What Kind of Bags Go With a Dress for a Wedding? Here's What You Need to Know.

Because you can't hit the dance floor with your hands full.

Design: Natalie Romine, Photo, left to right: Olga Berg, Lulus

Updated Mar 10, 2025

So, you've picked out an outfit for your upcoming event…now it's time to accessorize! Choose a purse for wedding guest attire that'll knock their socks off. But, what kind of bags go with a dress for wedding attire that feels cohesive? A stylish wedding guest clutch or purse has the power to tie your guest attire together. Plus, it serves a practical purpose as well. There are a few key things you'll want to keep on hand during the wedding (your phone or camera, makeup for touch-ups and, of course, tissues). Opting for a small purse for the wedding is a great way to come prepared. But how do you go about picking the right wedding guest bag? We're breaking that down here. Keep scrolling for expert advice and to check out a few of our favorite handbags for a wedding guest. Then, head to our roundup of wedding guest shoes to find a pair to finish off your look with.

In this article:

What Purse Do You Bring to a Wedding?
How to Decide What Bag to Bring to a Wedding
The Best Wedding Guest Purse for Every Wedding

What Purse Do You Bring to a Wedding?

Since you're here you probably have questions about what bag is best to bring to a wedding. Fortunately, as your expert source on all things wedding-related, we've got answers to all the most common FAQs below.

Is it normal to bring a purse to a wedding?

Yes, it's totally normal to bring a purse to a wedding! In fact, we actually recommend it. Weddings often take place across multiple venues, so opting for a guest purse can help ensure you don't misplace items while traveling between them.

Do my shoes and bag have to match for a wedding?

Now, there's no rule that says you have to match your wedding guest shoes to your handbags for a wedding, but many style experts do encourage it. Matching your shoes to your purse is a great way to create a cohesive look. Nayri Kalayjian, founder of Wedding Fashion Expert, recommends investing in a pair of nude or black pumps and a matching evening clutch or dinner purse. "That way, you'll have a universal set that will go with any dress you wear for a formal occasion," she explains.

Can I wear a white purse to a wedding?

We all know the golden rule of wedding guest etiquette which is, of course, that you should never wear white. Fortunately, it doesn't apply to accessories. White shoes and handbags for a wedding guest are both fair game. Cindy Chang, Marketing Director of Grace + Ivory, believes that white purses actually offer the perfect compliment to some dresses, especially ones in light blue and other pastel shades.

Can you wear a crossbody to a wedding?

Crossbody bags are perfectly acceptable to wear to a wedding. In fact, many clutch purses for weddings even come with detachable chains you can use to wear them crossbody. Just be sure to steer clear of any styles that are too casual, like crossbody belt bags.

Help, I'm a bridesmaid! How do I choose a wedding party purse?

Bridesmaid attire is all about unity, so you should avoid wearing a handbag that will make you stand out from the rest of the group. Be sure to consult the couple before deciding on a wedding party purse. They may have specific instructions about what color to wear. If not, a champagne or neutral clutch for a wedding is usually a safe bet.

What should I avoid in a wedding guest purse?

If you've read our guide to what not to wear to a wedding, you know that athleisure and loungewear are always off-limits, even for casual events. Well, the same holds true for wedding guest handbags. When attending a wedding, you should avoid bringing a backpack, tote bag, fanny pack or any other bag that you would wear in a casual outdoor setting. Additionally, you should avoid bringing a large bag that will take up a lot of space at the venue.

How to Decide What Bag to Bring to a Wedding

So, what's the best type of handbag for wedding guests? Well, it depends. There are a few key things to consider before deciding on a guest purse and we're breaking them down here.

