Back in the nineteenth century the brides were advised by the experts that in preparing for their married life they should be aiming for a wardrobe for at least two years in underclothes and one year in dresses.
The underclothing included a dozen chemises trimmed with embroidery or lace, a dozen night dresses, a dozen drawers, a few less petticoats, and one beautifully embroidered special-occasion petticoat. As for the corsets and crinolines, apparently two of each would do.
However, to keep the few highly expensive corsets free from dirt and soil, the wearer was advised to carry at least half a dozen camisoles. Apart from keeping the corsets clean, camisoles were used also to hide corset bones and give a smoother look to the bodice. A bride-to be with time on her hands, would enhance this highly practical item with lace and ribbon trims.
To finish off the trousseau the bride would be required to have half a dozen vests, two dressing gowns, three bed jackets, a dozen pairs of fine-quality Lisle stockings, three pairs of silk stockings and two dozen handkerchiefs.
One fashion expert suggested that if practicable, three dozens of everything would be a good way to start your married life. For the woman who didn’t have to count the cost, twelve dozen of each would be even better.
Included in the trousseau would be the wedding dress itself with all its accessories such as the undergarments, the veil and the jewellery, as well as the going away outfit.
According to gossip, both Eva Longoria, star of ‘Desperate Housewives’ and Katie Holmes spent a small fortune in pretty lace lingerie sets, glamorous sleepwear, cute bikinis and baby-doll nightwear.
Sending the bride off in style was so important, that when Catherine de' Medici married into the French royal family in 1547, the Pope Clement, her uncle, decided that spending money for all those silks and laces was more important than spending it on the fortification of Florence. In all, Catherine’s trousseau included 3 pounds of gold and 2 pounds of silver which went towards the embroidery of gowns. Her underwear is said to have been made from lace, gold and silver cloth, while the sheets were made from silk.
Today’s woman always complains about the cost of those little numbers that she wears close to her body, that nobody sees and costs the earth. She feels almost guilty buying them. However, if there ever was a time to let yourself go it’s your honeymoon. For if you think those bits and pieces are too expensive for you now, you’ll find them doubly so after you get married. After all, there are much more urgent matters to consider - like electricity bills, rates, etc., So spend. Buy attractive, even if it is expensive. (Excerpt from 'Honeymoon! A Sizzle or a Fizzle)
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