When to tie bustle? How long?

Most brides I see have their dresses bustled at the beginning of the reception.

I did it directly after the ceremony. We walked up the aisle, I stepped to the side, and my attendants and my mother started bustling my dress. The guests waited for 1 minute or 2, then we let people out. So I guess it depends on if you are doing some kind of receiving line, and if you are doing any pictures after the ceremony that you would want your train bustled.

In your case, you could have someone bustle the dress while you greet guests.

I did it right after the ceremony, too. I think my MOH did it right after we signed the license (which was right after the ceremony-- my officiant did NOT want to have to track people down ). Just took a couple minutes. We'd already taken most of our pictures beforehand.

After ceremony and pictures

I remember my big sister had been an honor attendant many times so knew the drill, and she took a moment *before* the wedding day to look at the dress and check out the bustle so she'd have some idea how to do it. If any of your attendants are local, I would recommend doing this so *someone* knows how it works.

After Ceremony and Pictures, before the reception

I think after your receiving line is perfect because it gives you a chance to escape before your grand entrance. I had about 15 loops. It took 3 girls about 8 minutes.

I did mine during cocktail hour. My bustle was only two points, so I grabbed one of my bridesmaids and she did it quickly. She already knew how to do it, because she went with me to my fitting and the seamstress showed her.

I plan to do it after the ceremony and pictures and before the reception begins.

We did it right after the formal pictures (between ceremony and reception). It only took a few minutes.

We did it right after the ceremony/pictures. Before the grand entrance and first dance.

6 points, it took my MOH about a minute to do it.

It should only take a few min to get it done. If it's ties all the seamstress to color coordinate them. This helps those who did not get to see it.