Bridal Lingerie and the Trousseau: Reviving a Romantic Tradition
Bridal lingerie can
be a thoughtful and lovely gift for any bride. Today's selection
of bridal lingerie runs the gamut from classic and elegant to
racy and revealing. While nowadays, we think nothing of giving
these garments as a gift, the presentation of bridal lingerie
has had significant symbolic meaning in the past.
In year's past, bridal lingerie composed a significant part of
the wedding trousseau of a bride to be. The collection of such
items for the trousseau represented the symbolic transition from
bride to wife and from girl to matron. In Victorian times, a
trousseau was considered to be a symbol of wealth and status. In
addition to walking dresses, teatime outfits and evening gowns,
hand embroidered bridal lingerie was a major component of the
bridal trousseau. A typical trousseau of a Victorian bride might
include traveling dresses, gaming dresses (for outdoor wear),
separate ensembles for breakfast, lunch and dinner, several
opera gowns and bridal lingerie including muslin and silk robes,
slippers, pantaloons and corsets. It was not inconceivable for a
Victorian bride to change her outfit 4-5 times per day.
Outfitting a trousseau with bridal lingerie and other items was
a fairly common tradition well into the twentieth century. For
the elder women in the family, the creation of bridal lingerie
was an expression of love and care for the bride to be. It was
not uncommon for a mother to spend years preparing her
daughter's trousseau. A single item such as a robe or evening
cap could take months to embroider. In particular, the robe was
one particular piece of bridal lingerie that received special
care. A mother might begin designing the pattern while her
daughter was still in babyhood.
Today's bridal lingerie has lost much of its symbolic appeal.
The purpose now is to excite and titillate, not to express a
change in status. Bridal lingerie of the past was soft and
romantic, with the focus on fabric and detail and not on
revealing the female form. However, as notions of sexuality and
the marital relationship have evolved, it has become
progressively more daring.
Creating a trousseau with your own bridal lingerie can be a
wonderful way to remember your wedding. Although gathering a
trousseau is a custom that harkens back to Victorian times,
there is nothing to say that you have to be Victorian in your
choice. You can put together an eclectic mix, each reflecting
various facets of your own personality. If you really want to
follow tradition, you can fill your trousseau with items of hand
tailored bridal lingerie.
If you are having your wedding gown custom made, you may want to
consult your tailor about creating several items of bridal
lingerie in the same theme and style as your wedding dress. For
example, if your wedding gown is soft and romantic, bridal
lingerie in the same vein can be a lovely and romantic addition
to your wedding ensemble. If your wedding gown is more sleek and
modern, you may want to create a simpler design. As with any
piece of custom made clothing, hand tailored bridal lingerie is
likely to fit much better than anything store bought. However,
although having your own custom made and tailored is a romantic
touch, keep in mind that the cost can be prohibitive.
Creating a trousseau with your own bridal lingerie, whether
purchased or handmade, is a wonderful way to revive a romantic
tradition. Years later, you can look back on the wonderful
memories that you have created with items that are near and dear
to your heart.