The French Bridal Trousseau

The following post was totally stolen from someone way more knowledgeable than I on the topic of French weddings and traditions. Here’s just one of the posts on her amazing blog. And for what it’s worth… I am so envious of her life as a wedding planner in Paris.

Please check out Parisian Party and her lovely blog.

Here’s her take on collecting your bridal trousseau.

trous·seau, n. [French, from Old French, diminutive of trousse, bundle. See truss.] The possessions, such as clothing and linens, that a bride assembles for her marriage.

Back in the day, a young woman and her mother would start collecting and sewing items for her trousseau years before she was even engaged! They stored the items in a heavy hand-carved wooden wardrobe or trunk, and when it was complete, the trousseau contained everything that the girl owned- everything that she needed to start her new married life. Trousseaus could contain quilts, china, silverware, pillows or linens, in addition to clothing and lingerie. In Victorian times, it was even a la mode to host a “Trousseau Tea” the day before the wedding, where the brides family would invite people over and show off all of the items in the girls’ trousseau. Today’s trousseau contains gorgeous lingerie, luxurious toiletries, and fabulous going-away outfits, all packed up into beautiful luggage.

If you’d like to go on your own Parisian trousseau shopping spree, your first stop HAS to be the glamorous boudoir of Chantal Thomass at 211 Rue St Honoré. This shop is a paradise of intimate feminine goodies like bras, bustiers, stockings, and dressing gowns as well as froo-froo accessories like pink, lace-up umbrellas, and…black satin and lace hand-cuffs. Oh la laaaa!

Another queen of the intime is Fifi Chachnil. Since 1986, Fifi has been known for her gloriously feminine designs as well as her sense of humor and classic vintage style. Her lingerie is sold worldwide, but nothing beats a trip to one of her Parisian boutiques.

“Though’s in the know” know where to find the most famous French lingerie- they visit Sabbia Rosa at 73, rue des Sts-Pères. This tiny shop lives up to the hype and is a favorite of fashionistas like Madonna, Naomi Campbell and Catherine Deneuve.

One other major element of the modern bridal trousseau is fragrance- for your Parisian trousseau, peek your head into one of the Annick Goutal Boutiques and discover your new “signature scent”. Everything about these boutiques is feminine and flirty- and while you’re there, treat yourself to one of their Boudoir Treatments for the Face or Body (or both!)

One other major element of the modern bridal trousseau is fragrance- for your Parisian trousseau, peek your head into one of the Annick Goutal Boutiques and discover your new “signature scent”. Everything about these boutiques is feminine and flirty- and while you’re there, treat yourself to one of their Boudoir Treatments for the Face or Body (or both!)

If you want to try your hand at creating your own lune de miel fragrance, sign up for an “Atelier du Parfumerie” at the world renowned Guerlain boutique on the Champs Elysees.

Once you have your trousseau together, you can’t just toss it into any old Samsonite! You still have a wedding to pay for, so don’t break the bank on nouveau LV, Hermes or Goyard. Instead, try scouting out Le Monde du Voyage in the Marche aux Puces at St-Ouen. This store has been specializing in vintage luggage for over 20 years, and will surely have the perfect valise to round out your Parisian bridal trousseau.

Thanks for giving us a good view into the life of a French bride.