Do I need a wedding purse?

While you don’t need a giant tote, a small bag to hold your essentials (think phone, keys, credit cards, and ID) will come in handy for selfies and post-reception drinks at the bar.

Does my wedding purse need to be white?

Just because tradition says a bride needs to wear white, nowadays it’s all about celebrating your personal style . Find a bag that compliments your dress so your whole look will flow together in any action shots your photographer captures.

Are wedding purses expensive?

Some brides choose to splurge on a brand name bag, but others decide to grab something less pricey. There are plenty of gorgeous options under $50, so don’t feel like you have to break the bank for something swoon-worthy to hold your essentials.

The 14 Best Wedding Purses to Carry on Your Big Day

bride carrying purse — Photo by Lucy Cuneo

When it comes time to pull together your entire bridal look, there’s a chance you bypassed one of the most essential accessories: a wedding purse. While you might not have considered that you’ll need a bag when you’re a bride, the truth is, you probably still want access to some essentials (think: your phone, keys, lipstick, credit cards, and ID), even on your special day.

When you're shopping for the perfect wedding purse, it's important to consider a few things. Namely, the style, size, and ease of carrying. Since your purse will probably make an appearance in at least a few photos, you’ll want it to compliment your look—especially if you keep the celebration going after your sparkler send-off. It should also be big enough to fit all your essentials and comfortable to carry around all night. For some, this may mean a clutch they hold in their hand, while others may prefer to have a strap to hang on their shoulder. We researched the best wedding purses on the market with these features in mind to help you find the best one.

Read on for the best wedding purses to carry on your big day—and beyond!

Our Top Picks

Most Sparkle:

Marina Raphael Evangelie at Marinaraphael.com

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Most Playful:

francesca's Shirdee Beaded Bride Clutch at Francescas.com

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Best Contemporary:

BHLDN Torelle Bag at Bhldn

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Best for a Destination Wedding:

POOLSIDE The Disco Ball Pearl at Neiman Marcus

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Best Beaded Bag:

Jumz The Mia Bag at Jumzs.com

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Best Details:

Loeffler Randall Clutches & Evening bags at Amazon

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Best Boho:

Petit Kouraj Ecru Mini Fringe Bag at Petitkouraj.com

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Best for the Fashion-Forward Bride:

Anima Iris Shimmery Zaria at Animairis.com

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Best for a Beach Wedding:

Scully & Scully Shell Clutch at Scullyandscully.com

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Best for Post-Reception:

Olga Berg Ellie Crystal Mesh Bag at Revolve

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Courtesy of Marina Raphael

View On Marinaraphael.com

Upgrade your bridal 'fit with this show-stopping handbag by designer Marina Raphael. Made of iridescent Swarovski crystal mesh, this glamorous and modern purse is the perfect contrast to an all-white ensemble.

Style: Handbag, crossbody | Shades: Iridescent | Dimensions: (L) 7", (W) 2", (H) 6" | Material: Plexiglass, cotton, Swarovski crystals

Price at time of publish: $989

Courtesy of Francesca's

View On Francescas.com

You’re the guest of honor, so why not celebrate your VIP status? This playful, beaded clutch from Francesca’s can be carried over your shoulder or as a clutch and makes the perfect honeymoon or bachelorette party accessory as well.

Style: Clutch, crossbody | Shades: White, multi | Dimensions: [H] 6", [W] 10", [D] 1" | Material: Cotton, glass, metal

Price at time of publish: $56

Courtesy of BHLDN

View On Bhldn

This envelope clutch is an all-time favorite for brides thanks to its ivory beading, scalloped flap, and simple gold chain. Bonus: It can easily fit your phone, lipstick, and tissues.

Style: Clutch, crossbody | Shades: Ivory, gold, blue | Dimensions: [L] 9.4", [W] 5", Strap drop 42" | Material: Cotton, polyester, glass beads, brass chain

Price at time of publish: $68

Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

View On Neiman Marcus

If you’re heading to a tropical location for the big day, this pearl-studded basket wristlet from Poolside is a must. Bonus: It also doubles as the cutest honeymoon purse if you’re headed somewhere tropical post “I do.”

Style: Handle bag | Shades: Natural | Dimensions: [H] 8", [W] 8", [D] 8", Strap drop 7" | Material: Straw, faux pearls, calf leather

Price at time of publish: $275

Courtesy of Jumz

View On Jumzs.com

Rows and rows of cream-colored pearl beads make up this spectacular bag from Jumz. Not only will it hold your wedding day essentials, but it’s so gorgeous you’ll definitely want your photographer to grab some detail shots of its exterior.

Style: Handbag | Shades: Pearl white | Dimensions: [L] 9″, [W] 4″, [H] 8″ | Material: Pearl beads

Price at time of publish: $160

Loeffler Randall Women's Rayne Pleated Frame Clutch

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Shopbop.com

Say hello to your new favorite accessory. The sassy plissé fabric and big, bold bow on the Rayne pleated clutch pair beautifully with a sleek dress or a rose gold wedding color palette.

