What Is a Bridal Trousseau? Here's Everything You Need to Know

Even the most modern weddings still follow a few time-honored rituals. Case in point: the continued popularity of bridal trousseaus. Though this custom dates back hundreds of years, individuals today are still choosing to lean into this pre-wedding tradition.

To simply break it down, a bridal trousseau is a collection of possessions, such as clothing, jewelry, and linens, that brides-to-be assemble to prepare for their wedding day and marriage. "A trousseau could include everything from pottery to jewelry, dresses, family heirlooms, quilted bedding, money, and other items to prepare for a new home,” explain Aleah and Nick Valley, founders of Valley & Company Events. It can also be a collection of pieces you intend to wear throughout your rehearsal dinner and welcome party, along with items you plan to bring on your honeymoon. Essentially, the options are truly endless when it comes to assembling a trousseau, and it's a fun and exciting way to prepare for your journey down the aisle.

Ready to get started on putting together your own bridal trousseau? Read on to learn more about the history of this tradition, its meaning, and how you can incorporate it into your modern-day wedding.

The History and Meaning of Bridal Trousseaus

According to Aleah and Nick, bridal trousseaus were “often thought of as a symbol of status." Thus, the fuller and richer a trousseau, the higher the bride’s position within society. What's more, within Victorian times, a bridal trousseau consisted of brand-new outfits to see a woman through her wedding, honeymoon, and newlywed days. That said, unless a family was wealthy, these garments were hand-sewn by a mother, aunt, grandmother, or the girl herself, if skilled with a needle. 

Over time, the tradition has transformed, ultimately leaving the symbolism of status and class behind. Today, brides-to-be are now using trousseaus as a way to save ultra-personal items for their wedding events. “While today’s bride might not know she’s creating her own trousseau, she is doing so by collecting gifts from her bridal shower, setting aside her grandmother’s diamond earrings, stowing her mother’s veil and lace table runners, and other goods that she’s using either for her wedding day or transition into married life,” share Aleah and Nick. "While there is a modern twist on the classic trousseau, the idea is still steeped in tradition—but can be personalized and modified to what the bride holds dear."

How to Put Together a Bridal Trousseau

Though bridal trousseaus were initially put together before a woman got engaged, today, individuals can collect their items at any life stage, whether single, engaged, or married. With that in mind, it’s never too early to get some planning done—and, luckily, the process is pretty straightforward.

To create a bridal trousseau, simply start collecting all the things you'd like to have on your special day. They can be your most prized possessions, or pieces handed down from generation to generation. Gathering items from those closest to you, such as your mother or grandmother, will also help you put together a meaningful trousseau.

Once you've accumulated a few items, be sure to find a place to store everything, too. Traditionally, trousseaus were kept in a cedar hope chest, a handmade box, or a beautiful trunk. However, modern iterations can feature a variety of containers. “A trousseau may come in the shape of a sleek travel chest or a steamer trunk that includes everything, from bridal shoes to perfume or a wedding morning robe, that a bride can bring to the getting ready location on the wedding day,” explain Aleah and Nick.