How do I bustle a lace wedding dress?

Start by asking your seamstress to add a bustle when you have your dress fitted. Lace needs careful handling, so the fastenings are usually hidden inside the hem and attached to the lining, not the lace itself. There are two common styles: an under-bustle, where the train folds underneath, and an over-bustle, where it folds on top. Your seamstress will show you exactly where the buttons or loops sit and how the train should fall.

On the day, practise with someone you trust before the ceremony. After the photos, find a quiet spot, lift the train gently, and fasten each loop or button in order. Work from the centre outwards so the fabric lies flat. If the lace has a pattern, match the edges so the folds look neat. Avoid pulling hard, as lace can snag or tear.

Keep a small hook or safety pin in your clutch in case a fastening comes loose. If you are having a long train, ask for a French bustle, which tucks the fabric under in several points, making it easier to walk and sit. Test sitting down in the bustled dress before the day so you know it feels comfortable.