Chatterberries

It's tricky to scale down your must-haves to nearly nothing, but you can't tote a bulky handbag down the aisle. A delicate, decorative clutch is your go-to carryall on your wedding day, when basically all you need is lip gloss, blotting tissues and breath mints.

At bridal salons, department stores, designer and e-commerce websites like netaporter.com, giltgroupe.com, bluefly.com and neimanmarcus.com, you'll find plenty of fabulous bride-caliber clutches to consider - maybe even a bargain or two. To narrow down your choices, consider the color (white, ivory, gold or silver are always solid choices) and price. For a forever keepsake, high-end options include Lana Marks Cleopatra Clutch with 1,500 fully cut diamonds set in an 18 carat white gold frame, $100,000. (Chloe Sevigny, Kate Winslet and Sarah Jessica Parker are among the stars who've worn their Cleopatra Clutch on the red carpet.)

More affordable numbers are plentiful and if you want a real steal, budget friendly styles at stores including David's Bridal (davidsbridal.com) and by designers such as Jessica McClintock (endless.com), peak at $49. Here, priced high and low, are five "it" bags to consider:

Heart N' Soul by Judith Leiber: Jennifer Lopez was recently seen clutching this sparkly heart-shaped status bag-her Valentine's Day gift from Marc. The fully hand beaded heart-shaped minaudiere is dripping with Austrian crystals and lined with metallic leather. (Available in five colors. 5" H x 2" W, $2,195 at judithleiber.com.)

Insider secret: You can sign up on the waiting list at bagborroworsteal.com to rent this bag for $95 for the week of your wedding.

Satin Rose Clutch by Jessica McClintock: A jumbo two-tone rose adorns the magnetic snap closure flap of this adorably feminine satin clutch, with a braided cord strap. (6" W x 4" H, $30 at Macy's and Nordstrom.)

Python Bracelet Clutch by Michael Kors: Slip on the attached hammered cuff bracelet and you needn't worry about keeping track of this beige python bag with golden hardware and a zip top. (6" H x 10 1/4" W, $995 at www.michaelkors.com and at Neiman Marcus.)

The Knot by Bottega Veneta: This elegant clutch is an icon, coveted by style conscious brides around the world for the past three decades. Available in dozens of colors and textures, the Boudoir Intrecciato Knot, shown here, has a suede lining. (4.1" H x 6.6" W, $1,400 at www.bottegaveneta.com)

Oval Minaudiere by Whiting & Davis: Styles by this company, known for its mesh bags ranging from vintage to hip, are surprisingly affordable and ultra popular with red-carpet celebrities and fashion press. This satin silver oval clutch is covered in brass mesh. Optional herringbone chain. (3.75" H x 6.25" W, $130 at www.whitinganddavisbags.com)

Wendy Korn Heppt