A few months before your big day, the wedding planning mayhem kicks in. Just like planning your bridal ensembles is a time-consuming task, so is putting together your trousseau. While the idea of buying new clothing and creating a wardrobe from scratch in your new home is exciting, it also requires careful curation. Ultimately, this is the collection you'll be turning to for all your post-wedding gatherings and celebrations. Wedding preparation can get chaotic and may tamper with how you curate your trousseau, but adding a few basics are non-negotiable. So, we got in touch with well-known Indian designer Ritu Kumar to share a few tips on getting started with options that combine tradition and practicality.
Earlier brides would carry almost everything they felt they needed for their married life, spanning from clothing, jewellery, to linen and homeware, but today the concepts are changing. The modern bride wants her trousseau to be an amalgamation of traditional weaves that stand the test of time, high fashion ensembles, well-tailored workwear and an array of honeymoon appropriate choices. "What should be included in a trousseau has changed, quite substantially, over the years. At one time, you were given either 11 or 21 saris, or 31 jodas, depending on your family’s traditions. That was your trousseau which almost lasted you a lifetime. I think those days have passed. I would imagine, in today’s trousseau, you would want a few saris, some definitely for going to weddings or bridal wear—if not your bridal sari," shares Ritu Kumar.
What are the must-have pieces that every bridal trousseau should include?
??I would suggest you definitely put in one Kanjeevaram and one Benarasi sari to last you forever. Then, of course, any other sari that your whim takes—saris today are no longer just traditional, they can be worn almost as gowns or as a three-piece set or with pyjamas. I would recommend having six to seven saris of different kinds in your trousseau.
Jewellery is a definite must. Choose pieces that are classic and will stand the test of time versus something that is based on trends. There is always time to buy something that is non-traditional or traditional fake jewellery later in your life, but your wedding is the time to invest in real, serious jewellery. You can’t go wrong with kundan, a pair of earrings that look a bit antique, a maang tikka and some bangles.
Other than that, I believe in today’s day and age, trousseau-wear is not very formal, it also can be meant for going to parties, events in sunnier climates, out in the open. That’s why I suggest including some pastels with a little bit of embroidery are a must. Without these, you will probably have to go to the market again. You also need to add dresses, trousers, and other things that you can wear all the time.
What should be avoided in your trousseau?
There are no absolute don’ts while curating a trousseau. I think if one at the time of collecting a trousseau, invests in saris and other pieces that last, it is a very good idea. As time goes on, they still stay in your cupboard. Avoid fast fashion at this point in time; being fast, they don't last. You remember your trousseau for what you got which was of value, particularly the pieces that are handcrafted.