What Purse Suits A Wedding: Tips And Tricks

When it comes to weddings, there's a lot to consider – from the dress code to the accessories. But one question that often comes up is whether or not you can bring a purse. The short answer is yes, you can definitely bring a purse to a wedding! In fact, it's a great way to keep all your essentials handy and add a stylish touch to your outfit. From sleek clutches to trendy crossbody bags, there are plenty of options to choose from that will complement your look and keep your must-haves within easy reach.

What to put in your purse for the wedding

Whether you're the bride or a guest, there are some essentials you'll want to have on hand during a wedding. Here's a list of what to put in your purse for the big day:

For the Bride:

• A mini mirror to check for spinach in your teeth or rogue makeup after shedding happy tears.
• Lip balm to keep your lips shiny and moisturised throughout the day, especially if you plan on wearing lipstick.
• Mints or gum to keep your breath fresh while mingling and making small talk.
• A stain remover stick for any unexpected stains on your pristine white dress.
• Tissues or a handkerchief to blot your tears and those of your spouse.
• Your phone and a portable charger to ensure you don't miss capturing any special moments.
• Powder or blotting paper to avoid any unwanted sheen in pictures, especially if it's an outdoor wedding.
• Safety pins for any unforeseen dress dilemmas.

For Guests:

• Lipstick, gloss, or balm for touch-ups throughout the day.
• Hand sanitiser, concealer, and a compact mirror for touch-ups.
• A hair tie or clip to keep your hair in place while you dance the night away.
• Wallet, keys, and other essentials like safety pins and bobby pins.
• Tissues if you're a crier.
• A power bank so you don't miss capturing any special moments.

Choosing a purse that matches the dress code

Consider the Dress Code:

The purse you choose should align with the wedding's dress code. For white-tie weddings, which are the most formal, handbag designer Marina Raphael suggests choosing a purse with an avant-garde feel. Opt for small, traditional purses with pearl or crystal details in muted colours like black, white, navy, or beige. For black-tie weddings, a small clutch with a bit of sparkle is a classic choice.

Formal or Black-Tie Optional:

For formal or black-tie optional weddings, you can have a bit more fun with your handbag choice. Raphael recommends a purse with an avant-garde twist, such as a unique shape or construction while still maintaining a formal look.

Cocktail or Semi-Formal:

Cocktail and semi-formal dress codes offer more flexibility in terms of purse size. You can opt for a slightly bigger bag, such as an envelope bag, which provides more space for your essentials.

Festive Dress Codes:

If the wedding has a festive dress code, it's all about fun and personality. Feel free to choose a bag with textiles, patterns, and funky shapes. Break out the velvet or suede handbag, or go for a bag with large prints like palm trees or seashells. A hint of glitter or sparkle is also perfect for a festive celebration.

Casual Dress Code:

Even with a casual dress code, you can still accessorise with style. Marina Raphael suggests staying away from crystals and instead opting for intricate details, patterns, and textures. A bag that combines different materials, such as vegan leather with organic or upcycled cotton, can be a great choice.

Tropical or Destination Weddings:

For destination weddings, especially if they are still black-tie, you can add a twist of fun to your handbag choice. Straw or woven clutches, or small purses, are perfect for a tropical setting.

Size and Comfort:

When choosing a purse, consider its size and your comfort. A mini bag or a small handbag with a cross-strap can be a great hands-free option, ensuring you can comfortably dance and move around.

Colour and Versatility:

When selecting a purse colour, consider whether you want something versatile that can be used for multiple weddings or a bold statement piece. Neutral shades like black, white, nude, gold, or silver will go with almost any outfit and event. On the other hand, a bright and bold purse can be a fun choice but may not be as versatile.

Remember, your wedding guest purse should reflect your personal style while also complementing the event's dress code. With these tips, you can find the perfect balance and choose a purse that completes your wedding guest look.

Purses for wedding guests on a budget

When choosing a purse to bring to a wedding, it's important to consider both your personal style and the event's dress code. If you're on a budget, there are plenty of stylish and affordable options available. Here are some tips and recommendations for purses for wedding guests on a budget:

Design

When selecting a wedding guest purse, you can choose something versatile that can be used for multiple occasions, or you can opt for a bolder statement piece. For a versatile option, go for neutral shades such as black, white, nude, gold, or silver. These colours will complement most outfits and are suitable for various dress codes. On the other hand, if you want to make a statement, look for bright colours, interesting designs, and funky embellishments.

Size

It's important to choose a functional purse that can hold your essentials. Your purse should be small enough to be handheld but large enough to fit items like your phone, wallet, and lipstick. Before purchasing, be sure to check the bag's dimensions to ensure it can accommodate your phone and other necessities.

