REGENCY REVIVALS

2022 BRIDAL TRENDS MAKE A ROYAL STATEMENT

By Morgan Cole & Natalie Frazier

With 2022 well underway, many brides are looking forward to spring and the upcoming wedding season. Although 2020 and the first half of 2021 were all about small weddings and social distancing, this year’s weekend-long wedding festivities and over-the-top soirees are expected to make a return, and in a big way. While the pandemic delayed many weddings and forced couples to change their plans last minute, things are looking up for 2022 and that means you can stride ahead with purchasing that dream dress and have the confidence that you’ll actually get to show it off.

When planning for your big day, there’s so much to think about, but it’s fair to say, nothing is likely to get as much consideration as your wedding dress. Finding the perfect balance between what’s trending and your own personal style can sometimes be a difficult task. Rather than reinventing the wheel, this year’s brides are breaking tradition and combining aspects of Regency-era and traditional wedding gown styles with more modern, fashionforward details and dramatic silhouettes that embrace their personal style and individuality. From bold details, puffed sleeves and romantic ruffles, to feminine floral prints and chic new silhouettes, we’ve brought you a taste of some of the biggest trends in bridal gowns for 2022.

PRINTS CHARMING

PROMINENT BLOOMS & FLORAL MOTIFS

Statement blooms are a bridalwear staple, and this season is no exception. Florals are feminine, but also luxurious and fierce, and totally on-trend for brides in 2022. Brides are swooning over traditional floral patterns, but with a more modern and fashion-forward twist. Brides are adding personality and a touch of flair to their look by incorporating splashes of color through embroidered flowers and appliques, allowing them to stand out in a simple yet elegant way. While floral prints are a mainstay in bridal fashion, 3D floral appliques are also trending on bridal runways for 2022. From bold, solids and 3D floral appliques to more subtle pops of color, Welter said that she expects to see brides making their way down the aisles in more colorful gowns this year.

VISIBLE CORSETRY

ROYAL SILHOUETTES

Underwear as outerwear is making its way to the aisle, but this time it’s less sexy and more regal than ever before. Back and better than ever is the reemergence of corset bodices. From corsets exposed on classic ball gowns to innovative options featuring pleating, cutouts, volume and more, this new spin on sophisticated sexiness is all the rave. Bridal consultants across the country are seeing non-boudoir, Bridgerton-inspired corsetry paired with sheer tulle, gossamer laces and embroidery for a royal wedding-worthy feel—but with a sexy edge. This structural element allows brides to accentuate their figures, while still paying homage to the traditional silhouette of a wedding gown. According to bridal consultants, exposed corsetry is trending in the bridal world not only because it shows off the brides’ figures, but also because it spotlights how a dress is made.

REGENCY-ERA SLEEVES

BISHOP & PUFF SLEEVES

Forget what you think you know about wedding dresses with puff sleeves. Regency-era puff sleeves continue to reign supreme within bridal fashion for 2022. Sleeves are big this season, as well, and as we all know, everything old eventually becomes new again. Today, brides are incorporating more sophisticated, modern-day versions of puff sleeves that are all about fashion-forward flair. Enter the Bishop sleeve. A staple of the 80s wedding gown turned modern romance novel chic via the popular Netflix series, Bridgerton. While Welter explained that she typically sees most brides looking for traditional lace sleeves, this year the bishop sleeve has been all the rage.“They are much fuller and have kind of a fun, bell bottom feel,” Crystal Welter, Store Manager of Simply Elegant Couture Bridal said. The puffy bishop sleeve can be worn short and stiff or long and flowing. Nationally, versatile styles of sleeves are being added to a wide variety of dress silhouettes.

HIGH COLOR

PASTELS, STATEMENT SOLIDS & TWO-TONED

When it comes to color, it seems that nothing is off limits. Bridal consultants across the country are seeing brides break tradition and embrace individuality by introducing bold solids, splashes of color and pastels into their bridal look. According to Bridal Suite consultants Madison Setliff and Katie Skinner, local brides are also embracing the high-color trend by incorporating pops of color into their dress designs. Setliff and Skinner also said that they’ve seen two-toned dresses become a very popular trend for this year. “Brides are starting to enjoy these bright colors and are selecting them because they enhance their skin tones,” Welter explained.

Blush used to be a go-to, followed by shades of ginger and champagne, but this year, bridal consultants are also seeing cooler shades of pistachio, dove, pastel yellows, lavender and sky blue in the mix. For brides who want the more traditional feel of a white dress, Welter says, “Ivory is the new white. While it is still rare, we do have some brides asking for dresses trimmed in black. They want to be distinct while also showing off their own unique taste.” Looking for another alternative to bridal white? A subtler choice for the traditional bride with a rebellious streak lies in nudes and antique shades. This year, brides are embracing hints of bronze, peach and beige tones. These soft tones are here to stay for a feminine yet cool take on aisle-appropriate color.

NOT YOUR GRANDMOTHER’S LACE

WHIMSICAL LACE & RUFFLES

Lace might conjure memories of your mother’s old, yellowed lace wedding dress that’s been stored in the closet since her big day, but this is one timeless trend that’s not going out of style. Lace remains as one of the most popular choices for brides in 2022, but many are opting for more of a vintage look with more elaborate lace designs, applique elements, sexy cutouts and even colored lace overlays. Brides are also embracing a plethora of ways to wear ruffles on their big day, from copious layers of frothy, ruffled tulle on necklines and hems, to cascading, sculptural silk tiers. Full of movement, and totally dreamy, this ultra-romantic look is making its way down the runways in droves. Nothing says weddings quite like ruffles. From full voluminous skirts to ruffled hemlines and tiered tulle, this cascading style is quintessential for those who want to feel like the belle of their ball. “Lace is timeless, and this is a trend that never goes out of style,” Skinner and Setliff explained. “The styles of lace may vary as seasons come and go, but one thing that’s certain, is that brides will always be on the hunt for a perfect lace gown.” Welter sees the lace trend evolving into something a bit different than the traditional delicate lace of days gone by. “Some of the trends are going away from the doily-looking lace to big modern flowers with larger appliques,” Welter explained.

REGAL SOPHISTICATION

SQUARE NECKLINES & MOCK NECKS

Just like last year, the 90s fashion trends continue to rule, and square and mock necklines are all the rave for brides in 2022. A dress’s neckline is one of the most important components to a wedding ensemble and this season, brides are bringing attention back to this design detail. The square neckline adds the perfect dose of regal sophistication, shows off the collarbone and is flattering on all body types. The mock neck, or high neck, offers a modern take on the traditional bridal gown neckline and the full coverage look is sneakily sexy when paired with chic and simple silhouettes. Whether you’re after a slim fit, an A-line, or a ball gown, both square and mock neck styles provide a chic, classic look but with a modern flair. From lace to silk crepe and satin, these conservative-witha-twist trends proves that regal comes in many forms and does not have to look matronly in the slightest.