Traditionally, a trousseau was defined as the collection of personal items that a young woman accumulated in anticipation of her future marriage. A trousseau was generally stored in a hope chest and included bridal accessories, jewelry, lingerie, clothing for the honeymoon, linens, and toiletries. Some trousseaus included family heirlooms and handmade items crafted by the bride-to-be or her female relatives. Often, a number of brand-new outfits were carefully selected and stored in the trousseau in preparation for the wedding, honeymoon, and first few weeks as newlyweds.

 

Today, most women do not prepare a trousseau with all of the original components. However, the concept of a bridal trousseau is still a wonderful tradition, and many brides do begin a collection of wedding and honeymoon lingerie. These pieces are sometimes purchased by the bride, but often are given as gifts at a bridal shower. Traditionally, the mother of the bride purchases her daughter’s wedding night ensemble.