This tradition evolved from Holland when a father disapproved of his daughter's choice and the villagers gathered to "shower" her with the dowry her father refused.

Once upon a time, the bride's family would begin preparing for her marriage when she was born. They would collect embroidered and crafted items to store in a striking piece of furniture known as a "marriage" or "hope" chest.

A century ago in Italy the bride's belongings were carried in a street procession to her marriage and everyone saw the contents. Today, the bride's family might purchase the hope chest.

In some communities today, a "trousseau tea" is held before the wedding. This "ladies only" social gathering is a way to show off all the bride's new things not just gifts, but lingerie, clothing items, personal items -everything but the wedding costume.

Bridal showers were meant to strengthen the ties between the bride and her friends, provide her moral support, and help her prepare for her marriage. Gift giving dates from the 1890's.