What Should Be In Your Trousseau?

The history of our traditions is always of interest to me. The bridal trousseau, initiated under Roman law, was like an insurance policy for the young couple to give them everything they would need to start a new life together, however, should the marriage dissolve, the bride would keep the possessions to help provide for her future.

The size of the trousseau was determined by the wealth of her family. It was made up of money, acreage, cattle and other farm animals, and a variety of furniture. The bride's trousseau would be comprised of her special fabrics, lace, bedding and table linens. As times progressed, women no longer added to their clothing, but, rather replaced it as fashions changed, so personal clothing items were no longer included.

In times past, the bride to be would embroider her initials on her bedclothes and on her finest linens leaving space for her new husband's initials. Antique linens that only bear one set of initials would indicate the young woman never married.

Even in today's society, many girls will start a hope chest to plan for her eventual marriage. Items that might be included would be house wares like dishes, flatware, towels, table cloths, bedding and other items required to start a household.

The trousseau, or bundle, brought into the marriage by the woman has been replaced in modern by including items given as wedding and shower gifts. As genders become more equal, it is less important for her to bring tangible possessions to the marriage. It is more important for her to bring love, honor and compassion to the marriage; those are not things that fit neatly into a cedar box.

Today, designers can assist with planning the bridal trousseau. There are many items to take into consideration:

• The trousseau will not just include wedding wear, but also some formals, informals and casual wear.
• The clothing in the trousseau should reflect their lifestyle. For instance, is she a business woman? What is her social life like? What is she most comfortable wearing?
• When planning the trousseau, consider the brides natural weight. Many brides will lose weight for the wedding ceremony, but rarely do they maintain that weight.
• When choosing clothing, coordinate with the groom's style. They should look put together as a couple.
• Wedding dresses should reflect femininity with soft and mellow styles. Wedding clothing should be coordinated with the jewelry the bride will wear.
• Proper accessorizing is also essential in planning the perfect balanced look. Choosing mix and match options will make packing for the honeymoon less of a chore.

As you can see, the trousseau has changed over the centuries. Culture and social class will play a part in what is included in the trousseau. Through the centuries, young girls have always started early to prepare for the day she transitions from her parents household, whether through marriage or by leaving for college.