Unprecedented times bring unprecedented bridal fashion—just ask celebrity and bridal stylist Micaela Erlanger. “There will always be brides that want to wear white or have that ball gown moment, but there’s also a new crop of brides that are looking for something more out-of-the-box that has their unique stamp on it,” Erlanger said. “Whether that means wearing color or a suit, you’re no longer beholden to a traditional wedding dress.”
Indeed, according to Erlanger and other top stylists, perhaps the biggest trend for 2022 isn’t a “trend” at all, but a refreshing approach to bridal where anything goes (really!). From outré bow details to inventive flower crowns, the only rule is: there are no rules. Without further ado, here are the best takeaways for those looking to turn a walk down the aisle into their own runway.
One-of-a-Kind Dresses
“[The new bridal look is] infinitely more personal and customized. I’m seeing more and more brides whose priority is to wear something that nobody will ever see again. They want a dress that is unique to them, even if it’s just slight customization on a pre-existing style. Brides want to make things their own.” –Carrie L. Goldberg, CLG
Color Beyond The Blushing Bride
“Whether it’s shades of pink, green, blue, lilac, or black, now that brides are coming into this new wave of personalization, they’re wearing colors that showcase their style.” -Carrie L. Goldberg
Put a Bow On It
“Exaggerated bows—the bigger, the better. Alexia Maria started this trend in the bridal world with her signature bow dresses. We saw Emilia Wickstead and Carolina Herrera iterations this past year that were very popular with brides. The trend is continuing into 2022 with Reem Acra’s embellished bow details along with elevated, modern options from Prabal Gurung and classic and feminine options from Markarian.” –Anny Choi, Head Stylist at Over The Moon
Pleats, Please!
“I’m very into pleating as a new form of texture. The rigid box pleating, large shapes, and volume that the royal weddings set the trend for has given way to diaphanous goddess-y Grecian pleating—like Danielle Frankel’s Camille. It’s one of my favorite wedding dresses that she’s ever made, and it works for a great range of body types.” -Carrie L. Goldberg
Pearls of Advice
“Pearls, especially the more baroque, not your grandmother’s pearls aren’t going anywhere. Brides, editors, and designers alike are gravitating toward pearls to add sheen over sparkle.” -Carrie L. Goldberg
Groundbreaking Florals
“Flower crowns are making a comeback! Not in a cheesy music festival way but modern reinterpretations. I’ve always loved Sharon Tate’s bridal updo with small bows and flowers all over, which influencer Camille Charrière recently recreated for her wedding in Paris with sparkly snowflake petals woven into her hair made to look like snowflake petals.” -Anny Choi
Age Of Opulence
“Romance and glamour is back. Finally being able to gather again means brides are wanting to celebrate, and we’re seeing in bigger ball gowns,, embellished dresses, and cathedral-length veils.” -Micaela Erlanger
The Modern Bridal Party
“The mixing of prints has taken a new twist,” Goldberg adds. “It’s a little bit less sparkly and a little bit less bohemian, and the new options have a little bit more polish. One person is in a texture, whereas another person is in a velvet, another person is in a floral, and one person is in a print that ties that all together.” -Carrie L. Goldberg
Variations On a Theme
“More thoughtful accessorizing in terms of layering because there have been so many theme events that we’ve seen come into play. Ivy Getty’s mod party is a great example, but I’ve also had many clients have Western hoedowns that involve infinitely more accessories.” -Carrie L. Goldberg
The Gloves Are On
“I love a glove. You could do a strapless dress with a long opera-length glove and make it winter glam. Brides will have fun personalizing their looks in this way as we look to the seasons ahead.” -Micaela Erlanger
The Big Re-Veil
“One of my favorite trends for 2022 is pairing a major veil with a minimal dress. I love Monvieve for their intricate couture veils handmade in Italy; these are heirlooms that can be passed down. The right veil can stir up the same wow factor as a dress.” -Anny Choi
Don’t Forget The Groom
“We’re seeing more emphasis on groom style with fun shoes and color,” Erlanger says and suggests looking at the wedding decor and design when selecting groomswear that stands out while coordinating with the bride. “You want to look like you belong together, literally and figuratively.” -Micaela Erlanger
