Are you flicking through magazines or scrolling through boards to find the best wedding dress styles? Look no further, we’ve compiled the biggest wedding dress trends of the year! Saying yes to the dress is definitely one of the hardest but most exciting decisions you’ll make during the planning process. As a bride, you’ll want to treasure your dress forever! It’s also likely that it’ll be one of the most talked-about topics during your special day. This year both non-traditional and traditional details are taking the runways by storm! Some beloved styles are coming back, and a few exciting new trends are emerging.
Get ready to pin and save some of the most stunning wedding dress styles. Read through our favourite trends for this year.
1. Maximal Ruffles
Expect to see oversized ruffles, tiered tulle and cascading hemlines for a new meets old style. Ruffles have always been quintessentially bridal, but this year the intention is even more showstopping. Designers are embracing volume with this trend, combining dramatic texture and unapologetic maximalism. This fairytale style is perfect for brides who want a princess-inspired aesthetic. But you can also play down this trend by keeping fabrics lightweight for a more ethereal vibe.
2. Floral Motifs
Florals are always protagonists for weddings, but this year they’re adding dimension to dresses…quite literally! The new fun trend involves 3D florals, floral sequins and floral appliqués. It’s truly versatile for any preference, whether you like something subtle or a bit more glamorous.
3. Dramatic Sleeves
The influence of popular culture definitely has an impact on wedding dress styles, and this year is no different. The Bridgerton boom has made more brides lean towards Regency-era extravagance with a modern twist. Voluminous puff sleeves are all over the runaway for 2022.
4. Square necklines
Square necklines are one of the wedding dress styles that are popular for brides looking for modern design details. It actually dates back to the 90s but has come back with a bang for 2022. The contemporary choice is a chic twist compared to the traditional sweetheart neckline, with sharp and minimal lines. The best part is that it’s universally flattering.
5. Corset Bodies
The Bridgerton effect is also coming through with this popular trend. This structural element was originally hidden under gowns as a practical design feature, but for 2022 this stunning style is being incorporated to be purposely seen. The sophisticated and feminine look includes details such as exposed boning, vertical seaming and sheer panels, combined with soft draping and voluminous layering.
6. High Slits
Brides that are looking for more adventurous and flirtatious styles are in luck with this new trend. A high split is a gorgeous addition to a minimal silhouette, or it can add a fun touch to a formal gown. This feature suits any bride and there are so many options from daring to more modest styles.
7. High Neck
The rise of the high neck has also been influenced by celebrities and royals choosing this elegant style. One of the most famous being Lady Kitty Spencer with her breathtaking lace Dolce & Gabbana gown. The contrast between an exposed shoulder and a high neck is the perfect balance for a sophisticated and formal look. For a more daring touch, you could go for an open back to offset the demure neckline.
8. Minimal
This year, the nineties are influencing bridal trends heavily, and one of the biggest wedding styles will be minimal dresses. Again, brides are taking inspiration from celebrity weddings for this aesthetic with one of the most recent being Hailey Bieber in her Vera Wang slip dress. These simple silhouettes can make a stunning impact. But this easy yet elegant look also fits micro weddings perfectly.
9. Feathers
More brides are turning to feathers to embellish their dresses and add a fun and flirty touch. Feathers are cute playful accents that can work with any style and at any time of year. You can add delicate details to a minimal and classic dress such as along the hem. Or take it to the next level with a bold and full feathered skirt for a chic and glamorous aesthetic.
10. Cut Outs
Another trend that has been taking the 2022 bridal runways by storm is a cutout dress. the bold design elements are a crossover between fashion and bridal and that add a modern touch to a traditional style. Most wedding dress styles work with a subtle or more daring cutout, for a tasteful yet stunning look.
11. Deep V Neck
Deep V neck are the perfect feature for brides looking for daring wedding dress styles. They’re a captivating and feminine design detail that can complement any dress beautifully. Go for long sleeves and a minimal silhouette where the deep v will be the main star of the dress. Or push the boundaries and combine the flirtatious feature with a skirt slit. You can even try a deep v back for an unexpected modern element.
12. High-Low Hem
This year the asymmetrical is bigger and better that ever. Designers are taking more risks with this trend to create truly remarkable statement styles. If you’re a bride that wants a show-stopping look then this is one for you! You can even find subtle and minimal ways to incorporate this creative trend by opting for waterfall hemlines.
13. Suits
One of the more alternative wedding dress styles that is making waves for 2022 is suits. This definitely strays away from the traditional bridal attire, but it makes a stunningly bold statement. Suits actually date back to the 70s when Bianca Jagger famously wore her YSL number. In fact, power suits and jumpsuits have started to creep into bridal wear over the past couple of years, and now they’re back with a bang!
14. Two-piece sets
As with suits, 2022 is also about brides going for stylish separates. This fun trend allows for mix and match options and more versatility. Sets had a strong presence during bridal runway shows, and are a perfect option for non-traditional brides.
15. Mini dress
Expect to see the rise of the Little White Dress! This trend is fun, flirty and gives fashion-forward brides the option to be more playful with their wedding dress. There are cute way to break from tradition. You could stick to your long gown for the ceremony and change into a shorter version to dance the night away at your reception.
No matter what your preference there is sure to be an emerging trend amongst these wedding dress styles that’s just right for you! Check out more styling tips for your special day over at WedBoard. Also, find help with How to Choose Your Bridesmaid Dress Theme, Wedding Hairstyles For Every Type of Wedding Theme and How To Travel With Your Wedding Dress.