More Wedding Dress Bustle Ideas!

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Mary P Karnes

Even more wedding dress bustles??? Yes, there are at least three more types, in addition to the three I posted yesterday in my blog post, https://marypkarnes.com/2015/02/wedding-dress-bustles/Just click on the title if you’d like to read it.

The Pick-Up Bustle is for slender, fitted gowns. The train is much shorter. There is usually one hook at the back of the gown in the center. The train is gathered in two sections, and there are two holes at the bottom of the train, which hook onto one button around the bride’s derrière.

The French Pick-Up Bustle is a combination of the french and the pick -up bustles. It sports one hook underneath the train. The train is then folded in half with the bottom half under the dress.

The American Bustle is also called the “outer bustle.”. It has hook and loop sets, or button and loop sets, that are sewn to the outside of the dress. (www.perfect-wedding-dress-finder.com)

Whichever bustle you choose, be wise and listen to your bridal gown consultant. He or she will be able to advise you as to which bustle will show you and your gown off to the best advantage. And there are dresses to choose from that require no bustle, for example a tea length dress. Would you like more info on them? Click on the following link, https://marypkarnes.com/2015/02/tea-length-wedding-dress-2/ and read my blog post on your options for a shorter, less formal wedding dress.

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Image #1 colincowleweddings.com

Image #2 colincowleweddings.com

Image #3 merledres.blogspot.com

Image #4 dhgowns.com

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Thanks to Bronwyn Timmons from e-howcontritutors.com for info on the Pick Up Bustle, and the French Pick Up Bustle.

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Wedding Dress Bustles

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Mary P Karnes

What is a wedding dress bustle, and do you need one? A bustle is a way of drawing up your train so you can walk freely around your reception without being a hazard to yourself and others. There are six main types. Not only must you consider the aesthetics of the bustle, but the size of your train, your dress style and the weight of your dress fabric. My daughter wanted and “American” bustle, but due to the heaviness of her fabric needed a “French” Bustle.

The six main types of bustles are: Over Bustle, Tufted Bustle, French Bustle, Pick-up Bustle, American Bustle and French Pick-up Bustle.

The Over Bustle, also known as a Ballroom Bustle, hides the train, and makes the wedding gown look just like a ballroom gown. Hooks or buttons are attached at the gown’s waistline, then hooks are attached on the train to button onto waist loops. After it’s all buttoned up, the dress is one length.

The Tufted Bustle sports jeweled hooks around the waist of the dress. The train has loops attached to hook onto the bejeweled hooks. These hooks are exposed to add additional bling. The over-all look is a layered one.

The French Bustle was what my daughter sported. It is an under bustle. A mother of the bride, bridesmaid, wedding coordinator, tucks the train underneath the skirt of the dress and ties numbered ribbons together. For example: ribbon one to second ribbon number one, and so forth. A word of advice: Practice creating the bustle BEFORE the wedding. And remember to bring your reading glasses if you need them! My cousin and I were in charge of assembling my daughter’s bustle, and neither had our glasses. Disaster was avoided when one of my daughters came to lend a hand. 😉 Below is a picture highlighting Maggie’s French Bustled dress, dancing with her father.

Next time, I will discuss and picture the remaining three bustles.

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Much of this information was gleaned from Bronwyn Timmons from www.e-How

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Image #1 – blog.weddingpaperdivas.com

Image #2 – bridaldetails.blogspot.com

Image #3 – heritagegown.com

Image #4 – Patty Cloherty photos

Wedding Headpieces

Posted on February 9, 2015February 9, 2015 by Mary P Karnes

So you have said, “Yes to the Dress!” Next, your bridal consultant walks over to the ‘wall of veils’ and rushes back to your side with glee, (obviously thinking of her commission!), and arranges a veil on your head. Now you really look like a bride! “Of course,” she reminds you, “the color of the netting will match your dress color.” VERY few brides today wear stark white…not the most flattering shade.

But what about a headpiece? In my day, it was all about a wreath. I think every bride for the first 5 years of weddings Kenny and I attended wore one. The wreath headpiece was to veils what the mermaid dress was to wedding gowns.

I love the top photo. This headpiece can double as a holder for the bride’s veil, and will look lovely if she chooses to remove her veil for the reception – something I HIGHLY recommend…

The above photo has quite the retro air. One would have to have a certain “look” to carry it off, and a veil would be a no-go. Maybe for an older bride, or a second marriage?

The photo with the tiara is quite regal. It’s flattering and classic. It too would double nicely for ceremony and reception. And the styling of the bride’s hair and tiara will provide a nice “shelf” if she chooses to wear a blusher.

Seriously? I have never been a fan of the 20’s/30’s fashion. Never less so than for bride’s. I think this bride’s headpiece/veil is gruesome.

And below…you see my own Maggie wearing my headpiece. I have it on good authority that my own Kathleen is SERIOUSLY considering wearing it as well…could this become a Karnes girls’ tradition? I certainly hope so…

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Image #1 tweeting.com

Image #2 a1invitations.blogspot.com

Image #3 plexwedding.com

Image #4 boomerinas.com

Image #5 Patty Cloherty Photos

Tea Length Wedding Dress

Posted on February 8, 2015February 8, 2015 by Mary P Karnes

If I haven’t mentioned it before…I love shoes! What better way to showcase a gorgeous pair of shoes, than a tea length wedding dress! There is something so “50’s” about tea length. It sets a nostalgic tone immediately.

Several things to keep in mind if you do choose a dress of this length. Your wedding will take a much less formal air. Much of the tone of a wedding is set by the brides dress. If you wear a tea length, your groom and his attendants, (and of COURSE your bridesmaids), must also take a more casual approach. The men should wear suits or sport coats instead of the more formal tux or tails. All ladies, from your mother to your attendants, must also follow your lead. This is quite a practical approach. No chance of tripping over a long hem at the ceremony OR the reception. If you don’t choose a reception dress, (click on the following link to read the pros and cons of two wedding dresses), https://marypkarnes.com/?s=two+wedding+dresses no need to worry — you have one built in with your tea length wedding dress!

And yes…a tea length dress can be special. Just look at the dress above. I think it’s gorgeous, and very ‘bride-like.’ And best of all…your shoes will show! This of course means you really want to find a pair of spectacular wedding shoes. Click on the following link to see some beautiful shoes! https://marypkarnes.com/2015/02/blue-wedding-shoes/

What if you decide on a destination wedding, with a beach theme? Well then, your ONLY choice is a short dress – I guess you COULD wear a long gown, if you had your heart set on it – but think of the mess…Just remember it’s YOUR day. Is KK’s dress tea length? I’ll never tell. But it WAS discussed…

Hopefully, you’ll marry once, so do it your way!