Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue… all items that go nicely into a bridal trousseau! A what?  A trousseau! (say “true so” and this French word will roll right off your tongue).  The act itself of assembling a trousseau is steeped in tradition but the items included for the modern bride have certainly changed…

And so has the method!  In the Victorian era a bride’s trousseau included all of her personal items that she had collected for her married life.  This meant the wedding gown of course, but also, items like jewelry, lingerie, toiletries, household linens, towels and even the china she would be serving tea in.  All of these items were collected into wooden trunks and moved to the marital home after the wedding.

By the early 1900’s a cedar chest called a “Hope Chest” in America (“Glory Box” in Australia or a “bottom drawer” if you live in the UK) was used to collect items made or purchased by the bride or her parents in anticipation of a marriage.

Extravagant trousseaus would include outfits for, not just the wedding, but her honeymoon and the days and months after the marriage.  Lucky brides from wealthy families would hire a seamstress just to outfit her with a number of gowns and undergarments needed for her new life.

Household items are no longer considered part of a modern bride’s trousseau leaving room for more personal and extravagant selections to “save” for the big day.  A modern day trousseau is now considered to be all of the specialty items the bride desires for the wedding, honeymoon or even after.  Things like jewelry, makeup, hair accessories, purses, after party dresses and ooh la la… lingerie!  Anything that hints at the sentimentality of the event can also be included like picture frames, letters and poems.  The idea is to make it your own signature selection of items that may or may not be passed down but shout how special your day will be!

Take a look at a few of our exquisite finds we would include in our own trousseau…

Hosiery fit for a Princess bride! Princessa Stockings, aurellie-store.com

Read aloud a love poem and have the guests weeping, save to recite to each other for years to come…. Love Poems, Pablo Neruda, http://www.barnesnoble.com

A keepsake that will be treasured always. Hardbound Guest Book, katespade.com

Custom Thank You notes will make thanking easy and remind your guests how wonderful the wedding was. http://www.shineweddinginvitations.com

Sparkle brooch makes this an extra special bag. Badgley Mischka Aurora Brooch Clutch. Dillards.com

What’s on under the dress should be as special as the dress! Tresor Lace Boy Shorts, Le Tresor Silk Full Bra, juliannarae.com

Have your cake and eat it too! Wedding Belles Flower Wedding Cake Bag, katespade.com

Add something romantic and something blue! Romantic Wedding Garter. Thegartergirl.com

Wear it to the rehearsal dinner or slip under the sheets for a good nights sleep! Paradise Found Silk Slip Nightgown and matching robe, juliannarae.com

Choose a scent that will remind you of the big day. Something Blue EDP Spray, http://www.oscardelarenta.com

Add some sparkle to your shining locks. Nina Crystal Embellished Floral Head Wrap, Nordstrom.com

Luscious tulle face framing veil for an aura of mystery. Ellen Veil, Wedding Belles New York, Nordstrom.com

A gorgeous “glass slipper” completes the package. Emma Ivory Crystal and Satin Wedge, ninashoes.com

Roses aren’t just for the bouquet! Climbing roses Sash, bhldn.com

Just right for honeymoon night! Sweet Indulgence Cami/Flutter panty/wrap in Pearl, juliannarae.com

Did you have a hope chest?  What amazing items did you include?  Let us know in the comment section!