Hello all,
If you are like me you have a predilection for large handbags. Which is absolutely fine. On your wedding day however, you may want something a bit smaller for your essentials not all your clothes for your honeymoon. For that reason I have searched the endless web resources and found some beautifully bitsy bags for the big day.
Before I get to them though I wanted to suggest a short list of essentials for your impending nuptials. Women have a tendency to bring everything they might need or nothing... That being said I do believe there is a happy medium to be found so that you are not overloaded but you aren't saying "Darn, I wish I had a kleenex!" So here is my list of top essentials for I do:
1. KLEENEX- You are going to cry, and if you don't someone else will. A travel kleenex pack will never be a disservice on such an emotional day so always have one with you.
2. Touch up kit- If your make-up artist will not be folowing you through the day have them provide you with a kit for self touch up before pictures. Without it you will look washed out once the flash bulbs pop.
3. Cloth Band-aids- Just in case your Jimmy Choos are meaner than they look stash a couple of these in your purse and you can dance all night.
4. A tester size of your perfume for touch-ups
5. Your lucky penny- carrying a small memento that keeps you calm or makes you focus on it instead of the big day will help you relax and channel the nerves away instead of balling them up.
6. $20 in fives- You never know who will need a fiver to run and grab a bottle of water or tip the valet.
7. Breath mints not gum- gum smacking is tacky at best ladies
8. Ibuprofen- just in case a headache strikes or you are sore from the previous night's activities.
9.Tiny bottle of clear nail polish- Few women are wearing stockings these days but nail polish is always good for stopping a run, fixing your nail or fixing cracks or breaks in your vail or tiara.
As for the handbags here are some beautiful ones I have found both traditional and offbeat:
Moyna bags- they have a wide variety of vintage bags but also chic bags for the modern bride http://www.moynabags.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/online-store/scstore/bags.html?L+scstore+fvhv4998ff741f74+1382055489
As always etsy has a beautiful selection for the independent and chic bride:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_8&listing_id=16416099
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=cat2_galley_11&listing_id=16771260
This pretty satin clutch with a brooch from advantage bridal
http://www.advantagebridal.com/sabrclwibr.html
This leather clutch is a bit non traditional but is certainly pretty enough to grace your day
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=314306&CategoryID=27691&LinkType=EverGreen
This collection is dramatic with satin and feathers perfect for an evening wedding and something you can use even after your dress goes into storage
http://www.julehandbags.com/pages/main/collections.html
Custom Handbags ensure you get just what you wanted
http://prettygoodthings.com/
http://www.freddyandma.com/index.php/freddyma/bridal_services/
I hope these resources will help you ladies find the perfect match for your day and remember you don't need the kitchen sink. Carry only what you need and ask your MOH to carry a cell phone with a list of essential contacts so you don't have to worry about them.
