The 20 Best Purses for Wedding Guests, According to Brides Editors (2024)

When attending a wedding, choosing a chic purse to hang on your arm is just as important as selecting the right dress to wear. While you certainly don't need to pack a lot of items for the night, there are a few staples you'll want a small purse for while dancing, secretly wiping tears from your eyes, or holding a drink and grabbing a passed hors d'oeuvre.

You may want a purse that you can wear for all your future wedding invites or a statement clutch to go with a specific dress. Either way, we researched the best wedding guest purses that are stylish yet large enough to hold all your essentials while celebrating the couple.

The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Guest Attire

This trendy option will quickly become your go-to wedding guest purse, thanks to its versatility and of-the-moment style. It's small enough to look stylish, but it still holds an impressive amount of items.

Colors:2 |Materials:Acrylic | Dimensions: 4.6" H x 3.1" W x 7.7" L

For a summer wedding, especially during the day, you typically want something that feels a bit more casual and relaxed. This fringe straw bag is a perfect fit and comes in such fun, bright colors.

Colors: Tan and white |Materials:Cotton | Dimensions: 11" wide, 7" tall, 0.5" deep

The timeless design of this pleated clutch will work for almost any wedding and with almost any dress. The shimmery gold color is just as versatile, and with the snap closure, you don't have to worry about anything falling out.

Colors: Gold metallic |Materials:Satin | Dimensions: 7" L x 1.75" W x 4.5" H

Need a purse ASAP? You can find beautiful wedding purses on Amazon that will arrive quickly and allow easy returns as needed. This bag is one of the top sellers. Coming in 16 different colors, you can easily match the faux suede design to your outfit. Best of all, it's large enough to fit an iPhone 14 Pro Max and it has a removable gold chain strap.

Colors: 16 |Materials:Faux Suede | Dimensions: 8.5"W x 5"H x 2"D

For some glitter and glitz, opt for this metallic option that puts a dressed-up spin on the bucket bag. The crystal mesh adds so much pretty sparkle and the brass handle is a beautiful touch.

Colors:Gold, silver |Materials:Brass mesh with crystals | Dimensions: 6"W x 5.5"H x 6"D

For something that is chic and timeless, there's this nude Christian Louboutin bag. Made of shiny patent leather, it features a unique shape and the brand's signature red interior for a pop of color.

Colors:Nude, Black |Materials:Patent leather | Dimensions: 6.1"H x 12"W x 2"D

An envelope clutch is a classic option that will never go out of style. This one features YSL's signature logo, as well as a convenient magnetic closure. Small and slim, this is the ultimate party clutch.

Colors:5 |Materials:Leather | Dimensions: 10.75"W x 0.5"D x 6.25"H

This woven and faux leather purse is definitely on the more casual side and is perfect for daytime or beach weddings. The gold hardware makes it feel more dressed up and the chunky chain is on-trend.

Colors:Beige |Materials:Faux leather | Dimensions: 24cm x 13cm x 7cm

This colorful bag isn't going to match everything, but it's so much fun that it's hard to resist. The multi-colored fringe and raffia are especially great for summertime weddings with a festive dress code.

Colors:Multi |Materials:Fringe and raffia | Dimensions: 7" W x 4" H x 1.5" D

Made from woven polyester satin, this clutch is unexpected but oh so elegant. Coming in five rich shades, it's the ideal addition to a satin wedding guest dress. Bonus points for a detachable chain and inner pockets.

Colors:5 |Materials:Polyester | Dimensions: 6"H, 12"W, 1.5"D

This fan-shaped clutch is unique but not overwhelming, and won't distract too much attention from the rest of your look. However, be sure to keep in mind that it's a smaller size than the standard clutch, and may not fit all of your necessities.

Colors:Gold |Materials:Leather | Dimensions: 10 1/2"W x 5 1/2"H x 2"D

While this bag is a bit of a splurge, it's also a classic evening beaded bag that you'll probably use for countless events. Get it in a bright color like this light siam shade, or opt for something more neutral, like hematite or jet black.

Colors:7 |Materials:Satin, crystals | Dimensions: 5"H x 10"W x 0.8"D

A wristlet is a great option if you want something very small that is easy to carry throughout the entire night. This one from Brahmin is unique and funky, and comes in shiny metallic shades that are fun and colorful.