Style: Clutch, crossbody | Shades: Metallic rose | Dimensions: [L] 10.25", [H] 7", [D] 0.75", Strap drop 15.25" | Material: Plissé lamé

Price at time of publish: $250

Courtesy of Petit Kouraj

View On Petitkouraj.com

For bohemian brides wanting a bag that fits their theme, it’s hard to beat individually sewn fringe and a netted structure. Plus, since the Ecru mini comes with an adjustable crossbody strap, you can mix up your look post-celebration.

Style: Handle bag | Shades: Ecru | Dimensions: [L] 18", [D] 9", Handle 3.5" | Material: Leather

Price at time of publish: $375

Courtesy of Anima Iris

View On Animairis.com

It’s hard not to fall in love with this unique, trapezoidal leather bag from Anima Iris. Made to order from 100 percent leather and coming in close to 20 colors, the Zaria is completely covetable.

Style: Handbag | Shades: Multiple | Dimensions: [L] 7.5", [W] 5", [H] 8.5" | Material: Leather

Price at time of publish: $520

Courtesy of Scully & Scully

View On Scullyandscully.com

While you might not have considered carrying your essentials in a shell, we can’t get over how adorable this unique clutch is from Scully & Scully. We’re officially considering this a beach wedding essential!

Style: Clutch | Shades: Multi | Dimensions: [W] 9", [H] 5 1/4", [D] 3" | Material: Wood, brass, chamois

Price at time of publish: $485

Courtesy of Revolve

View On Revolve

Light up the room with crystals and get the party started with this ring handle beauty! The non-stop shine and contemporary design of the Ellie will carry over from formal ceremony to post-reception party at the club.

Style: Handle bag | Shades: Silver | Dimensions: [W] 7", [H] 7", [D] 6", Handle drop 3" | Material: Satin, fabric lining

Price at time of publish: $110

Courtesy BHLDN

View On Bhldn

For many brides, pearls are the definition of beauty and romance, so a noteworthy bag emulating that vision is a decadent wedding treat. We guarantee you'll find extra reasons to put this exceptional clutch on display during your big day.

Style: Clutch, handbag | Shades: Taupe | Dimensions: [L] 11"L, [W] 2", [H] 5.5", Strap drop 11" | Material: Silk, plastic beads, brass

Price at time of publish: $278

Courtesy of Minku

View On Minku.com

This Nigerian-made, pewter-colored bag is small and beautiful, but it’s also mighty. The petite purse has two internal compartments and expandable sides to fit all of your essentials, and its fabulous fringe detail elevates it to a fashion-forward fave.

Style: Clutch, handbag | Shades: Silver | Dimensions: [L] 7 1/2", [W] 5 1/2", [H] 1/2", Strap drop 39" | Material: Leather

Price at time of publish: $102

Benedetta Bruzziches Crystal-Embellished Clutch Bag

Courtesy of FarFetch

View On Farfetch.com

Want your purse to double as your something blue? This clutch from Benedetta Bruzziches is made from crystal embellishments and comes with a glamorous silver crystal strap to up the style factor.

Style: Clutch, handbag | Shades: Blue | Dimensions: [W] 7.9", [H] 3.9", [D] 0.4", Strap drop 18.5" | Material: Brass, glass, fabric

Price at time of publish: $251

David's Bridal All-Over Iridescent Pearl Clutch

Courtesy of David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

If you’re looking for a notable bag that defines class, this clutch has you covered. The sophisticated purse comes in an elegant white color with pearl embellishments throughout the front (and a hidden strap, too). Plus, it is at an affordable price point compared to most bridal handbags.

Style: Clutch, handbag | Shades: White | Dimensions: [L] 8", [W] 5.5", [D] 3" | Material: Synthetic

Price at time of publish: $40

What to Look for in a Wedding Purse

When it comes to wedding purses it's important to select a style that not only reflects your bridal aesthetic but complements your wedding outfit, too. Looking for a wedding purse to match your glamourous personality? Opt for a clutch covered in pearls or shimmering crystals and beads. Going for a more minimalist look? Sleek and simple envelope clutches or architectural hardshell purses make the perfect complement to any pared-back look. Once you've found your dream wedding purse, make sure to check that it can fit all of your wedding day essentials and is comfortable and convenient to carry.

FAQ

Do I need a wedding purse?

While you don’t need a giant tote, a small bag to hold your essentials (think phone, keys, credit cards, and ID) will come in handy for selfies and post-reception drinks at the bar.
Does my wedding purse need to be white?

Just because tradition says a bride needs to wear white, nowadays it’s all about celebrating your personal style. Find a bag that compliments your dress so your whole look will flow together in any action shots your photographer captures.
Are wedding purses expensive?

Some brides choose to splurge on a brand name bag, but others decide to grab something less pricey. There are plenty of gorgeous options under $50, so don’t feel like you have to break the bank for something swoon-worthy to hold your essentials.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Rachel Varina is a social media, digital marketing, and editorial expert with over seven years of professional writing experience. Her work has appeared on sites such as Betches and Elite Daily.

15 Customizable Bridal Clutches to Complete Your Wedding Look