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It's a dying tradition but every bride should consider it as part of their wedding

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When I got married almost 10 years ago, I gathered a few things to add to my trousseau.

And when I say I gathered, I mean my mother did. You see as a millennial albeit a senior one, I wasn't too worried about collecting linen, crockery and all that jazz. I was caught up in the wedding madness but I'm glad my mother insisted on this tradition.

I still remember the week before I got married and all my mother's aunts came over for the struikery. It's a Cape Malay tradition that the older women of the family come over to help iron and pack all the goodies that go into the trousseau.

The tradition seems to be dying out but it's quite an event for the old aunties and very much part of the wedding.

What is a trousseau?

According to good old Merriam Webster, Twitter's sassiest dictionary, the word first came into play around 1817. That's a pretty old world kind of concept. It comes from the French word trousser, meaning "to truss" or "to tuck up." Fittingly, a bride might truss or bundle a variety of items as part of it.

These were mainly things that a bride would take with her to her new home including things like her personal possessions including clothes, accessories and household items and wares.

Back in Victorian times brides would get an actual wooden chest made.

What does the modern bride need in her trousseau?

I suppose the bigger question would be does she even need one? Well, it depends on the circumstances you find yourself in. If you're already living with your partner then chances are you already have most everything you need for your home.

But if like me and are only leaving your parents house or living on your own to move in with your partner then it's a good idea to gather a few things to make the transition smoother.

Fresh linen and towels

Getting some new sheets and duvet sets is an important one. It doesn't have to be 500 thread Egyptian cotton sheets but getting into a bed with new covers is such bliss.

Your old style may not match up with your spouse's so find some with a look that you both love for your new bedroom.

It might seem boring as heck but you can never have too many towels. If you're feeling especially fancy you can even get some monogrammed. And if you're feeling particularly geeky, you can get your Hogwarts House crests on them. 

Don't forget to include some new beach towels as well.

READ MORE: Should fathers still be walking brides down the aisle?

New clothes

This might seem like a strange one because surely you already have enough threads and are forking out quite a bit on your wedding dress. I'm talking more about a few new affordable things to take with on your honeymoon.

We got married in the summer and went on holiday after to a hot spring so I kitted myself out with a bathing costume, sandals and summer dresses along with the new beach towels.

A first aid kit and medicine box

You can pick up a ready-made one at your local pharmacy, Clicks or Dischem. You should also include over the counter medications for common ailments such as pain, fever, flu, heartburn, indigestion, allergies, constipation and runny tummies so you're prepared for life's smaller inconveniences to your health.

Mugs

This was hands down my favourite part of my trousseau but that might be because I have a small mug fetish. But it's not a lie to say that you need mugs to survive life in general.

How else are you supposed to drink coffee in the mornings or tea at night?

The great thing about mugs is that they're both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Not only is it a great way to show off your individual style but you can also have fun with them. Splurge on some Le Creuset or get some cheesy couples mugs made.

What would you add to your modern trousseau? Share your suggestions with us.

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