The 12 Best Compact Mirrors for Your Wedding Day

Jul 12, 2023

Brides / Marcus Millan

Mirror, mirror on the wall: What's one important thing you need on hand during your wedding day? You guessed it, a compact mirror. Alongside your lip color, it's an absolute must-have for quick touch-ups during photos, whether that's post-ceremony or mid-reception. "You are going to be the center of attention so you definitely want to make sure you always look your best, in real life and in photos," says celebrity makeup artist Bryan Cantor. "After all, you want your grandchildren commenting on how beautiful you looked on your wedding day—not that you had lipstick on your teeth."

There are more choices out there than ever before, including compact mirrors so pretty that they can easily double as a wedding accessory. As an added benefit, compact mirrors also make for a great (and very practical) gift for members of your bridal party, since it's something they can use both the day of and long after the big day is over.

Read on for the best compact mirrors for your wedding.

Amazon

This option checks all of the boxes for things you’d want in a wedding compact, and then some. We’re talking dimmable LED lights that mimic daylight (and are long-lasting and rechargeable) and both 1X and 10X magnification. It also comes in five colors, along with a velvet travel pouch. Cantor is a fan, calling out that the larger size and high magnification make this an especially good choice for brides who regularly wear glasses.

Price at the time of publish: $49

Amazon

Trust us, weddings are expensive—we get it. If you’ve already maxed out your budget and are trying to save cash wherever possible, don't stress: there's no need to spend tons of money on a compact mirror. Exhibit A, this under $10 pick. Yes, it looks pretty simple, but it still has everything you need, including 1X and 10X magnifying sides and a four-inch diameter that's big enough so that you can see yourself but not so big that it gets cumbersome.

Price at the time of publish: $10+

Amazon

Use this on your wedding day, but don't forget to pack it with you for your honeymoon, too. A smaller size (it's only three-and-a-half inches in diameter and less than an inch thick) makes it ideal for travel. Still, it has two levels of magnification and even daytime LED lights, so you can always ensure you look flawless.

Price at time of publish: $9+

Bed Bath & Beyond

"This compact has a built-in dimmable LED light that lasts for three hours when fully charged. Combine that with its 1X and 3X magnifying mirrors, and you’ll be sure to get a perfect view without having to search for good lighting. As an added bonus, it can be your something blue," says Cantor of another one of his favorites.

Price at time of publish: $22+

Amazon

If you really want to be able to see every last detail, this compact delivers, with one side boasting up to 20X magnification, more than any other option on this list. But if that feels like too much, this unique fold-out design actually has three mirrors; the other two have 1X and 5X magnification, respectively. There's also a built-in LED light with five adjustable levels of brightness.

Price at time of publish: $26+

Amazon

Okay so compact mirrors are yes, by definition, compact. But if you want a really itty-bitty guy, consider this one. It's less than three inches wide by three inches long, and only .15 inches thick. Not to mention that it weighs in at a mere .5 ounces, basically the same as an average credit card. There aren't any lights or magnification, but it is insanely affordable; it comes in a pack of three for less than four dollars.

Price at time of publish: $4 for 3

Amazon

On the flip side, if you want an extra-large compact, this fits the bill. A five-inch diameter makes it larger than most of its counterparts, which does make a big difference when it comes to being able to easily see your entire face. One side boasts a regular mirror with built-in LED lights; the other, a 7X magnification without ring lights.

Price at time of time of publish: $13+

Olivia Riegel

"This looks like it was cut from a bridal gown, making it the perfect wedding day accessory," says Cantor. The vintage-inspired design boasts hand-enameling, gold detailing, European crystals, and faux pearls, he adds. Still, you can easily slide it into a purse or clutch and it has both 1X and 2X magnification. It's on the pricier side, for sure, but it's so pretty and special that it could also make for a great gift for your mom or mother-in-law.

Price at time of publish: $115+

Etsy

There's no shortage of different ways that you can make this compact feel personalized and special. Choose from rose gold, yellow gold, or silver finishes, as well as three monogrammed designs, eight quotes, or even design your own engraving in your choice of five different fonts. Cantor calls it "simple yet elegant," and points out that the customization makes it a nice choice for a bride who wants a functional compact that also makes for a great keepsake.

Price at time of publish: $18+

Amazon

Compact mirrors are typically made to fit in and be held in the palm of your hand. But if you find it tricky to hold one while simultaneously touching-up your makeup, you’ll appreciate that this one has a built-in tabletop stand. That doesn't mean it's big or bulky, however. It measures only two by three inches, and is super slim, perfect for slipping into a clutch or even a pocket.

Price at time of publish: $7 for 2

Jay Strongwater

For brides who want a compact mirror that's not only practical, but is also a heirloom-worthy piece that can be passed down for generations to come, this is it. It's a favorite of Cantor's, who lauds it for the jeweled button closer, 14 karat matte gold finish, and hand-set Swarovski crystal embellishment. "It's one of my favorites for brides because of the timeless, monochromatic design," he says.

Price at time of publish: $325+

Etsy

As mentioned, compact mirrors are a top gift for your bridesmaids, this one in particular, which Cantor says is great for both brides and the bridal party alike. It's gift-worthy because it's very customizable, with a crystal design that comes in 28 colors and with your name engraved on the outside. Bonus points for the included pouch and gift wrap packaging, taking one extra thing off of your to-do list.

Price at time of publish: $62+

While yes, compact mirrors are all on the smaller size, there are still a range of sizes out there. According to Cantor, you want to make sure you find one that's a comfortable size and shape. Too big and it won't fit in your gown pockets or clutch, too small and you won't be able to see anything.

There's no shortage of options to choose from, ranging from everything from simple, solid-colored plastic to gorgeously embellished 14-karat gold. The design you want is totally up to you—and will largely dictate the price of the compact—so think about whether you want something that really will double as an accessory and/or keepsake, or if you care purely about the function and not necessarily the aesthetics.

A magnification will make precise touch-ups much easier, notes Cantor; most compact mirrors come with dual magnifications. Built-in lights are also a nice addition, making it much easier to apply makeup in dimly-lit spaces, think your evening reception.

"2X to 3X is ideal for a compact mirror," says Cantor. That being said, there are many out there that have a higher magnification, which may prove to be beneficial for those with poor vision, he says.

Meet the Expert

Bryan Cantor is a celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert based in New York City. He brings his impressive knowledge of makeup products, skin care, application techniques, and professional tips and secrets to clients and companies in New York City and across the globe.

Brides contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She's also a newlywed, who did in fact have a compact mirror on-hand throughout all of her wedding festivities.