(Photo Courtesy of E. Leise Photo Design...and for the record, this bustle went really well!).
Of all of the appointments that you should not space out through, your final fitting is one of the most important, particularly if you are among the majority of brides who are having a bustle "installed" on your train.
What Kind of Bustle Is It?
Understand that "bustle" is a collective term. There are dozens of different kinds of bustles. Some involve snaps and some have ties. Some are color coded. Some are meant to be secured from left to right, others from right to left. Sometimes you start right in the middle.
Bustle fixtures can be on top of the train or under it, and sometimes both.
If you have not hired a full-service wedding planner who is located in the same town as your alterations folks, she may not be on hand for this last fitting. It falls to your maid or matron of honor and/or a mother or sister to pay close attention at the fitting.
They cannot sleep through this part of the appointment.
I have seen a lot of bustles over the years, but practically every one is unique (in fact, this may be the seamstress method of getting back at wedding planners - it's suspicious at least). We can often figure them out if necessary, but you'll save yourself so much angst if you have one person who was present at the final fitting who can coach your bustler on the wedding day to make sure it is done properly.
The consequences of bad bustling aren't just things like "oh, the bustle looks kind of funny" or "should that be sticking out there"? In the worst case, a bad bustle can lead to breakage, which means your time on the dance floor can be seriously impacted.
You're going to make it all the way to the fun part and let a bustle bring you down?
Better to assign a responsible friend or family member to study the bustling of your gown and ensure that everything is done right.
And if your planner is conveniently located near your seamstress, for goodness' sake, please arrange to have her at your final fitting. It's one of the many, many things we're good for!
Happy Planning (and Happy Bustling!).
Shayna Walker, Williamsburg Wedding Design
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