Colors:9 |Materials:Croc-embossed leather | Dimensions: 8.5″ W 5.38″ H 2.0″ D

When attending a beach wedding, you probably don't want to carry a bag made of heavy materials like suede, crystals, or velvet. Instead, opt for something like this rattan clutch, which feels just right for a ceremony by the ocean.

Colors: Natural |Materials:Rattan | Dimensions:9" W x 6" H x 2.25" D

Neutral shades like beige, silver, or black are great, but sometimes you just want a really bold color. This ruched clutch comes in several different bright hues, like this Bougainville shade that will stand out in any crowd.

Colors: 8 |Materials:Polyurethane | Dimensions: 11" W X7" H X4" D

This satin clutch features crystal and feather embellishments, so it kind of has it all. The feathered detail makes it fun, and the crystals give just enough sparkle.

Colors: 4 |Materials:Textile, feather | Dimensions: Not specified

This rainbow patterned multi-colored bag is fun and unique and will be a nice pop of color against any dress. If you prefer a more subtle piece, the nude hue is a bit more understated and just as pretty.

Colors: Multi, nude, bright pink |Materials:Acrylic, polyester | Dimensions: 7 ½"W x 5"H x 2"D

If you already are wearing pearls as part of your look, a pearl clutch is the perfect finishing touch. This embellished bag looks much more expensive than it actually is, thanks to the allover pearl design and embellished closure. It comes with a chain so you can wear it over your shoulder as well.

Colors: Off-White |Materials:Acrylic, polyester | Dimensions: H: 10cm/4" W: 27cm/10.6"

This inexpensive clutch is a great choice if you're looking for something budget-friendly. The oversized bow detail is cute, and the overall look is chic and holds a decent amount of items.

Colors: Black |Materials:Faux leather | Dimensions: 11-1/4"W x 5-3/4"H x 3/4"D

The boxy shape of this bag is modern and unique, but still elegant, thanks to the gold frame. The crystal ball closure is a beautiful detail, and it also comes with a detachable strap so you can adjust how you want to wear it. We love the Barbiecore pink shade.

Colors:Pink |Materials:Crystal | Dimensions: 7 1/2"W x 4"H x 2"D

What to Look for in a Wedding Guest Purse

Design

When shopping for the right wedding guest purse, you have to decide if you want something versatile that can be used as your go-to evening bag, or if you want something more bold, trendy, and fun that will make a statement. For a purse that can be used for almost every wedding (and more), opt for neutral shades like black, white, nude, metallic gold, or silver. For a standout piece, look for bright colors, interesting designs, and funky embellishments, like Olga Berg Carlita Carnivale Clutch.

Size

What's more, you should also search for functional pieces. If your purse can't even hold your phone, what's the point of having it? A wedding guest purse should be small enough to be handheld, but with a large enough pocket to hold your essentials without bulging. Before purchasing, double check the bag's dimensions to see if it's at least large enough to hold your phone.

Comfort

Lastly, look for something that is comfortable for you. If you want something to hang over your shoulder so your hands are free, opt for a small handbag or mini crossbody, like Jules Kae Brea Bag. And if you don't mind holding your bag or sticking it under your arm, a clutch is also a great option (even better, a clutch with a chain that can be put inside the bag if you want). With a removable chain, you can wear Kelly & Katie Princess Pleat Clutch either way.

FAQ

  • What color should a wedding guest purse be?

    A great rule of thumb is to choose a purse that coordinates with the color of your dress, or opt for a versatile piece that can be worn with almost anything for future events. A neutral shade like black, white, or nude will go with almost any look and any event—while a bright, bold purse is fun but not as versatile. And while guests are normally advised to avoid white dresses for a wedding, a white purse is okay.

  • How much will a wedding guest purse cost?

    There is no set amount for a wedding guest purse; what you spend depends on your budget. If you feel like you want to splurge, these purses can cost upwards of a few hundred or even thousands of dollars. If you want something more budget-friendly, you can find great options for less than $50, like Dasein Suede Clutch.

  • What should I have in my purse at a wedding?

    You always want to take your essentials like your phone, keys, and wallet. You may also want to take hand sanitizer, lipstick, concealer, and a compact mirrorto make any touchups.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writerJessica Boothis a freelance writer and formerly served as an editor for seven years. Her work has been featured in Bustle, Insider, Redbook, and Refinery29.

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The 20 Best Purses for Wedding Guests, According to Brides Editors (2024)

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