How to Plan Your Honeymoon Trousseau

Trousseau is a word you don’t hear everyday. It’s the collection of a bride’s lingerie, evening wear and accessories for her honeymoon. In days long ago, the bride’s trousseau was often assembled by her mother or grandmother. They would lovingly stitch every piece of lace and ribbon to make garments that would impress and thrill not only her but her new husband as well.

Depending upon how much the bride’s family could afford she would be supplied with silk linens, new shoes and slippers, stockings, jewelry, an evening gown, and a very special lingerie creation especially for her first night of marriage. The items were bundled up and presented to her before leaving for her honeymoon.

Some women today still follow the tradition of the trousseau, assembling a selection of quality nightwear for the honeymoon trip. Although most women today don’t have moms and grandmas who are willing and able to create the trousseaus the brides-to-be can still hand-select the delicate designs which will accompany them on their honeymoons.

Make a list of what you’ll need according to how many days in your honeymoon. There are also a few other things that figure in to what you should take. Firstly, you’ll likely need formal wear, then semi-formal pieces, then casual designs. All of these purchases, in addition, must be calculated to fit into your trousseau budget.

There are certain things, such as underwear and sleep wear, that are necessities in any trousseau. Put away your standard undies and nighties in favor of some lacy, special selections. Whether you’re shopping online or in your home town you’ll want to find some very special pieces that will be impressive, sure, but comfortable as well.

Plan on purchasing twice as many pairs of undies as you would typically need. If your honeymoon is for one week, for example, purchase 10 to 14 pair. Also purchase several bras in various colors. The last thing you want to do on your honeymoon is laundry. And, it’s standard honeymoon etiquette that the groom see you in something new and different, everyday of the honeymoon.

For the wedding night you definitely want something extra special. Catalogs and stores are full of beautiful designs but comfort is just as important as the way the garment looks. Look for designs that don’t have elastic in the waist, have adjustable straps, and if you’re shopping at a real store, feel the lace to make sure it isn’t scratchy. Above all, make sure the outfit comes with a robe of some sort – but no terry cloth or flannel!

Consider color schemes while choosing your trousseau garments. Even if a particular color looks fabulous on you, you don’t want to wear that color everyday. List the colors that look the best on you and try to include a selection of these colors in the trousseau garments. Now is not the time to try bold moves when it comes to choosing designs. You don’t want to surprise your husband with a garment that looks awkward on you.

Not every woman is built the same way so don’t worry if you don’t think you have the perfect body. Choose garments that will accentuate the positive and play down the negative aspects of your own body. Sensuality is often a mood or an attitude, rather than the appearance of the body.

One last thing to consider when choosing a trousseau: the desires of the husband. If you know he doesn’t really like the color yellow, for example, eliminate that color from your entire wardrobe during the honeymoon.

The following is a list of items to comprise your entire trousseau. You can adjust the list according to your own needs or wants. Also, consider the exact plans for your honeymoon and if you’ll need special garments for particular activities.

1) Underwear and bras (popular honeymoon colors are white, red and black)
2) Wedding night teddy or nightgown with matching cover-up
3) Sleep wear for each night of the honeymoon (consider silk pajamas, teddies and gowns)
4) Robes or cover-ups for each nightgown or teddy
5) One formal evening dress (if you’ll be attending more than one formal occasion, allow for this)
6) Two or three semi-formal outfits
7) Three to four semi-casual outfits
8) Three to four casual outfits
9) Appropriate purses or clutches for each outfit (you may be able to use the same purse or clutch with more than one outfit
10) Assortment of pantyhose, nylons, stockings, garters, garter belts
11) Assortment of shoes: stilettos, pumps, heels, sandals, slippers
12) Several nice jewelry pieces.
13) Hair fashions
14) Perfumes, bed linen sprays, makeup

Adjust the list according to what types of functions, if any, that you will be attending as a new bride. Also consider the weather in which you’re traveling. You may be uncomfortable in teddies if you’re on a winter cruise.

Marriage is a special time in a woman’s life and the trousseau she chooses is very special. It represents the first items of clothing the husband will see the wife in since the wedding. Make it extra special. Allow yourself a few weeks to browse different outfits and trousseau items and consider colors and designs that are right for you and your new husband. Your honeymoon will be something you’ll never forget – and neither will he!