In the past, lingerie was not something a woman took
lightly. And by the time the big day arrived she was very well supplied. Being
part of what is called a trousseau, and which had to be sown by hand, putting
it together was an ongoing life-long labour of love.
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.
Extract from 'Honeymoon! A Sizzle or a Fizzle'
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