Ricca Sposa "Claiz" — Ricca Sposa “Claiz”

BRIDAL FASHION TREND REPORT >> 2022

curated by now creative director rena sweeney (alchemy events)

with trend commentary from new orleans bridal fashion expert jessica schulman of pearl’s place bridal

::FROM THE CREATIVE DIRECTOR’S DESK::

What a year this has been! We exited 2020 hoping for changes and while we got them, we’re all still living in this quasi-new state in 2021. Bridal fashion trends tend to move slowly and with yet another crazy year almost in the books, our fashion trends aren’t much different than the year itself has been.

Some designers decided not to put out new lines the last couple of years and others who did put out new seasons of gowns decided to double down on the elements they debuted for 2021 as the full effects of those trends weren’t really felt this year.

We are seeing some new trends specifically for 2022, though, and we’re excited to see these leave the runway and begin to show up in real weddings. So our report for 2022 might feel a bit reminiscent of our 2021 predictions, but make no mistake, designers are taking it to a new level.

In addition to the shift in sleeve styles we saw in 2021, we are also seeing a lot of leg as well as black accents appearing in 2022 collections! These exciting shifts are breathing new life into some of the most beloved styles of late.

If you know anything about me and my company, Alchemy Events (yes, I’m not always wearing my magazine Creative Director hat), you’ll know that I’m here for the drama! You probably won’t be surprised that one of my favorite trends is the new, big, dramatic (even ‘grazing the floor’ long) sleeves we’re seeing for 2022! The Galia Lahav signature cutout look is making its way through the industry and we’re also seeing visible corsets returning to bridal fashion.

90’s trends continue to make a strong comeback with everything from halter style to square necklines and that sleek “Calvin Klein chic” look that an entire generation of “Friends” lovers associated Jennifer Aniston with. While pearls were already starting to come back into fashion, we are really seeing a lot of designers lean into this trend with everything from pearl accents to fully blown pearls scattered across the entire gown.

Being able to transition a gown via detachable elements is one that feels particularly suited for us here in the Gulf South also, since you can be more demure for the ceremony and then go to your reception and really let loose. Swap out those long sleeves for spaghetti straps or take off that huge overskirt, show some leg and get ready to party! We’re here for it!

The one trend we’re starting to see but are hoping to see more of, you ask? A gorgeous glittered geometric “mesh” fabric. Some designers are calling it a “waffle pattern.” This fabric gives flow with structure, something gorgeous and a bit sheer with a hint of shimmer. It’s definitely something we’d love to see other designers embrace in the coming years.

-Rena Sweeney, NOW Creative Director

TREND: TRANSITIONAL GOWNS

“Brides love transformative pieces.,” says Jessica Schulman of Pearl’s Place Bridal in Metairie, Louisiana. “They love dresses that can be several looks in one. Detachable overskirts or detachable sleeves are the perfect way to achieve this look.”

Galia Lahav "Loulou" — Galia Lahav “Loulou”

Show some leg in a fierce and stylish, fitted, strapless mini dress “Loulou” from Galia Lahav, like this one highlighted by embroidery and a corset, which drapes into a wraparound skirt made of lustrous stretch satin. Pair it with a removable statement cape for a look that is chic and sophisticated.

Galia Lahav "Jamie" — Galia Lahav “Jamie”

All over 3D petals make this blush and ivory beauty, “Jamie” by Galia Lahav, accompanied by off-the-shoulder puff sleeves and a sheer corset bodice, a romantic and soft trumpet-style gown with a scoop neckline, and a sweeping detachable chapel train. Complete the look with a matching veil scattered with 3D petal embellishments.

TREND: CORSETS

“Visible corsets are back!” says Jessica Schulman of Pearl’s Place Bridal. “Cinch that waist in with this chic style trend.” From lace-up corset backs to bodices with boning, structured corset-style gowns are “in” for 2022.

“Kavita” by Rebecca Ingram: Illusion lace boho bridal dress with exposed boning

Galia Lahav "Charm" — Galia Lahav “Charm”

All over 3D petals make this blush and ivory beauty “Charm by Galia Lahav”, accompanied by off-the-shoulder puff sleeves and a sheer corset bodice, a romantic and soft trumpet-style gown with a scoop neckline, and a sweeping chapel train. Complete the look with a matching veil scattered with 3D petal embellishments.

