2022 Wedding Gown Trends

Tara Klein, WPICC, Owner & Creative Director Blue Willow Bride

2022 Wedding Gown Trends

What a year 2021 was for weddings! June happened, restrictions were lifted and all postponed weddings were happening almost overnight! There’s no question that over the past two years, weddings have shifted to smaller, more intimate outdoor gatherings however this has only enlightened our brides to wear anything they envision for their special day. Wedding gown trends in ivory, white, floral tones and the Pantone Colours for 2022 (“Very Peri") are bold, powerful and creative. Think of it as traditional with a twist! Designers have been busy designing bridal looks portraying the creative, confidence and spirit of our 2022 brides and predicting visions for your “elopement”, “minimony”, “microwedding” and “sequel wedding”. These trends allow you to create the perfect look for your special day regardless of where it is, who might be attending and your wedding theme or budget!

Bridal fashion runways showcased wedding gowns full of fun, innovative and exciting looks. Classic traditional gowns are now versatile and can be styled differently to enrich your true personal side. Gowns have been designed both full length and short, unstructured and structured, romantic, sexy, formal and informal. Fabrics used in designs are clean, modern, textured, printed, sheer and lacy. Here are some of the top looks you will find while shopping for your bridal fashions this year:

The Second Look

inspires you to be creative and fashion forward. Gown accessories such as detachable sleeves in all lengths, capes in various fabrics, some with pops of colours and textured overskirts can be incorporated into your wedding day look. Removing these accessories after the ceremony gives you the option of walking into the reception married in a completely different look!

Bridal Suits and Separates

are a sleek dress alternative for the bride who does not wish to wear a traditional wedding gown. Not only are they modern and comfortable to wear, they can also be figure flattering and when styled differently can be worn again. Sustainability for the eco-conscious bride!

Square Necklines

flatter all collar bones and shoulders. This “Renaissance Era” look is making a very modern comeback. Designers have incorporated this sexy and sometimes modest neckline into all silhouettes from full A-lines to fit and flares in all different types of fabrics including satin, lace & crepe.

High Neck and Halter Necklines

are re-emerging in the bridal industry thanks to Megan Markle who wore her beautiful second wedding gown by Stella McCartney in 2018. It is a sexy yet modest look that is superb for sporty, broad shoulder brides. These higher necklines were seen with classic traditional gowns, modern contemporary gowns and with sleeves. No matter what silhouette you pair it with, it is sure to get great reviews from your guests.

Textures and Layering

are back again! These feminine details are whimsical, romantic and add fullness to your gown without a lot of weight. Ruffles, tiered layers, pearls and 3D floral motifs scream visions of dreamy, whimsical, outside weddings. You’ll definitely feel like the bell of the ball in these creative and playful looks.

Sexy Cut-Outs, Slits and Corset Bodices

twist traditional gowns into modern masterpieces! These looks were seen all over the runways and brides are loving them. They are bold and fun, showcasing playfulness and creativity while still wearing a classic traditional gown with a very modern look.

Soft and Subtle Sparkle

on wedding gowns produce a romantic, natural glow. Gowns that once adorned metal and heavy beading have been replaced with soft glitter tulle, tonal clear sequins, and beading, producing a look of delicate, light, and natural beauty.

Crepe Dresses

offer you a modern, classic and crisp look. Most crepe fabrics are lightweight allowing you to wear them in any season. You can find crepe gowns solid and clean in appearance, with cascading lace appliques or with adorned sparkly bodices. If you opt for a solid, clean crepe gown you can always dress it up with a gorgeous full-length veil or cape.

Sleeves

in all styles and lengths are in high demand for Spring and Fall weddings and offer a modern aesthetic look. Flared bell sleeves popular in the 70’s and “Medieval Era”, bishop sleeves inspired by the 80’s and the “Bridgeton-inspired” balloon puff sleeve scream creativity and personality. Have them attached to your gown as an accessory and you have the option of two looks throughout your day!

Slip Dresses

are unstructured, “90’s” inspired gowns. They are less formal, fresh and curve skimming. Most are made of light weight satins and charmeuse fabrics and although simple, they can be dressed up with a veil or cape.

Short Dresses

are no longer just for rehearsal dinners and bridal showers, they are now options for your secret elopement and “minimony” wedding celebrations. Different hem lengths of mini, knee, mid, cocktail and hi-low are perfect for smaller intimate affairs giving you the opportunity to be creative and show off those killer shoes we all love to wear!

A note from Tara

As we all look forward to new beginnings before us, it is thrilling to know that bridal fashion will be just as exciting and creative! Remember when you are envisioning your wedding day look, you can completely make it all about you. Be yourself – are you creative, modern, classic or all of it with a twist? No matter what the trending styles of bridal fashion this year, they are sure to fit into the style of your wedding and as we all know, as soon as you put on your perfect dress, you will have stories and memories to begin sharing forever!

Shop all the latest trends at Blue Willow Bride