Bustle Up and Down

Jessica Whittaker's Bustle Up & Down.jpg

A bustle is a carefully designed way of lifting and securing the train of a wedding dress after the ceremony, allowing the bride to move gracefully without compromising style. Think of it like “tying up” the gown — transforming the flowing train into a polished look for dancing, walking, or celebrating with ease. When the train is down, the gown flows freely. When it's "bustled up," the train is lifted and secured.

There are different types of bustles to suit different dress designs and preferences:

Under-bustle (French Bustle): The train is tucked and secured beneath the gown, creating elegant, cascading folds.
Over-bustle (American Bustle): The train is lifted and attached over the outside of the dress, often creating a soft, layered effect.

At Rachel’s Custom Sewing, we specialize in custom bustle designs tailored to each bride’s unique gown and vision. Whether you need a simple single-point bustle or an elaborate 32-point ballroom bustle, we ensure every detail enhances both the beauty and function of your dress.

Our portfolio features real examples like Jessica's 7-point peek-a-boo bustle, a stunning and practical solution that blended seamlessly with the elegance of her gown.

Let us help you bring your train up with grace — because every step after "I do" should feel just as beautiful.

Bustle Options

Our bustles are hand-sewn to suit your gown's fabric, structure, and train style. Each includes a tutorial to make your wedding day easier, and we’ll help you choose the right option during your fitting.

The formal dress bustle is just for formal dresses or wedding dresses that are only 1 to 2 layers without much train at all. More like formal dress

A woman in a white, intricate, lace wedding dress with a low back, standing on a wooden floor in front of a beige curtain, with a small inset image showing the front view of the dress.

Client: Tamara Miller’s 1-point American Bustle

$119
For light gowns or short trains.
Includes up to 2 bustle points and a photo tutorial.

A woman in a white wedding dress with lace details standing in front of a light-colored curtain. The dress has off-the-shoulder sleeves and a long train. There is an inset image showing the back of the dress, which has a fitted bodice and a flowing train.

Client: Clarissa Dumpleton’s 3-point French Bustle

$54 per point
Per-point pricing for school formals, MOB dresses, or casual gowns.
Photo-only instructions included.

A woman wearing a wedding dress and veil is lifting the skirt of her wedding gown.

Client: Jordie Ellevsen’s Hand Bustle

$420
For dresses that should float just above the floor.
6–9 bustle points with full tutorial set and map.

A woman in a white wedding dress with a long train, standing with her back to the camera in a fitting room. A mirror shows the front of the dress with a square neckline and buttons down the back.

Client: Jessica Whittaker’s Bustle Up and Down

$300
The most popular option for bridal gowns with a moderate train and lining.
3–5 bustle points, photo + video tutorial, and a printable bustle map.

A smiling bride in a white wedding gown with a long train, holding a bouquet of flowers, standing on steps outside a stone building with a red door. Inset shows the back of a similar white wedding dress with a lace-up back and pleated skirt.

Client: Sharon Oomen’s 2-point American Bustle

$540
Custom bustle for gowns with lots of layers, beading, or a dramatic train.
9–33 points, invisible finish available, full video/photo/map set, and optional day-of support.