I am often asked by my mother of bride and mother of groom clients if a hand bag is necessary – especially if the wedding is being held at their home or in the hotel where they are staying. My answer is always yes. Firstly, you may want a tissue or lipstick close to hand. More importantly, if you are wearing a hat or fascinator but not carrying a bag somehow you will not look dressed. And lastly, a bag is a good prop when posing for the photographs…

In formal line-ups and groups, it is difficult to know what to do with your hands. A bag gives you something to hold – a clutch is particularly good because you can rest it in your palm just below your hip with a slightly bent arm which will show off your shape and create a flattering silhouette without looking too posed.

Often when you find the perfect shoes for your special occasion look, the matching bag won’t be quite right. I make handbags or clutches for many of my clients and often use one of the fabrics from the outfit which creates a coordinated look. Or I will make a bag and hat as a matching set sometimes using a contrasting colour to the outfit.

Anne, mother of bride outfit by Elizabeth Bessant couure

Anne, mother of bride accessories by Elizabeth Bessant couture

Incorporating elements or colours from the bride or bridesmaids dresses is a popular request.

I made Ann a champagne silk dress and jacket for her daughter’s wedding, very conservative you may think…

But then she produced a pair of tangerine patent court shoes and set me a challenge. She wanted a touch of aubergine in her outfit to tie in with the colour of the bridesmaids’ dresses. I created a hat and clutch bag bringing in the tangerine as well as the aubergine and suddenly her outfit had that extra wow factor.

As I design and make accessories as well as special occasion outfits, I am able to create a complete ensemble.

Clare, mother of groom outfit by Elizabeth Bessant couture

Clare, mother of groom accessories by Elizabeth Bessant couture

Clare wanted a subtle, understated look so I made her a duck egg blue lace dress and silk linen jacket for her son’s wedding.

I then used the lace of her dress with pearl beading and a cluster of matching feathers for her fascinator and made a silk linen clutch that matched her jacket.

Clare was very happy as she was within her comfort zone but still stood out because she was so beautifully coordinated.

Sometimes I am given a creative project that lets my imagination run wild. I made Deborah a beautiful silk satin dress to wear for Glyndebourne. As a surprise, her husband then commissioned a clutch bag to go with the dress but he asked that it could also work with other outfits. The fabric of her dress was a stunning deep blue silk washed with green, purple and golden yellow.

Deborah, dress and beaded clutch bag by Elizabeth Bessant couture

Looking at the print of the fabric with a creative eye, I could see an aerial view of a tropical island – sea, sand, tropical vegetation. I matched the blue of the dress to a plain silk and interpreted the pattern with hundreds of tiny beads that picked out the colours of the dress print.

Both Deborah and her husband were very pleased with the finished piece and I loved making it.

I could tell so many stories about the accessories I have made for weddings, Ascot, and many other special events. Accessories can bring the simplest of outfits to life, creating a look that is chic rather than plain or change the look of an outfit you want to wear again. If you already have your outfit, I am happy to make the accessories if you are looking for something special to enhance your look.