One final Detail..

It really doesn't get enough credit. Perhaps daunting to tie, button or loop it will do its job beautifully and augment a beloved gown. Some fear it. This fear comes from unfamiliarity and misunderstanding of its purpose. I say fear not brides who wear gowns with trains. Your bustle will not only enhance your gown and glide behind you in a swoosh of dreamy fabric, but save your hem an unfortunate tear via your groom's foot. Usually the one to step on the wedding gown is the poor, unsuspecting groom  not comfortable navigating around yards of delicate material.

common 19th century bustled garment

The bustle. It was a staple in women's clothing during the Victorian time of the early to late 1800s. The women were significantly covered in their attire showing only silhouette of the hourglass shape. The bustle added interest and a little booty to the covered look to sneak in some feminine lure. It also did its practical job back then as well, which was to lift the hem for ease of movement.

Back to the 21st century, the wedding gown industry has seen an explosive surge of the "pick-up" style. There are a multitude of pick-up renditions designers offer, but essentially they are bustled dresses inspired by the daily attire women wore two centuries ago. That is why I love vintage gowns so much. They tell us about the past, but inspire us in the future. Below is a breathtaking version of modern bustled or "pick-up" skirt by Lazaro. I'm not a fan of all pick-up looks, but this one is done with a couture twist that is so clean and romantic. Love, love..

silk satin gown by Lazaro

By the way this gown pictured still needs a bustle and a fabulous one at that to complete the look of this dress. The bustle really is the final detail. It's a crucial detail that transforms your gown from one state to another. A gown with a train commands the attention of the admirer in a far different way than the bustled gown. Both should be equally stunning and captivate accordingly. To achieve both looks you should ask your stylist when you first try on the gown how the train will bustle. She should be able to show you a few bustle options for the dress. Not all gowns are bustled the same. It depends on the length, cut, weight and fabric of the train. You will not review the bustle choices again until your first fitting weeks before the wedding. It will then be your seamstress or tailor who offers you bustle options and prepare the bustle for your next fitting. It's always helpful to have those who will bustle your gown on the wedding day present at the second fitting to learn how the seamstress prepared the bustle.

It can take a village on the wedding day to prepare you, dress you and yes, bustle you. The results are well worth it keeping in mind your "bustled" look will be on display for most the wedding starting with the first dance. This final detail-- the bustle-- will mesmerize your guests as it floats into their sight for the first time. Wearing the bustle will mean much more to you as the bride. You'll feel lighter, but more importantly your bustled gown will symbolically show the world you are married, ready to celebrate and fearless!