Stunning Wedding Dress Bustle Alternatives
A person tying a wedding dress bustle Via Tai’s Captures.
Finding the perfect wedding dress is an important step towards your special day. Many dresses are designed with a bustle or a way to button up a long train at the back of the garment.
Some brides long for the dramatic impact a bustle has on the silhouette of their dress. But others don’t like the fuss a bulky bustle adds to an already stressful day.
Fortunately, there are many wedding dress bustle alternatives to choose from so that your big day looks exactly as you have envisioned.
Let’s look at some elegant (and creative!) bustle alternatives to keep an eye out for as you search for the dress of your dreams.
Understanding the Bustle
The term bustle refers to the act of fastening a long wedding dress train to the rest of the dress, making it easier for the bride to move around.
Most bustles are secured with buttons, hook-and-eyes, or ribbons. This term can also refer to the look of the dress when the train is folded into the rest of the garment. There are several different bustle styles, including:
American: Also known as an “over bustle,” the train is attached to multiple hooks around the waistline of the dress, creating a dramatic look over the top of the dress.
French or Victorian: This bustle style is the opposite of the American version because the train is tucked and secured under the dress for a sleek, sophisticated look.
Austrian: This unique style creates a breathtaking silhouette down the center of your dress similar to ruching. A bonus: this is the easiest bustle style for your bridesmaids to navigate!
While bustles are beautiful, more and more brides are opting for alternatives. Not only is adding a bustle most costly, but it can be challenging to execute during the whirlwind between the ceremony and reception.
Plus, bustle alternatives open the door to creative and stylish dresses that will turn heads!
Do I Need a Wedding Dress Bustle?
A woman in a wedding dress facing towards a field, showcasing her corset and bustle Via Katie Treadway.
Like many parts of your wedding, it’s completely up to you! But if your dress has a train, a bustle will keep it from getting trampled on all night.
The purpose of a bustle is to allow a bride to have both a stunning train and the ability to move around her reception with ease.
But bustles can be a hassle. You must select someone to bustle your dress and have them practice ahead of time. Otherwise, they may fumble with your dress and eat up valuable reception time.
Additionally, adding a bustle to your wedding dress can be costly. Most wedding dresses are made without one because they must be customized to the bride’s height. So a seamstress will need to add a bustle, which can add alteration cost and time.
Finally, bustles can break. With so many buttons, loops, or ribbons, it’s not uncommon for one to pop off. This leads to the need for a sewing kit. And if you don’t have one, your bustle will look a bit off.
Below we’ve outlined some amazing and unique wedding dress bustle alternatives that will make a statement.
9 Wedding Dress Bustle Alternatives
The Detachable Train
Mermaid wedding dress with detachable train Via EdensPlaceCreations on Etsy.
If you want the dramatic impact of a long train without the hassle of a bustle, look no further than a mermaid-style wedding dress with a detachable train.
A removable train will make it easy to transition from the ceremony and photo session to your reception’s dance floor. So you can create a more formal look for the first half of your special day with a laid-back vibe once the party begins.
2. The Long Veil
A Cathedral Floral Veil Via BridalGlamourandMore on Etsy.
A long or cathedral-length veil makes a big impression as it drapes around the bride. Add some floral trim and it will be a charming addition to any wedding dress.
You’ll get the impression of a long train, but veils are easily removed when you’re ready to relax!
Your veil will become a timeless heirloom piece that can be passed down to future generations. Plus, the sheer fabric adds a romantic vibe that reads well in pictures.
3. Sashes and Belts
Silk and organza Bridal Sash with Train Via SabinaKWDesign on Etsy.
A cinched waist is flattering on every bride. Highlight your smallest area by adding a sash or belt to your wedding dress.
You can customize the length of the back, meaning you can have it as sleek or flowing as you’d like. This organza waist sash comes with a gorgeous train that adds volume and visual interest to any dress.
Once you’re ready to enter your reception, you can simply untie the belt to prevent getting tangled up as you dance the night away. When accessorizing your wedding dress, a sash or belt is a definite go-to.
4. Short and Sweet - The Shorter Dress Option
Short, puffy wedding dress on the bride holding hands with her groom Via FashionWearWomen on Etsy.
Sometimes a long wedding dress just isn’t practical while packing for a destination wedding or other unique ceremony locations.
More and more brides are opting for short yet stunning wedding dresses. This means there’s no need for a bustle!
Add voluminous sheer sleeves and a few ruffles and you’ll achieve the same drama as a long train in a unique and modern way.
5. The Mini Train
A bride in an off-the-shoulder, mini train wedding dress Via BlushFashion on Etsy.
If you’re longing for a train on your dress but don’t want the hassle of a bustle, consider a mini train.
Instead of a train that trails behind the bride for several feet, a mini train is only about 12 inches long. It creates a beautiful drape of fabric on the floor but won’t trip the bride up as she walks.
This miniature version of a traditional wedding dress train is subtle enough to not need a bustle but will give you the sophisticated look you crave on your wedding day.
6. Empire Waste Gowns
A woman posing in her long sleeve, Empire waist wedding dress Via AandMEnterprises on Etsy.
An empire waist gown is a dress with a high waist that sits right below the bust.
The fabric drapes from this high point, creating an organic flow to the dress that mimics a bustle without adding one.
Not only that, empire waist wedding dresses are universally flattering. The flowy fabric hides any areas you may be self-conscious of.
You can also add embellishments to this area to draw the eye to the smallest part of your torso. This will help brides of all body types feel confident and carefree on their wedding day.
7. Fitted Dresses
A woman in a pearl mermaid wedding dress without a bustle Via AandMEnterprises on Etsy
For brides looking for a simple silhouette with minimal fabric, a fitted dress is the best choice. These body-con styles hug every curve and can be simple or embellished.
Less fabric eliminates the need for a bustle while the snug fit adds the drama a train and bustle normally offer. Well-fitted dresses also provide a sleek and modern look. So if you are going for a cutting-edge vibe for your wedding, this style is for you!
8. The Trendy Jumpsuit
A woman posing in a field wearing a floral bridal jumpsuit Via RenFaireStore on Etsy.
Dresses aren’t for everyone. So think outside the box with a bridal jumpsuit. This unique and modern alternative offers flexibility, and style, and always makes a statement.
Jumpsuits eliminate the need for a bustle because you are wearing pants rather than a cumbersome skirt. There are multiple styles of wedding jumpsuits, including lace, satin, and beaded. So you’re sure to find just the right piece for your big day.
You’ll also be making a fashion statement and standing apart from the legions of brides in classic wedding dresses.
9. Embrace It: The Unbustled Dress
A woman posing in a white and pink, floral wedding gown Via VeigoAtelier on Etsy.
At the end of the day, a wedding dress bustle is a choice, not a requirement. Even if you have a longer train, you can allow your dress to flow freely all night long.
The motion of your dress on the dance floor will create fun memories and look great in photographs. Sure, your dress may get stepped on a time or two, but you’ll be glad you let your dress flow in all its glory!
Bustle or No Bustle: The Choice Is Yours!
Whether you choose a bustle, a removable train, or even a sleek wedding jumpsuit, your wedding dress should reflect your unique style and strong union.
Your comfort and personal style are paramount on your wedding day. So when choosing your bridal look, never forget who you are and what makes you feel at ease.
Channel your inner fashionista and find the dress (or jumpsuit) that you’ll look back on for decades to come and maybe even pass down to future generations!