The Six Wedding Dress Trends Set To Dominate 2022

Six Wedding Dress Trends We'll Be Seeing Down The Aisle This Year

When it comes to saying yes to the dress, there's a lot of different factors at play. Your personal style, the vibe of your wedding and of course, factoring in the current trends. Even those who aren't particularly trend-driven can't help but take notice of what's around, because whatever style is having its moment will be lining the walls of every major bridal boutique.

Consulting the likes of Grace Loves Lace and Prea James, we consulted the biggest and best designers in the world of weddings to uncover the upcoming trends. From paying homage to the iconic slip dresses of the 90's to leaning into dramatic sleeves and leg splits, we're undoubtedly in for an incredible wedding season ahead.

Below, the six wedding dress trends that'll be making their way down the aisle in 2022.

Sustainability

“One trend that I’m personally very happy to see is the rise of the ‘eco-wedding’. More than ever, brides are looking for ways to make their wedding more sustainable and that includes their dress. In 2021, knowing that up to two-thirds of the sustainability impact of fashion happens at the raw materials stage, we made the decision to source and develop our own 100% eco lace in our signature pearl design. We were inspired to take materials that would have been otherwise discarded and used modern technology to create a luxurious fabrication that brides can feel proud to wear on their wedding day.

Currently we have two styles in our 100% eco lace; Lumiand new Peaches Peal (launching February 14^th). Our Amitie occasion wear range is also made from 97% recycled materials and our GRACE Mini collection is manufactured from 100% wedding gown offcuts. In 2022, we are also proud to announce our partnership with Upparel which provides us with the ability to recycle 100% of our fabric waste.

I believe that this trend for brides keeping sustainability front of mind for their wedding and gown will only strengthen over time and I am proud to be able to provide our brides with sustainably-conscious and beautiful designs.” — Grace Loves Lace Founder and Creative Director, Megan Ziems

Lumi Wedding Dress, $2,700 from Grace Loves Lace

Corsetry

"With corsetry being such a huge trend in streetwear, it has already made its way into bridal, I see this as being one of the biggest trends in bridal for 2022. Visible corsetry combined with soft draping in fluid silks or layered over more voluminous under garments creates a very fashion forward but feminine and ethereal wedding day look" — Prea James Bridal Founder, Prea James

Aurelie Wedding Dress, Price upon request from Prea James Bridal

Sculptural gowns

"I’ve noticed a shift towards bigger and more sculptural gowns. People are stepping away from the cookie cutter style we have seen for years and testing the waters with something a little MORE. My clients are loving Asymmetry and sculpture combined" — Founder of Georgia Young Couture, Georgia Young

In Colour Collection Chartreuse, price upon request from Georgia Young Bridal

A Nod To The 90s

“There is no doubt that we’re in the middle a major 90s throwback, and I love seeing the nineties influence coming through in fashion and beauty and bringing it into bridal with the return of the slip dress.

For our 2022/2023 GRACE brides, our slip gowns offer a modern and elevated take on traditional 90s bridal slips. Perfect for elopements or for the bride who loves to party, our slip gowns like Summer and Opal drape around the body like liquid gold and celebrate the female body.

Elegant, effortless, and striking these sexy styles make a statement with understated elegance” — Grace Loves Lace Founder and Creative Director, Megan Ziems

Bella Dress, $4,400 from Grace Loves Lace

Outerwear

"Separates are selling really well for us, particularly our outwear pieces that can be layered over our dresses or separates.

For brides who have had to postpone their weddings to a cooler season and or wanted to create a slightly different look for a dress they have had for two years, outwear is a way to add a new dimension to the look without the cost of a whole new dress. Sheer coats, bridal blazers and silk wrap tops can also be worn beyond the day and with brides being more mindful of sustainability, this is a trend I see staying beyond 2022" — Prea James Bridal Founder, Prea James

The Zoe Tuxedo Jacket, Price upon request from Prea James

Big Sleeves and Thigh Splits

"The key bridal trends we’re anticipating for 2022 offer something for everyone. The first centres on sleeves, the bigger the better. Voluminous shapes elongate collarbones, while off-the-shoulder create an elegant cascading effect. Thigh-high splits add drama in an entirely different way — there is nothing sleeker than a leg sweeping through satin. Texture tops it all off: sequins, feathers, crepes or corded lace" — Rebecca Vallance

Monique Gown in Ivory, $1695 from Rebecca Vallance

Lucy Cocoran

Lucy Cocoran is the lifestyle editor (digital) of marie claire and ELLE. When she’s not following the scent of pastries, she enjoys listening to true crime podcasts and smiling at dogs.

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