Royal Garden Party - help!

[Outmycomfortzone]

Had an invitation - to do with charity work. I am usually in sweat tops and leggings. Have managed to get a dress and hat - thank you Vinted!
I will be travelling by train on my own - meeting others in London. Have to go there and back on same day so not stopping over.
it’s the bag situation. I don’t want to take a small clutch bag - I need something to put my fascinator in ( not wearing that on the train! ) and also to stick a raincoat / cardi in - going to feel self conscious enough walking round.
I have quite a large white leather bag - bigger than your average handbag- would that be ok.
I have not even thought about shoes yet- they will definitely be flat!
I know absolutely no one will be looking at me - I just don’t want to be stopped going in ! Have googled photos but can’t really see the bag situation.
I know it’s not a major problem but it’s on my mind.

Well done for getting your dress and hat on Vinted!

This is the sort of thing I would stress about. Just wondered if there might be cloakroom facilities at BP, where you could leave the larger bag and cardi/coat?Otherwise, as you’re travelling before and after it, I can’t see an alternative to taking a larger bag. Of course you can’t wear your fascinator on the train!

I would absolutely wear my hat on the train 😂

Seriously though...

Once you've selected your bag, put your fascinator in a carrier bag which you can carry and then put the carrier in the handbag once you get there.

Depending on the weather, hopefully you won't need a raincoat or cardi. I have fitted an umbrella and a pac-a-mac type thing in a mid-size handbag though if that's an option?

Loads of mumsnetters have been to these parties. If they haven't already, someone will let you know if there's a cloakroom of any sort.

Have an amazing time!

There isn't a cloakroom or very much seating so carry the bare minimum with you and be prepared for an awful lot of standing.

I had a plastic bag for my hat which folded into my handbag and carried an umbrella.

My parents went to one a few years ago and there's a lot of standing around and nowhere to leave your things, so whatever you bring with you, you'll need to cart around all day.

Thanks everyone - never thought of a carrier etc! I think I will look on Vinted for a medium size handbag - I am so lucky I didn’t want to pay a lot for something I will probably never wear again. I got a dress for £8 ( Roman - £50 still with labels) and a fascinator for £3 and a principles white jacket for £4!

I bought my hat for BP in a charity shop. There is no cloakroom and while we all like to look nice, I can assure you that no one will be examining what you are wearing. It is a lovely afternoon. We treasure our photographs and memories. Have a great time.

Like everyone else has said.
No, there is no cloakroom and nowhere to leave things.
You can take umbrellas in if forecast looks like you might need one.
You don't need to have a clutch bag, a decent sized handbag works.
I've just commented on one of the other threads it is a good plan to wear you trainers on the train / tubes / walking across to the Palace and then putting them in your handbag to put your shoes on once there, but, as has also been said, you are on grass the whole time and there are only chairs for a fraction of the number of people you are there.
It is an absolutely wonderful occasion, but there IS a LOT of standing round, and walking.
Yes to a carrier or a folding cotton bag or something to carry your hat in and another with your picnic if you are setting off early so you can throw them out or fold them up in your handbag once you've eaten your brunch / put your hat on.

Enjoy your day.

Poshest portaloos I've ever been in though