Choosing the best bags for a wedding is a crucial step to the perfect wedding guest outfit. When you're four hours in, awkwardly readjusting your wedding guest dress and desperate to free your hands for very important things like picking up another glass of Pimms or throwing your hands in the air like you just don't care, you'll wish you had a proper wedding bag that was not just another clutch. There - we said it.
I remember thinking, as a foolhardy child, that nothing was more sophisticated than a clutch bag for a wedding. It meant that you were going to an event, somewhere so illustrious and exciting - let's say, searching for a wedding guest outfit - that you needed to trade in your usual old handbag for something altogether more glamorous. I had a collection of embellished clutches, collected from old copies of Mizz or wherever I found them, and I took one to every school disco for most of the 90s. While that was all well and good, I now find that I generally need to use my hands for more than holding a Flump and downing Capri Sun (what? It was the 90s).
Whether you're dressing up and looking for autumn wedding fashion guidance or upgrading your winter wedding guest dress, chances are you're going to need a bag to match. Even if you're a trouser suit wedding guest instead - power suits are in, after all - picking between the best bags for a wedding can be the final element to that perfect outfit.
Thank heavens, then, for the new cohort of bags that are not only far more stylish than any clutch I've ever seen (particularly those in my own collection), they're also complete with top handles, shoulder straps and beaded hoops that you could even wear as bracelets. Take a look at our selection of the best bags for a wedding.
SHOP: The Best Bags To Take To A Wedding That Aren't A Clutch
Best Summer Wedding Bag (Editor's Choice)
www.whistles.com
This bag by Whistles is the perfect bag for a wedding, be it in the spring or summer. Featuring knot detailing on the straps as a way to add a fun twist to any outfit. Can be used at other summer events, too.
Pros
- Perfect for summer nuptials
- Can be used for other events during the summer
Cons
- May not fit a lot in
Best Unique Wedding Bag
www.itsrooper.co.uk
Sleek, satin and subtly unique, this Roop Furoshiki will be the perfect partner to any wedding. Plus, coming in black, it will be easy to wear again and again.
Best Shoulder Wedding Bag
www.zara.com
This minimalist shoulder bag from Zara is a real game-changer for wedding attire. Featuring an adjustable strap for convenience and practicality. We absolutely adore it and can't get enough of this one.
Pros
- A muted blue looks perfect at any wedding
- Minimalist touch to any outfit
Cons
- Flap may not close if over-packed
kaanjj.com
This beautiful bag is a real piece that you'll want to keep forever and bring out for special occasions. Kaanjj is a brilliant place to find unique accessories – it's a boutique supporting independent South Asian designers and sustainable craftsmanship.
Pros
- It's a show-stopper, made from raw silk and delicately embroidered
- Works for all special occasions, not just weddings
- Under £50, despite the incredible craftsmanship
- Sustainably made
Cons
- Dry-clean only
Best Embellished Wedding Bag
www.matchesfashion.com
With warmer weather on the horizon, don this Rosantica garden bead bag to zhuzh up any bright summer wedding guest dress. It's the perfect bag if you are looking to keep it simple and classy on the bride's big day.
Pros
- Gorgeous design
- Compliments nude dresses
Cons
- Handle isn't as practical as others
Best Leather Wedding Bag
www.selfridges.com
An investment piece that's easy to wear over and over again, the Jacquemus Le Bambino bags are the perfect length to throw over your shoulder at a long wedding.
Pros
- White suits any outfit
- Convenient shoulder strap
Cons
- Marked easily
Best Pearl Wedding Bag
www.accessorize.com
Pearl jewellery is in, so what better way to match your existing accessories than to be seen spotted with this beautiful embroidered bag by Accessorise?
Pros
- Gorgeous pearl detailing
- Comes with longer strap
Cons
- Pearl handle may be prone to breaking easily
Best Crossbody Wedding Bag
www.katespade.co.uk
Something borrowed, something blue - the perfect wedding hue. Get into the wedding spirit with this Kate Spade crossbody bag that will let you bring as much as possible for one of the longer events you'll attend.
Pros
- Easy to carry throughout the day
- Fits a lot inside
Cons
- May be too large and might take away from an outfit
Best Nude Wedding Bag
www.tedbaker.com
This bag is ideal if you like options because you can choose between wearing it as a crossbody bag or carrying it using the top handle. This is one of the best bags for a wedding because it gives you that versatility throughout the day - for photos you can utilise the top handle, and then you can use it as a crossbody to dance the night away.
Pros
- Two ways to wear
- Larger capacity than others
Cons
- May stain easily
Best Floral Wedding Bag
shop.mango.com
With ruffles circulating in a flower design, this satin Mango bag should be paired up with matching shoes or a pink dress - if that's too much for you, there's a classic black choice too. When it comes to bags for a wedding you don't need to limit yourself.
Pros
- Unique design
- Would pair extremely well with a black dress
Cons
- May get caught and damaged
Best Mesh Wedding Bag
redirect.viglink.com
For a touch of bling, might we suggest you take a look at this bag by Olga Berg? Its gorgeous design will have everyone wondering where they can get one for themselves.
Pros
- Adds a fun twist to any wedding outfit
- Perfect for a winter wedding
Cons
- Handle isn't practical
What Bag Should I Take For A Wedding?
Choose a bag that compliments the colour of your dress or trouser suit. It's best to get a purse that goes with the majority of clothing to make your life easier, however, if you choose a bag in a bold colour, we'd suggest you wear a simple yet elegant dress in colours such as nude. You could even match your wedding guest bags and shoes for a proper matchy-matchy moment.
You should make sure you can fit a lot of things into your bag, especially necessities for the day, such as perfume and deodorant. This is particularly important during the hot summer months.
Should My Shoes Match My Bag Exactly?
It's not a rule that your shoes and bag should match. However, matching your shoes and bag exudes sophistication, and you will be less likely to clash colours on the big day.
Hannah Banks-Walker is the Head of Fashion Commerce for Grazia, where she waxes lyrical about midi dresses and tries not to collect any more red lipsticks.