gathered points will there be? For instance, how many buttons, ribbon
ties or hooks will I need to create this look?
3. Will the bustle come up the back of the dress or under the dress?
4. How much will it cost?

Point 2 is extremely important and tends to get the least amount of attention. Since I do
the bustle on 95% of all my bride's dresses, I can't stress enough to have more gathered
points vs. less. A minimum of 3-5 points (buttons, hooks or ribbon ties). More is better,
but when I see 1-3 buttons meant to hold the entire weight of your amazing gown through
hours of dancing, being accidentally stepped on, etc. I know we are in trouble and I get my
safety pins ready.

My favorite bustle was just a month ago and had 17 gathered areas. The bride was very
concerned about it being done correctly, but after a quick scan of the colored matched
ribbons, we were done in a few minutes and ready for dancing. I did not have to re-pin
her dress at any time that evening.

If you aren't sure about your bustle, call your wedding planner to reassure you about the
choice and what she should expect on the wedding day.

Here's to endless dancing with an intact bustle,
Barbara
www.barbarasbrides.com