Dress Code

The best wedding guest purse to finish off your look with will depend largely on the wedding dress code. "For black-tie and formal events, it's best to stick with smaller handbag silhouettes, such as classic clutches and structured mini handbags," says Corinne Pierre-Louis, bridal stylist and founder of Wedding Fashion Newsletter Forever & Always. "These options are designed to hold your essentials while keeping your overall look sleek and elegant, enhancing your outfit without overpowering it." For semi-formal or dressy casual events, choose a purse that's more similar to what you would wear on a typical day. Leather shoulder bags and refined crossbodies are both excellent options.

Practicality

In addition to being stylish, wedding guest handbags should also be functional. You should be able to comfortably carry your bag around throughout the day. Plus, it should have enough space for all the items you plan on bringing with you.

Color

Now here's the fun part. Once you've narrowed down the type of bag you want to bring using the tips above, you can start to think about what color bag might best suit your outfit. Spoiler alert: This is where your personal style comes in. "If you love a monochromatic look, you can pair a blue dress with a baby blue purse," says Chang. "If your fashion sense is more about being edgy and bold, aim for a mismatched look, instead. Your accessories are where you can bring in pops of color or metallics, like gold, or even some fun embellishments," she adds.

The Best Wedding Guest Purse for Every Wedding

Now that you know exactly what to look for in a wedding guest clutch or bag, it's time to start shopping. Below you'll find a few of our favorite styles separated by dress code to make your search a little easier.

Purses for every wedding guest dress code: Black-Tie | Formal | Cocktail | Summer | Beach

Black-Tie Purse Ideas

A black-tie dress code calls for elevated attire in dark colors like navy blue, black and maroon. But when it comes to black-tie purses do the same rules about color apply? While you should still avoid wearing a bag that's overly flashy, you certainly aren't limited to just dark hues. Gold and silver wedding purses, for instance, pair nicely with evening gowns. They offer a bit of contrast while still being refined and elegant. As for bag styles, go with a clutch, since they're more formal than shoulder bags and crossbodies. Below, we've rounded up three of the best clutches for wedding guests attending a black-tie event.

$39 | Lulus

Use code THEKNOT20 for 20% off first-time purchases.

$55 | Aldo

$35 | Azazie

Formal Purse Ideas

A formal dress code offers a bit more flexibility than a black-tie one, but still calls for elevated attire. That said, a clutch for wedding guests is still the way to go. Since formal weddings don't have the same requirements about colors, you can have a bit more fun experimenting with the shade of your accessory. If you love a pop of color, try pairing a neon-colored bag with a classic black gown. If you prefer to add interest to your look in the form of texture, opt for a metallic, velvet or embellished clutch instead.

$39 | Lulus

$130 | Quince

$328 | Kate Spade

Cocktail Purse Ideas

Got a sparkly clutch or a funky beaded bag that you've been saving for a special occasion? A cocktail attire wedding is the perfect place for its debut. Because this dress code leans into the celebratory aspect of weddings, you're encouraged to wear your most festive attire and accessories. Evening bags for wedding guests attending a cocktail event could include clutches, crossbody bags, mini bags and more. Below, we've rounded up a few examples of cocktail attire purses.

$85 | Olga Berg

$398 | Reformation

$89 | Anthropologie

Summer Wedding Purse Ideas

Since summer is one of the most popular times of year for weddings, you might want to have a seasonal purse on hand for when invitations inevitably roll in. Summer wedding attire is a bit more laidback, so handbags for a wedding guest attending a summer event can follow suit. A cute summer wedding clutch made from leather or suede would pair well with a linen sundress. Throw on a matching pair of sandals and you've got yourself a foolproof wedding 'fit to don all season long.

$100 | Quince

$395 | Jenni Kayne

$295 | Staud

Beach Wedding Purse Ideas

The outdoor setting of a beach wedding invites attire made from natural fabrics. When it comes to beach wedding clutches and bags, the same holds true. We love beach wedding bags made from woven raffia, rattan and bamboo. Not only do they complement the venue perfectly, but they also do well in sandy environments. Since you'll likely be placing your bag on the ground during the ceremony, you'll want to choose one that can hold up against the elements, and these three examples below will do just that.