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Which bag to wear to a wedding?
The big day arrives, the invitations have been sent out, the shoes bought, the dress chosen and carefully hung in your wardrobe, where nothing can crease it. It's only then that you realize the obvious: you haven't thought about which bag to take with you. While the choice may seem complicated at first, certain criteria will help you to proceed by elimination, until you find the ideal bag, in your wardrobe or in the store!
Guest: why take a wedding bag?
Of course, as a guest, you won't have to manage the organization and running of the evening, but you still need to take a few essential items with you to make sure your evening goes off without a hitch. What's more, you can always be caught unprepared: your make-up fades, your friend has a terrible headache, you cut yourself... Better safe than sorry!
And that's just the practical side of things, the truth being that we like to combine the useful with the pleasurable: a pretty handbag, if it's not too bulky, really finishes off an outfit and serves as an accessory.
All types of bags
There are many parameters to take into account and elements to personalize to ensure the perfect outfit: shape, color and material are the basic elements.
As for color, make sure it matches your complexion, your hair and your outfit: opt for a monochromatic outfit, or on the contrary, let yourself be tempted by an idea of contrast! But be careful not to wear too many different colors. A maximum of two, not counting black and white, isn't a rule set in stone, but it does give you a little guidance in your choices.
The same goes for the material of your bag: vary the textures! If you choose heavy materials such as leather, be careful not to injure yourself by rubbing where the shoulder strap rests, if your bag has one. When it comes to shapes, the choice is yours: here are the main bag shapes, and their qualities and defects.
Classic: the handbag
If you don't like to travel light, or prefer a simple option, opt for a classic handbag.
Casual: the shoulder bag
Just as practical as its classic big brother, it's worn over the shoulder, giving its owner a more relaxed look.
Rather chic: the clutch bag
Nothing says party or elegant evening like the raffia clutch. Ideal for those who want to carry only the essentials, it's as fashionable held in the hand as worn under the arm or with a detachable chain.
Trendy: mini bags
Very much in vogue in recent years, they combine the classic appeal of a handbag with the chic of a clutch and the practicality of a shoulder bag. Available in an infinite variety of models, they always have something surprising to offer.
Choosing a bag to match your wedding theme
It's likely that the bride and groom-to-be will have sent you an invitation stipulating the theme of the evening; and if the theme isn't written in black and white, perhaps you can deduce it from the style of the invitation. You don't need a dress code to be in style!
- It's a retro-themed wedding: find out more about the chosen period. For the 1920s, a small leather clutch adorned with a few shiny elements might do the trick; for the 1950s, a more discreet leather bag or silk clutch with floral motifs would be appropriate. 1960s? Opt for more geometric and colorful patterns, in reference to the fashion style in vogue in those years.
- This is a chic wedding: think glamorous, romantic and elegant. Shiny stones and glittering metals are ideal, while rhinestones and other sequins are a must. A small clutch without a strap will also prove very chic.
- If it's a nature wedding, opt for natural materials, in neutral tones or reminiscent of natural elements. If it's winter, opt for a wool or crochet bag to suit the season. If temperatures are milder, a raffia bag will be ideal: this material is resistant, durable and lightweight, and adapts to all situations. See our wide range of raffia bags for every occasion!
On the other hand, when in doubt, opt for something classic and timeless: a black or brown leather handbag, depending on your outfit, will always be appropriate.
A little personality...
If your outfit is rather sober, why not rely on the bag as the centerpiece of your ensemble? Choose something colorful to bring a little vitality, and don't hesitate to accessorize your accessory, hanging a chain or scarf from the handle, a key-ring, a few brooches... It's that little touch of personality that will make your outfit unique!
You can also choose to match it to your dress, by coordinating colors, and to your other accessories: a ring and a necklace of red stones, matched with a ruby bag and a cherry brooch... Let your imagination run wild!
And if your outfit is already unique enough, opt for a more neutral clutch or bag to avoid a messy effect. If you already own the perfect piece, so much the better! If not, your new acquisition could well turn out to be your new bag of choice. Think about it when you buy, and kill two birds with one stone: a sublimated wedding outfit, and a new bag for every day!
