Now, usually weddings are pretty formal affairs. You have the blushing bride all decked out in a beautiful white gown with a veil and train. Then the groom, of course, wears an elegant formal suite. The bridesmaids wear ceremonial dresses which, may or may not be in the best of taste, but are definitely more formal than anything you’d wear to a nightclub or dinner party. Actually, the bridesmaid dress is an interesting thing. Bridesmaids are either blessed or condemned, however way you want to look at it, to put on a dress that the bride chooses. Usually it’s dazzling and definitely attention drawing, but it’s also not spectacular—the bride is the one who has to look good after all. So the bridesmaids are stuck in between some sort of fashion limbo; their dresses are meant to look glamorous and extravagant and yet, they often look like something you’d see in a Vegas stage show. So what is fashion etiquette when it comes to weddings?  You have an etiquette for invitations and dinners and brides’ dresses, but that still does bring up some questions about wedding attire and fashion and what works and what doesn’t.  What sort of fashion flairs and accessories are appropriate for the bride after the wedding; what about a bridesmaid, and what about the guests? This article looks specifically at the question of handbags.

Wedding fashion is difficult because each person has their set role. The bride is the center of attention, so she gets to look the best. Nevertheless, as a guest, or even as a bridesmaid, you want to look your best as well. You want to live up to the occasion without trumping the bride. Mostly, guests opt for something formal and elegant. They don’t wear all out formal gowns, they don’t dawn extravagant designer dresses like the kind you would see on Hollywood stars and starlets making their red carpet debut; however, jeans are definitely out of the question unless the wedding has some sort of whimsical theme like cowboys or the beach. Wedding outfits combine demureness, with sophistication and elegance. You are not trying to be the belle of the ball, but you don’t want to dress down; it’s a delicate balance of stylish simplicity and grace. You want to look chic and stylish, but not flamboyant and certainly not business like.

The same logic applies for handbags. As a wedding guest, when considering your ensemble, think chic, yet demure; think fab yet humble. Remember that just because you aren’t the one headed to nuptial bliss that does not mean you can’t get away with a high end designer outfit and bag. Yet, also keep in mind that you want to dress to impress, but not too much. You are not the center of attention; in fact, you want to look effortless, understated yet graceful, poised and polished. Think genteel, yet fashion forward.

Consider these tips, although you shouldn’t wear white, as that competes with the bride, you can carry and elegant pochette or clutch in white. It matches perfectly with the theme. But also keep in mind that the bride will probably carry something similar—a white wedding mini clutch for example, decorated with sequins, or a pearl encrusted billfold or box type purse. Generally, you want to go for something a little more understated, leave the ornamentation to the bride.

If you are wearing a suit like attire, keep the tones neutral, but avoid sober tones like grey or black. However, with this sort of outfit, the accessories really make the difference. Go for a more colorful handbag, aim for something modern and yet elegant.

Also, keep in mind that in your endeavor to look chic and yet formal, don’t opt for those huge hobo bags; although large bags may be all the rage, for weddings you want something smaller, an Italian leather clutch bag works perfectly. Avoid calfskin and clutches and too much ornamentation. Think clean lines, and streamlined figures. Don’t go for the It trend bag. Trendy bags tend to be too ostentatious and generally don’t go well with the whole wedding mood. Keep your It bag for the clubs.

A small single strap bag in a neutral color or with a catchy but refined pattern works well. Bridesmaids will most definitely want to refrain from using anything too stylish. As they are already wearing flashy dresses, they shouldn’t carry a handbag that clashes or overwhelms their dress.

Obviously, if the wedding is themed, you can expand your horizons when it comes to attire and accessories. For a beach wedding, a large colorful tote, or straw bag isn’t totally out of place. It may add to the whole theme. However, do recall that you are at a wedding and the bag shouldn’t overwhelm.

A good wedding handbag complements your outfit. It allows you to add a little more flair to a dress or suit; but, it should always be in keeping with the mood and style of the wedding. Traditional weddings usually call for elegance and class. You really don’t want to flash around a Louis Vuitton Murakami bag. Although it is pricy, it’s not the appropriate occasion. If you opt for a designer bag, go with a classic. Something in the line of the Chanel 2.55, works but don’t go for the more modern versions, as they are more ostentatious.

Keep in mind that a wedding is about the bride and groom. Dress appropriately for the occasion, but do not draw attention to yourself. You can add a more personal touch with your handbag, but always remember that you are not the center of attention.