When should i add the bustle?

My first alterations appointment was two months before my wedding and, from my understanding, that's pretty normal. I'm not sure how much my bustle was specifically, but I paid $480 total for a bustle and to shorten my skirt and straps.

View Quoted Comment Thank you!
I heard the most expensive part is shortening the skirt. I was quoted $20 for a bustle.

Here’s how mine looked bustled. I don’t clearly remember how much it cost, I think it was around $200...David’s bridal price...had 13 buttons for the under layers and 5 for the lace layer on top.

I don’t have a picture of my bustle, but it was $100 and was a French/under bustle. I wasn’t super impressed with how it turned out, but I wasn’t very impressed with the alterations in general so I think it was the seamstress and not the style I picked.

Generally, bustle alterations are priced by the type (over, under, both, etc.) and number of “points” (attachment points). Your dress and train are gorgeous, but the train is both full and long. I’d definitely expect bustle alterations to cost more than $20. If you haven’t already had a very specific conversation with your alterations person about what the bustle will entail and how it will look, I’d do that ASAP to make sure it’s what you want. Daughter’s dress had a 3-point over and a 3-point under bustle and I believe it was around $175.

I began alterations 2 months before my wedding. I paid a total of $370 for alterations, which included a bustle, and other things.

View Quoted Comment Yeah, over the phone she said for a simple bustle that it would be $20. I mentioned that the dress is also heavily embroidered and she still said $20. I should probably go in and show her the pictures of the dress to get a better estimate. Thank you!

View Quoted Comment I think that’s a really good idea. Honestly, I don’t think a bustle on your dress will be “simple.” The sooner you know exactly what your options/costs are, the better! Good luck!

My bustle was free but hemming it and sewing a belt on was $100. I would add a bustle if I were you. You don't have to use it, but I rather have it and not need it then to need it and not have it.