The rich historical practice of curating a bridal trousseau exists in South Asian history and culture too. But who started this ? La France!
An old French tradition dating back to the 14th century is for a woman, of course. The bride’s family begins the trousseau as soon as a baby girl is born. This tradition has been around for a long time. This trousseau contains all the required pieces that she needs in the future for her wedding. The wedding planning was part of the lifestyle. Now that I know this history, I understand why my dad was so stubborn about making me a gold waist belt when I turned 18. The trousseau culture is a step obligatoire in France and now all over the world. When I asked my dad why he focused only on collecting gold jewelry for my wedding, his answer didn’t convince me. But now, after 20 years, it makes total sense. He told me, “Akila, gold is the only investment you need when everything else changes in the future. You sell it, rent it, and pass it down to the next generation.” Viewing the trousseau as an investment offers a fresh perspective. It shifts the focus from the mere addition of linens and beauty products. Now, it includes items that people can cherish and pass down. IYKYK!
In France, personalization was key when making a bridal trousseau. The typography and embroidery differed from one city to another where the family lived. France stands out for many things we enjoy, like perfumes and chocolates. They value quality over quantity and have taught the world to do the same. The artisans made all the trousseau items from natural materials grown in France. The linens intended for the newly married couple.
Fast forward to today, can we create a custom bridal trousseau with elements we desire? How early should we start this process, practice, or custom? Who can help curate this souvenir that passes on to the next generation? That is a lot to unpack. But doable, of course.
In many South Asian families, parents take pride in gathering items for the bridal trousseau, whether we like it or not. Gold is the epitome of jewelry, and its resale value makes it more convincing as well. We bought a pair of gold anklets for our baby and let the baby choose in the future what they want out of that gold. In the West, people celebrate diamonds more. But people have valued gold higher worldwide over time.
Like France, couture is part of everyday culture in South Asia. The colors and motifs are awe-inspiring. , it is overwhelming to choose what one needs as there are thousands of options. Now, what goes into a bridal trousseau from the couture perspective? It could be an heirloom saree. I have my mom’s from the 1970s. My sister added it to my trousseau. As a saree stylist, I stored it in a breathable cotton bag from India. I also have a reminder set in repeat mode for 4 times a year to open, air dry the lehengas, sarees, and refold. This process helps them not to form creases in the attire. I also share my wedding lehenga with cousins instead of locking it up for no one.
LINENS
Long ago, families added pure cotton linens to the bridal trousseau. This is where anything that makes sense to the bride and the couple goes into the bridal trousseau. A 100-hour hand-embroidered pashmina shawl from my grandmother, and the list go on.
What to do with the trousseau after the wedding?
If it is a trunk like mine made of wood, wrap the pieces as they should be and store it inside. My bridal trousseau also has baby’s gold anklets now. His silver utensils from grandparents will go into that next year. The trousseau carries your souvenirs. It tells stories with elements and pieces that are your roots, identity, and pride. It doesn’t have to be picture-perfect but hug-worthy when you open it at any time in your life. I use dry herbs like cloves in a small cotton pouch. I also add a sachet of silica gel. This keeps my bridal trousseau from catching any odors.
Every bridal trousseau is a journey that continues from one generation to another. So, the pieces that go into it might change too. But the souvenirs and stories don’t. This is one of the reasons to think about it as early as one decides to get married. Create and curate pieces on purpose, not what’s trending online that year.
Many couturiers in India pack wedding lehengas in a wooden trunk nowadays. It is part of the flat lay photography too during the wedding week. Sabyasachi trunks are well-known for their brand appeal. Celebrating 25 years, Sabyasachi represents the pride of India. Owning one of his pieces adds value to any wardrobe.
BIJOUX
The other day, a famous bijoutier told us that it is hard to find rubies nowadays, and people settle for emeralds. So, when you invest in an heirloom piece of jewelry, it does go into the bridal trousseau. I enjoy collecting pearls. They are timeless and enhance anyone’s personal style.
My dad used to wear a 9-gem adorned ring that was as bold as his personality, and I thought it was too much and too loud. But, hey, he loved it and wore it every day. On a deeper level, I learned a lesson. He owned his personal style and space. He didn’t change because the West taught us a different type of style. The ring in my bridal trousseau holds great significance for me.
All this to say, always listen to your gut over the expert advice you see online. And ask for help when you need it during the wedding planning process. We are curious. What is in your bridal trousseau?
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