Fashion28 Feb 20253 MIN

Bags that go from the baraat to brunch

The perfect plus-one to a wedding isn’t a person—it’s a handbag that pulls double duty

Image

Photograph by Sarang Gupta

Ah, wedding season—a time for love and commitment, and a cascading calendar of events that demand you look like you effortlessly emerged from a garden of good taste. You’ve probably locked in your lehenga, jewellery and shoes. But the one thing often left to the last minute? A bag that actually complements your outfit.

No, we’re not talking about the matching potli you wear once and then promptly misplace. We mean a bag that glides through cocktail hour, stays by your side through long hours at the mandap, and, two weeks later, slings effortlessly across your body at brunch. An impossible task? Perhaps. But we love a challenge.

The best wedding-to-weekend bag is a study in contradictions: elegant yet relaxed, small yet practical. Finding it is a bit like dating—you’ll encounter plenty of near misses before meeting “The One”. But when you do, you’ll be thrilled to have invested in something you can actually use every day.

If you’re after a statement-maker, weddings are the perfect excuse to have a little bag-related fun. Rosantica’s heart-shaped Cupido leather bag is both charming and whimsical, yet sophisticated enough for formal affairs. And yes, it will spark conversations with strangers who admire your bold taste. Jimmy Choo’s micro Bon Bon bag, with its vintage metallic leather and metal bracelet handle, is another stellar pick.

The holy grail of the wedding-to-weekend transformation? A structured clutch with a discreet chain strap. Nothing says “wedding-ready” like a touch of sparkle, which is why the Doux Amour embellished clutch is a perfect pick—it seamlessly transitions to a night out with its practical chain strap. Prefer to go hands-free? The Venus clutch by Benedetta Bruzziches is another stunner. At a wedding, it exudes glamour with its sculpted shape and shimmering finish. By Sunday morning, it adds polish to a more relaxed outfit.

For minimalists, a buttery leather shoulder bag feels just as appropriate at a ceremony as it does during a weekday commute. Our pick? Bottega Veneta’s mini Sardine. Its plush texture and gold hardware make it luxe enough for a reception yet effortless enough for everyday wear.

Below, our edit of bags guaranteed to get a nod of approval from at least one stylish aunt.

BENEDETTA BRUZZICHES Venus La Grande Clutch  MRP₹102,999.jpeg
BENEDETTA BRUZZICHES Venus La Grande Clutch MRP ₹102,999
STELLA MCCARTNEY Alter Mat Mirrored Mini Shoulder Bag  ₹58,799.jpeg
STELLA MCCARTNEY Alter Mat Mirrored Mini Shoulder Bag MRP ₹58,799
BOTTEGA VENETA Mini Sardine Crossbody Bag  ₹216,000.jpeg
BOTTEGA VENETA Mini Sardine Crossbody Bag MRP ₹216,000
KATE SPADE Gala Velvet Plush Small Kiss-Lock Clutch  ₹25,125.avif
KATE SPADE Gala Velvet Plush Small Kiss-Lock Clutch MRP ₹25,125
ROSANTICA Cupido Mini Clutch  MRP₹80,999 .jpeg
ROSANTICA Cupido Mini Clutch MRP ₹80,999
DOUX AMOUR Embellished Clutch With Chain Strap  MRP₹19,999.avif
DOUX AMOUR Embellished Clutch With Chain Strap MRP ₹19,999
MICHAEL KORS Colby Small Crackled Metallic Leather Convertible Clutch  ₹25,200.avif
MICHAEL KORS Colby Small Crackled Metallic Leather Convertible Clutch MRP ₹25,200
TORY BURCH Fleming Metallic Square Quilt Chain Wallet  MRP₹52,500.avif
TORY BURCH Fleming Metallic Square Quilt Chain Wallet MRP ₹52,500
JIMMY CHOO Metal Bracelet Handle  MRP₹100,000.avif
JIMMY CHOO Metal Bracelet Handle MRP ₹100,000
SELF PORTRAIT Women Embellished Clutch With Detachable Chain Strap  MRP₹55,999.avif
SELF PORTRAIT Women Embellished Clutch With Detachable Chain Strap MRP ₹55,999

Now go forth, RSVP yes, and let your bag do the talking—both at the wedding and beyond. Because if you must stay up until the 3:00 am muhurat, you might as well do it with a fabulous accessory at your side.

The Nod Newsletter

We're making your inbox interesting. Enter your email to get our best reads and exclusive insights from our editors delivered directly to you.