20 • Thursday, January 13, 2022
WEDDINGS
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
The Year of Weddings
Photo by Rachel & Noah Ray
Photo by Leslie Hollingsworth
Photo by AL Weddings Photography
Styles in Wedding Dresses and Wedding Formats Shift as Busiest Wedding Year in Almost 40 Years Commences
THE ONE “I actually had no clue what kind of dress I wanted. I went into Bustle and said bring me anything and everything you have! I tried on multiple dresses, but this one felt different. This one felt like “the one”! I loved how the thin spaghetti straps on it made it feel like an elegant nightgown with the lace making me feel beautiful!” Anna Claire Black Zylstra, above, with husband and Jason Zylstra.
CLASSIC AND ELEGANT “I quickly determined I wanted
a fitted strapless dress. But what drew me to my specific dress was that it was classic and elegant, yet modern and a little different. The overlay gave a subtle detail of texture that I loved, combined with the a low-v and buttons down the back. It was definitely my dream dress!” Miranda Garner Cox, above, with husband Ryan Cox.
By Ally Morrison
T
he year of weddings is here. The Knot estimates there will be about 2.6 million weddings in the United States in 2022, the biggest wedding boom since 1984, as brides who had delayed their ceremonies because of COVID fears finally set dates to walk down the aisle. At The White Room, a bridal boutique in Mountain Brook, owner Cathy Kelley said this year is the busiest she’s seen. “This is the biggest year for weddings, and I’ve never seen anything like this.” Kelly said. “I’ve done this for 18 years. This will definitely be a record year.”
‘One client said she will be in six weddings in the new year. Since there is such an increase in weddings, we will see a lot more Friday and Sunday night weddings.’ With an increase in weddings, comes an increase in gown styles. Looking back, Kelley said the most popular wedding dress styles in 2021 had off-the-shoulder necklines with fit-and-flare silhouettes.
OPEN MIND “I’ve always loved the illusion style of dresses and have always wanted more of an A-line style dress, but I went in with an open mind and wanted to try on a number of different styles. The first dress that was brought out looked just like one I had pinned on Pinterest in college. I still tried on other dresses, and actually almost went another one, but went back to that one in the end. I didn’t want to take it off, so that’s when I knew it was the one.” Emily Odom Brown, above, with husband Jeff Brown.
She predicts dress trends for 2022 will change. “Remarkably, strapless gowns are making a comeback.” Kelley said. “I think brides are tired of seeing higher necklines, sleeves and coverage. They’re really going after strapless, and beading is going to be very popular as well.” Creative Director of Bustle Gowns Laine White reveals there is an abundance of diversity happening in wedding fashion this year. “Right now, every bride is leaning into their own individuality with their dress styles.” White said. “It falls in line with our desire to be culturally diverse and to be more excited about our own personalities.” At Bustle Gowns, a Homewood bridal boutique, See WEDDINGS, page 24
