Wedding season is well and truly underway. So, if you’ve been lucky enough to receive an invitation or two for this summer, it’s time to start thinking about what to wear.
Every ceremony is an open invitation to dress to the nines. Whether that means wearing a simple silky slip, an elegant printed maxi or even a classic LBD, it’s an opportunity for you to look, and feel, your best. And no wedding guest dress is complete without an accompanying bag.
The unsung hero of your look, the right bag hanging from your arm would make even the simplest of ensembles nuptials-ready. Whether it transforms a dress already hanging in your wardobe into an entirely new outfit or is the deciding factor in one you‘re buying for the occasion, it’s the arm-candy that completes the look.
Whilst a ‘wedding guest bag’ may bring to mind visions of boring, unwieldly clutches, that’s certainly not what you’ll find in this list. First of all, if you can’t think of anything worse than lumbering around a clutch all day while attempting to balance a glass of champagne, a canapé and your iPhone for the all-important content, you’ll be pleased to hear handles are on the agenda.
You could choose a crossbody, a top handle or even a grab bag - either way, each boast carrying potential beyond holding the entire bag itself. Even better, most of the handles are detachable, so you can transform it into an eveningwear-ready clutch for the afterparty.
It’s best to invest in a style you’re likely to wear for the wedding and beyond. You could glitter like a discoball with Prada’s Hobo, lean into monochrome with Mango’s black flower bag or even up the feminine ante with Shrimps’ beaded design. Whichever you choose, it’s sure to elevate your outfits for years to come.
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Shrimps Mini Antonia Bag Blue
Shrimps’ Antonia bag is a sell-out season after season - so why not invest in this versatile blue style in preparation for wedding season? The brand’s signature, it’s a fashion insider-favourite, and will certainly live happily in your wardrobe for years to come. Even better, when its your wedding day, you can use it as your ‘something blue’.
Buy now £395.00, Shrimps
Mango Maxi Flower Bag
When you’re a colourphobe going for a classic LBD dress, keep the look monochrome with Mango’s flower bag. Both feminine and grungey, it’s a cool addition to any look - especially for a wedding in the city. If you’re more into brights, it’s also available in pink.
Buy now £59.99, Mango
Whistles X Hai Lilac Vera Bag
High-street label Whistles has collaborated with London-based cult favourite Hai on a range of wedding-ready ready-to-wear and, of course, accessories. A brand that’s known for its expertise in silk, it’s no wonder the entire collection is crafted in the lustrous fabric - including this bag.
Bringing the 60s straight into 2023, the Vera would feel at home swinging from your arm at any summer party - all you need now is a glass of champagne to match.
Buy now £98.00, Whistles
Prada Hobo Re-Edition 2000 Nylon with Crystals
If you want a luxury bag without the eye-watering price tag, renting is the answer. The best in the business? Cocoon.
From a vaycay-ready basket tote by Loewe to this crystal-encrusted Prada Hobo, all of your bag-related needs will be taken care of by the frontrunner in the field. The best part? They own the entire collection, so the process is controlled from end-to-end in-house rather than seller-to-buyer.
Over wedding season, all you need to do is sign up for the Flexi membership for £19 and then you can buy 7-day passes for £45 or £55 depending on the bag’s RRP, which lets you have your chosen style for an entire week.
Buy now, Cocoon
Loewe Puffer Goya padded velvet down shoulder bag
Loewe’s signature Goya bag has been given a puffy, cloud-like makeover for SS23 - and it’s the perfect edition for a wedding guest wardrobe.
Crafted from a soft velvet that’s filled with down, the brand’s gold-tone logo will be glinting front and centre as you go from the ceremony to the afterparty. You can carry it as a clutch, but if you want a little more sparkle, you can use the gold-tone chain, too.
Buy now £1650.00, Loewe
Paco Rabanne Pixel medium dégradé chainmail shoulder bag
Everything about this bag is wedding party-ready. From the shimmering chainmail construction, a Paco Rabanne signature, to the dégradé pattern, it’s a summery number that will upgrade even the simplest of dresses. Worn with a simple slip, you’ll be the belle of the ball - bar the bride, of course.
Buy now £840.00, Matches
Reiss Zebra Calf Hair Baguette Bag
Somehow, Reiss’ zebra print bag is equal parts statement and understated. A punchy print that’s balanced with a neutral colourway, the two-tone stripes promises to pep up your wedding day attire - whatever you’re wearing.
It’s crafted using 100 per cent leather and the detachable strap means it can be transformed easily from a clutch to a shoulder bag - all for just £98. What’s not to love?
Buy now £98.00, Reiss
Roop Baby furoshiki bag in tangerine
Sustainable label Roop has experienced great success over the last few years.
From its XL scrunchies to the signature furoshiki bags, which are inspired by a type of traditional Japanese wrapping cloth, it’s become a fashion favourite - even better, everything’s crafted using deadstock fabrics so there’s a nod to eco-conscious practices.
We love this orange colourway which is the joyful pop of colour that’s perfect for wedding celebrations. Everything is limited edition, so if you like it, make sure you add to basket pronto.
Buy now £48.00, Roop
Jacquemus Bambino leather top-handle bag
Every single one of Jacquemus’ bags are on our wishlist. From the Chiquito to the Rond, no event-dressing wardrobe is complete without one of the cool yet fun luxury accessories.
The Bambino is perfect for weddings. It can be carried as a clutch or as a crossbody, and there’s enough room for an iPhone, a lipstick and a mascara so it covers all the bases.
Buy now £515.00, Jacquemus
Demellier The Vancouver
Expertly made, classically sleek and contemporary yet timeless, Demellier’s The Vancouver is an enduring stylish addition to any accessories collection. The adjustable strap means you can wear it cross-body or ever the shoulder, depending on your look. There’s a reason why the label is a favourite with the royals - from Princess of Wales to Queen Camilla.
Buy now £360.00, Demellier
