Mostly for the week around the wedding rather than the walk down the aisle. Raffia straw handwoven by artisans in Madagascar into basket bags, crossbodies and envelope clutches, with fringe, crochet flowers, shells and macrame straps, no two quite the same. Big beach totes that swallow a towel and a book. Beaded and embellished evening shapes with real personality for the nights. And the least glamorous, most used thing on the page, a wipe-clean cosmetic case that saves the lining of everything else.
Ready to ship from Los Angeles, so this is an easy one to leave late. For the pieces chosen to be carried down an aisle rather than onto a beach, see bridal bags and clutches, and for the hats that go with the straw see Shebobo. Or ask us over a live virtual session.
Bags at Mae Bridal, answered
How is this different from the bridal bags page?
The bridal bags page is the handful of pieces built for a wedding day: silk organza, pearl, beaded lace, small enough to carry down an aisle. This page is all of those plus the travel and resort bags, the beach totes, the straw crossbodies and the cosmetic cases. If you are packing rather than dressing, start here.
What is raffia, and does it last?
Raffia is a natural palm fibre, and these are handwoven rather than machine made, which is why no two are identical. It holds its shape, takes sun and salt air without complaint, and softens rather than cracks. Keep it dry where you can, let it air rather than putting it away damp, and reshape it by hand as it dries.
Which bag works for a destination wedding week?
Two, realistically. A big basket or beach tote for the days, and one small clutch or crossbody for the evenings. Natural straw goes with everything anyone packs, which is why it beats a bag in a colour. A cosmetic case that wipes clean protects both.
Can I use one of these as a wedding bag?
The beaded and embellished evening clutches, yes, and plenty of brides do. A woven straw clutch is beautiful at a coastal or garden wedding and would look out of place at a formal one. If the wedding is the point, the bridal bags page is already filtered for it.
Can I see bags in Los Angeles?
A handful. The handwoven pieces come from Madagascar by way of San Francisco and are largely made to order, so what is physically at 145 Bay St in Santa Monica varies week to week. Ask and we will tell you what is there. Book a private fitting, or read our piece on Shebobo's raffia bags and hats.