When Dua Lipa appeared at her London civil ceremony with a bridal bouquet of Icelandic poppies, she embraced the elegant single-flower trend we’ve been seeing for years. However, that was the only bouquet—as far as we know—that she carried throughout her multi-day wedding celebrations. From London to Sicily, where we’ve seen at least two more of her bridal looks, one thing became clear: Dua Lipa has established herself as the ultimate modern (and decidedly untraditional) bride.
Her choice confirms one of the strongest bridal trends for 2026 and 2027: goodbye bridal bouquets, hello bridal handbags.
While bridal bouquets today carry more aesthetic than spiritual meaning, their origins trace back to Ancient Egypt, where fragrant flowers were believed to ward off bad luck from the couple’s union. In the Middle Ages, flowers served a more practical purpose—masking the bride’s body odor. The tradition has endured ever since.
However—and as a flower lover, much to my dismay—flowers don’t last forever. Often, you have to part with your bridal bouquet, leaving only photographs from the big day. Perhaps that’s precisely why Dua Lipa decided to replace this tradition with something she can use again and again, reliving her wedding day whenever she wants: handbags.
For her Bottega Veneta look, the singer chose an Intrecciato clutch adorned with feathers across the entire surface—a choice that perfectly matched her dress and eclectic, playful style. Another bag that generated buzz was her choice for a beach brunch: paired with a white swimsuit and lace caftan, she carried the season’s most coveted bridal accessory—Chloé’s hand-painted leather Swan bag.
As one of 2026’s most anticipated weddings, Dua Lipa’s celebration promises to inspire many brides. The bridal handbag trend is expected to be huge this season and next. Brides will embrace their playful side with bags featuring animals, seashells, pearls, and even Cult Gaia’s now-iconic flower vase clutch. For those preferring subtlety, there are minimalist designs that blend seamlessly with traditional gowns.
Is it time to say goodbye to bridal bouquets forever? If you’re ready to try this trend, here are the best bridal handbag options for your walk down the aisle.
