With so many one venue weddings, I am constantly asked by my mother of the bride and mother of the groom clients if they should carry a handbag. My advice is always that an outfit is not complete without a bag and that is especially true if you are wearing a hat. This does not mean you need a huge bag – a clutch or box bag with an optional shoulder chain is perfect.

I recommend a hand held bag as this is a useful prop when posing for photographs. Many people are nervous in front of a camera and don’t know what to do with their arms. A small bag sat in the palm of your hand with a slight bend at your elbow will help make you look relaxed and show off your waist. Make sure your other arm hangs relaxed. A word of warning: If you stand with arms straight down you will look wider in a photograph. After the ceremony and photographs you can use the chain to hang your bag over your arm or shoulder so you can greet guests – or hold a glass of champagne and a canapé at the same time.

Elizabeth Bessant couture Mother of the Bride or Mother of the Groom outfit – Duck egg silk/linen dress coat and dress with matching clutch bag

Elizabeth Bessant couture Mother of the Bride or Mother of the Bride outfit – Sienna and mint lace dress with mint wool tweed jacket beaded with turquoise and coral. Matching box bag with coral chain

As Mother of the Bride or Mother of the Groom you will want to carry a few things for emergencies for yourself and the bride who probably won’t have a bag. Here are my top 8 tips on what to carry in your bag.

Elizabeth Bessant couture Mother of the Bride or Mother of the Groom – Pink and mint wool tweed dress and jacket with matching clutch bag

1. A pocket mirror so you can check your mascara isn’t running or your lipstick smudged on your teeth without making a trip to the cloakroom. Especially useful just before the photographs when you won’t have time to disappear.

2. Your lipstick for touch ups – there will be a lot of kisses, food and drink which will all challenge your lipstick.

3. A handkerchief to dab away those tears as the couple say ‘I do’. We all use tissues for practical reasons but a handkerchief looks so much nicer, especially if the photographer catches that special moment.

4. A few hairpins won’t take any room in your bag and could be useful to fix yours or the bride’s hair later in the day after the hairdresser has left.

5. Some painkillers especially if you are prone to headaches.

6. Reading glasses – if you wear them don’t don’t forget them as there will be an order of service, table plans, messages and cards all to be read.

7. A small spot stick or wipe in case of any spills on your dress or the bride’s gown as dry clean fabrics should not be spot cleaned with water.

8. And lastly your mobile phone as these are brilliant compact cameras and videos – just remember to have it set on silent.