Trousseaux

Trousseaux is a historical term for the collection of clothes, linens, and other household items that a bride brings to her marriage. Traditionally prepared by the bride’s family, or by the couple, the trousseau served to furnish the couple’s new home. In some traditions, it also included jewelry and money reserved for the household’s needs.

Etymology and scope: The word comes from Old French trousseau, meaning a bundle or load. In European practice, the trousseau has often been distinguished from the dowry: the dowry is property provided by the bride’s family, while the trousseau consists of the items the bride brings into the household themselves. The concept dates from the medieval period and persisted into the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Contents and variations: A typical trousseau included bed and table linens, clothing, wedding dress, undergarments, and household objects such as cookware and sometimes silverware. In some cultures, families embroidered linens or prepared trousseaux as a display of status and skill. The specifics varied by region and era, with France, Italy, and Central Europe offering notable examples.

Modern usage and legacy: In contemporary contexts the term is often used nostalgically or in museum descriptions to refer to historical collections. Some brides still assemble a personal or bridal trousseau as a curated set of garments and essential items, especially as a fashion or travel wardrobe rather than a formal household provision.