What Bag to Bring for Weddings, Picnics, and Garden Parties

Events that take place outside have a special element of magic. Whether it’s a beautiful country wedding, a midsummer garden party, or a picnic beneath a willow tree, many outdoor events require not only the appropriate attire but also the appropriate bag. Bags, in my opinion, do more than merely fulfill a function; they complete the ensemble. If you pick the perfect one, they enhance not only your style but your entire experience by expressing something about you before you ever speak.

Not all purses are made equal, I’ve discovered over the years, particularly when you’re switching between semi-formal, formal, and deliciously relaxed parties like these.

For Weddings

Weddings are all about elegance, whether they are held in elaborate buildings or meadows dotted with wildflowers. However, the type of elegance you choose may vary depending on the location. You’ll want something small, delicate, and structured for formal events. Often, a small shoulder bag or clutch with delicate metallic accents or a neutral color works well. It’s sufficient to have your phone, some Kleenex, lip color, and possibly a safety pin (you know, if you’ve attended enough weddings).

In Galway, I once went to a little beach wedding where the wind made everything a little erratic, including the décor. I brought a stylish, envelope-shaped bag with a concealed wrist strap made of pale gold satin. It complemented every photo and was simple and safe. Rather than detracting from the romantic ambiance, my purse complemented perfectly when the event moved indoors to an illuminated barn.

Leather crossbody bags with little hardware are a terrific option if you’re going to a wedding with a whimsical or pastoral theme, like one held in a garden or on a vineyard. Even if they’re still polished, you can move around with ease, dance freely, and hold your drink without straining. Bonus: it will be harder for you to leave them behind.

For Picnics

Of all the summertime get-togethers, the picnic is perhaps the most relaxed and endearing. Packing a checkered blanket, some novels, some fresh fruit, and enough sandwiches to share is something I always look forward to. However, it’s the equipment, which includes the bag, that makes a picnic genuinely delightful, not simply the food.

This is where the Harris Tweed bag from  https://www.shamrockgift.com/womens-clothing/womens-bags truly shines.

Nothing compares to a Harris Tweed satchel or crossbody for these outdoor afternoons. Mine has held up well over all the picnics; in fact, it now looks even better than when I first used it in the fields. It has everything I need, including sunscreen, snacks, a thermos, sunglasses, and possibly a little notepad for when inspiration strikes. It also feels extremely comfortable laid out on a blanket next to wildflowers.

Harris Tweed’s weight and craftsmanship give it a grounded appearance that makes it seem like it belongs outside. Additionally, it photographs like a dream thanks to the delicate designs and earthy textures. Even when it’s lying in the grass next to me as I read, I always receive compliments on it.

The finest aspect? It falls in between practicality and aesthetics. When you’re wearing tweed, you never feel sloppy, but you also never feel fussy.

For Garden Parties

The fun thing about garden parties is that they give people a chance to express themselves a bit more. Consider light cardigans, linen pants, floral dresses, and purses that add more color or texture than what you would wear to a wedding.

You can experiment with fun designs here, such as printed canvas totes, pastel leathers, woven straw bags, and embroidered accents. A tiny lavender structured handbag with an internal lining with a botanical motif is my go-to accessory for garden parties. I know it’s there, and every time I unzip it, I’m happy, even if no one ever sees the inside.

Try matching your bag to the color scheme of your outfit for more formal garden parties, particularly those held in historic mansions or with predetermined themes. A cream bag with delicate gold clasps looks great with a blush pink midi dress. A soft fold-over crossbody or a relaxed bucket bag can lend charm to informal gatherings in a friend’s backyard without looking overly forced.

Selecting a bag that won’t make you feel heavy is crucial in this situation. Under the sun, you will be standing, drinking, and possibly interacting with others. You want to appear at ease, which is typically achieved by carrying less. Excess is not the point of garden parties; mood is.

Using your instincts to choose the appropriate bag for the situation is more important than following trends. What will be comfortable to carry? What fits the event’s mood? What embodies the type of presence you wish to convey?

Grace is required at weddings. Expression is possible at garden gatherings. Comfort and tradition are invited at picnics.

It makes no difference if your collection consists of basic handcrafted items or vintage designer treasures. A bag is the right one if it makes you feel put together and comfortable.