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 mirror to make any touchups.

The 20 Best Wedding Guest Purses of 2024

A wedding guest carrying a purse — Photo by Nancy Ebert

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

Courtesy of Cult Gaia

View On Cultgaia.com

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

Meet Me for Drinks Tan and White Beaded Embroidered Clutch

Lulus

View On Lulus $47

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

Courtesy of DSW

View On Dsw.com

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

Amazon

View On Amazon $23

Need a purse ASAP? Amazon is the best place to look when you need an accessory in the last minute, and 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

Courtesy of BHLDN

View On Bhldn $395

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

Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

View On Neiman Marcus $1,090

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

Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

View On Bloomingdales $595

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

Courtesy of Show Me Your Mumu

View On Showmeyourmumu.com $56

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

Courtesy of Revolve

View On Revolve $90

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

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie $60

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

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom $428 View On Neiman Marcus $398 View On Bloomingdales $398

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

Courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman

View On Neiman Marcus $995 View On Nordstrom $995

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

Courtesy of Brahmin

View On Brahmin.com

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

Courtesy of Revolve

View On Revolve $228 View On Neiman Marcus $228 View On Shopbop.com

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

Courtesy of Rebecca Minkoff

View On Revolve View On Nordstrom $128 View On Neiman Marcus $128

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

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom $55

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

Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

View On Nordstrom $60 View On Bloomingdales $120

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

True Decadence Pearl Clutch with Frame Top

ASOS

View On Asos $56

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"

Courtesy of Macy's

View On Macy's $33

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

Neiman Marcus

View On Nordstrom $595 View On Neiman Marcus $630

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

18 Pairs of Wedding Guest Shoes to Wear to Every Wedding