The Bridal Bag: What to pack in your Wedding Clutch (and why you’ll Thank Yourself)

You have planned every part of your big day, from gowns to groomsmen, but once it gets to the day your handbag is going to be your right-hand woman. There are so many options for bridal bags, whether you’re going for a pearl cluster or a tulle confection, but the real decisions come when you look inside. This is not about filling your clutch with clutter- you need to provide yourself (and your bridesmaids) with the tools you need when things go south. Think the smallest, chicest survival kit you’ve ever seen.

Safety pins

A true lifesaver. Dress drama waits for no one, so whether your zip decides she doesn’t support this union, or someone macarenas onto your bustle, a well-placed safety pin can fix even the most diabolical of hiccups. Even the best seamstress doing the cleanest alterations is no match for your bridesmaid’s date after a pint.

Makeup touch up kit

You don’t need your full beat in your bag, but if your makeup decides to evacuate the dance floor, a touch of powder goes a long way. If you have room, a setting spray can help melt those powders together, and a mini lash glue can re-glue the wildest of lashes. Your makeup artist will likely provide you with a bridal makeup kit for touch ups. However, if you’re doing your makeup yourself, make sure you keep minis of your tried-and-true wedding day makeup close.

Lipstick and gloss

You will be leaving smooches on your new husband, and that lipstick won’t replace itself. Your perfect wedding lipstick might even come in a mini, but often you must compromise comfort for longevity. Towards the end of the night, you may want to switch to a gloss or a balm for a comfier option. Don’t keep this in your dress pockets- if it melts you’ll have a true emergency on your hands.

Tissues

For you, your mum, your husband and most importantly, the bridesmaid who’s had too much prosecco…

Painkillers and plasters

Before your big day, we always recommend breaking in your wedding shoes by wearing them around the house. But if you live with your fiancé(e), that might not be super possible… A couple of plasters and a double whammy of paracetamol and ibuprofen should save your feet once they feel too shredded.

Mini perfume/rollerball

Scents are so good at holding memory, so choose your scent for the big day and carry a mini in your bag. Every time you smell it after the day, it’ll transport you back to your big day

We all know, realistically you Maid of Honour will be carrying this for you, or it will get put on a chair and immediately forgotten about. But whatever happens, knowing you have your survival kit wrapped up in an ivory bow will hopefully bring you some peace.