Comfort

Consider your comfort when selecting a purse. If you want to keep your hands free, opt for a small handbag or a mini crossbody bag. If you don't mind holding your bag or tucking it under your arm, a clutch is a great option, especially if it has a detachable chain or strap for added versatility.

Recommendations:

• Amazon: Amazon offers a wide range of affordable wedding guest purses. You can find stylish options like the Dasein Suede Clutch for $23, or the BBjinronjy Clutch Purse for Women, which features evening bags and handbags for wedding parties.
• INC International Concepts Bowah Hands Through Clutch: This chic clutch features an oversized bow detail and is available at Macy's for a budget-friendly price.
• Coach Hayden Crossbody: This bag is perfect if you want something metallic and affordable. The Hayden Crossbody bag by Coach combines style and affordability, offering a minimalist look with a soft gold exterior.
• Olga Berg Annalee Crystal Trim Clutch: This clutch strikes a balance between elegance and boldness. It features sleek metallic vegan leather and a rhinestone clasp, and it comes with a silver chain so you can go hands-free on the dance floor.
• Kate Spade Anna Medium Envelope Clutch: This compact clutch has enough space for all your wedding essentials, including your phone, tissues, and makeup. It's the perfect complement to any look, with its minimalist design and ivory colour.
• Lulus Garden of Glam Beige Velvet Floral Sequin Clutch: This embellished clutch adds a "more-is-more maximalist vibe" to your outfit. It can be paired with a simple slip dress for a spring garden wedding or dressed up for a black-tie event.
• Lulus On The List Cream Marble Acrylic Box Clutch: This box clutch is perfect for the fashion-forward guest. Its pearl-inspired design and acrylic material make it virtually stain-proof.

White purses: are they acceptable for wedding guests?

White purses are acceptable for wedding guests, and they can even be a stylish choice. While it is generally advised that guests avoid wearing white dresses to a wedding, white accessories like shoes and purses are considered acceptable.

A white purse can be a stylish and versatile choice for a wedding guest, pairing well with a range of dress colours and patterns. For example, a white purse could complement a print or patterned dress, or a colourful ensemble. A white purse could also be a good choice if you want a bag that can be used for multiple events in the future.

When choosing a white purse for a wedding, it is important to consider the style and size of the bag, as well as your own comfort. A small, traditional purse with pearl or crystal details could be a good option for a formal wedding, while a white clutch or crossbody bag could be a more versatile choice that can be dressed up or down. You may also want to consider a bag with a detachable strap so you can switch between a handheld clutch and a shoulder bag.

Ultimately, the most important factor when choosing a purse for a wedding is that it reflects your personal style and is comfortable for you to carry.

The best purse shapes and sizes for weddings

When choosing a purse for a wedding, you'll want to consider its design, size, and comfort.

Design

If you're after a versatile purse that can be used for multiple wedding invites, opt for neutral shades such as black, white, nude, gold, or silver. If you're after something bolder, look for bright colours, interesting designs, and funky embellishments.

Size

Your purse should be small enough to be handheld but large enough to hold your essentials, including your phone, keys, and wallet.

Comfort

If you want a purse that you can hang over your shoulder, opt for a small handbag or mini crossbody bag. If you're happy to hold your bag or stick it under your arm, a clutch is a great option, especially if it has a chain that can be put inside the bag if you want to switch it up.

Best purse shapes and sizes for weddings

• Clutches: Opt for a classic clutch or one with a chain that can be put inside the bag.
• Crossbody bags: A small crossbody bag will allow you to go hands-free.
• Mini bags: A mini bag will always be in fashion and can hold all of your essentials.
• Envelope bags: An envelope bag is a good option if you're attending a cocktail or semi-formal wedding.
• Statement pieces: For a white-tie wedding, choose a purse with an avant-garde feel, such as a small, traditional purse with pearl or crystal details.
• Small clutch with sparkle: For a black-tie wedding, a small clutch with a bit of sparkle will add a statement to your outfit.
• Avant-garde purse: For a formal or black-tie optional wedding, opt for a purse with an avant-garde twist, like the Jewel Box bag from Marina Raphael's collection.
• Bigger bag: For a cocktail or semi-formal wedding, you can opt for a slightly bigger bag.
• Fun and personality: For a festive dress code, choose a bag with textiles, patterns, and funky shapes. Break out a velvet or suede handbag, or one with large prints like palm trees and seashells.
• Intricate details: For a casual dress code, handbag designer Marina Raphael suggests steering clear of crystals and instead looking for more intricate details and different patterns and textures.
• Straw or woven clutch: For a tropical or destination wedding, a straw or woven clutch is the way to go.

Frequently asked questions