Ah… the first burst of Spring flowers. Wedding season is almost here. It was winter the last time I wrote for you. Some of you may wonder at my long hiatus, but I truly have an excuse – albeit, a thoroughly self-indulgent one. You see, I’m getting married. And in my quest for the perfect drape for my wedding outfit, the perfect shoes, the perfect décor, I all but ignored the accessory that claims more of my thinking space and surfing time than anything else – the spectacular handbag…

Shock, horror! How could I not even LOOK for a handbag to carry on my wedding day? As my best friend pointed out, I’ll have enough to busy my hands with. But still… me? The handbag queen, the purse lady extraordinaire, go bereft of a handbag?

Which got me thinking… Why do brides do away with such a sparkling stunner on their wedding day? As beautiful as flowers are, they absolutely cannot replace the striking simplicity and elegance the right handbag can add to a wedding dress. We obsess for months and endure multiple wedding dress fittings to find that perfect outfit, but we don’t give a second’s thought to women’s favorite accessory – the handbag.

Yes ladies, I am talking about that accessory that suits you no matter what your size it. The one that hides a multitude of sins and secrets in its clever folds and pleats. The one that dresses up an outfit, tones it down or makes you stand out in a sea of little black dresses. The one that carries your world. On a wedding day, it could hold the bride’s emergency kit (lipstick, tissues, safety pins, something to calm your nerves and maybe even something to remind you of how special the man beside you is – a love letter, an email, your first movie tickets). Knowing me, I know that I’ll be the one with cold feet, so reaching into my handbag and finding the ring he fashioned for me out of tin foil during the first meal we cooked together would go a long way towards curing my butterflies no?

That’s when I vowed to be one of those women. You know, the ones who do away with conventional norms and injects her own spirit and spice into her wedding. I will be carrying a handbag on my wedding day. And as of now, I am proud to report that I have dedicated more time to my hunt for the perfect wedding handbag than to my wedding dress!

And here is what I found. While there is a small market for wedding handbags, only a few designers include options for the soon-to-be bride! But fear not, I managed to find some dazzling choices with the most unlikely of designers. Open your mind up ladies and the world can be carried in your bag on your wedding day!

The first option is the Chantelaine Clutch by Leiber. Fully beaded with Rhine Austrian crystals, this clutch is handcrafted and speaks volumes of quiet elegance, class and sophistication. It runs just under $3000 but it is sure to be something you vow ‘to have and to hold’ until death do you part!

For ladies looking for a little Oriental infusion or something that inspires a Zen-like calm, choose Derek Lam’s Celeste Tassel Clutch ($1350, eluxury.com). Made of metallic grained leather, the gorgeous oversized (removable) leather tassel on one end will sway gracefully and accent a splendid train. Perfect for the Chinese- and Japanese-themed weddings that are all the rage this wedding season.

Finally, for non-traditional brides who want to highlight their edgy, high-fashion style, there is no better choice than Christian Louboutin’s Elsa Satin Clutch ($990, Neiman Marcus). Uncannily unique, extremely sophisticated and bold at the same time, this winner is made from diagonally interspersed beige and black striped satin and has a gorgeous rolled closure clasp. Absolutely unforgettable!

While looking there were some other fabulous contenders who almost cut it but may appeal as well. Leiber’s Marchela Large Crystal Clutch is perfect for brides looking for some bling, while Fend’s Metallic Forever Clutch will please girls who value simplicity and elegance. Women who want to shine should see the Maison Martin Margiela or Kooba’s Taryn Clutch in disco silver. We loved the Cole Haan Weave Clutch, Lauren Merkin’s Metallic Eve Clutch and Juicy Couture’s Metallic Leather Ryder Clutch. Traditional brides after opulence may prefer the Dior Plisse Wristlet or Tod’s Boomerang Pochette.

All in all there’s a world of choice for the bride willing to stretch her mind and pick a bag that matches her personality. Enjoy shopping!


Author: Natasha Shamdasani ( Want to become a Handbag Correspondent? )

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