Ricca Sposa "Mavie" — Ricca Sposa “Mavie”

TREND: CUTOUTS

From daring to subtle, cutouts add a bit (or a lot!) of sexy.

Liz Martinez Bella Donna Collection: “Allegra”

A flattering fitted one sleeve asymmetrical dress “Allegra” by Liz Martinez, with refined cleavage covered and handmade 3D floral appliqués, signed with a beaded waist belt before flowing into a stunning fitted skirt.

FROM GALIA LAHAV’S TELENOVELA COLLECTION: “Rider”

This shimmering lace and beaded tulle trumpet gown, “Rider” by Galia Lahav, features a plunging V neckline, multiple cutouts accented by lacing detail, embroidery, a low back, and a gorgeous cathedral train for a look that is edgy yet elegant—and fitted in all the right ways.

BEAUTE COMME TOI "URSULA" — Beauté Comme Toi “Ursula” (front view)

A shimmering masterpiece of sequined embroidery, this delicate sheath silhouette stuns with a refined, mock neckline and Juliette sleeves. The separated skirt in a sweep train accentuate a tiny waist.

Beauté Comme Toi "Ursula" — Beauté Comme Toi “Ursula” (back view)

Maggie Sottero "Aidan" — Maggie Sottero “Aidan”

Sottero and Midgley "Aerona" — Sottero and Midgley “Aerona”

TREND: RUFFLES

From full skirts to sleeves, ruffles are a fun, flirty element wedding gown designers are embracing.

Soft delicate lace blouse top lend this plissé dress, “Maeve” by Beauté Comme Toi, a singular elegance. With loose chiffon sleeves that can be adjusted to form a striking back accent.

Geometric cutouts and dramatic ruffled gloves make this statuesque, plunging sweetheart neckline trumpet dress, “Edna” by Galia Lahav, with chapel train feel feminine and one-of-a-kind. Highlighted by an elongated waist corset and shimmery beaded lace, make a statement—and an entrance—in Edna

TREND: HIGH SLITS

“Slits in the skirt are becoming very popular,” says Schulman. “Whether it’s a minimalist ball gown or a flowy lace dress, girls are showing some leg.”

Off-the-shoulder chiffon wedding gown, “Chantal” by Maggie Sottero, with a sexy high slit skirt.

Liz Martinez Bella Donna Collection: “Penelope”

A one-of-a-kind sheer tulle fitted dress, “Penelope” by LiZ Martinez, with long sleeves and a unique high illusion neckline, covered with spectacular details such as beading, appliqués, and ruffled tulle creations.

Liz Martinez Bella Donna Collection: “Bardot”

Sottero and Midgley "Carson" — Sottero and Midgley “Carson”

GALIA LAHAV "Fantasia" — GALIA LAHAV “Fantasia”

TREND: BALLOON SLEEVES

“Balloon sleeves are coming in hot,” says Schulman. “This new trend is modernizing any bridal gown.”

“Belmont” by WONÁ BRIDAL is a romantic A-silhouette gown created of weightless fabrics. The shoulders of the bride are completely opened as the corset is strapless, held on the transparent netting. A delicate corsage is decorated with lowered shoulders and transparent sleeves. The skirt is made of weightless tulle and has long train.

Galia Lahav "Pippa" — Galia Lahav “Pippa”

TRENDS: SQUARE + HIGH NECKLINES

“Square necklines are new to the scene,” says Schulman.”On the opposite end of the spectrum, high necks are trending. This is a classic, sophisticated look.”

Liz Martinez Bella Donna Collection: “Teresa”

“Vera” by WONÁ BRIDAL is made of lace and decorated with floral pattern, pearls and beads. The corset with high collar and long transparent sleeves makes this dress enigmatic.

Sottero and Midgley "Lupita" — Sottero and Midgley “Lupita”

Maggie Sottero "Fatima Lynette" — Maggie Sottero “Fatima Lynette”

TREND: PEARL DETAIL

We’re here for scattered pearl details!

“Sahar” by Maggie Sottero is a modest long sleeves A-line wedding dress with a modern twist.

Liz Martinez Bella Donna Collection: “Maribella”

RICA SPOSA "Volaine" — RICA SPOSA “Volaine”

TREND: TEXTURED FABRICS

Be looking for fabulous textured fabrics in 2022 bridal collections. We’re in love with “Swiss dot” tulle and mesh this season!

FROM GALIA LAHAV’S TELENOVELA COLLECTION: “Fleur”

Sheer point d’esprit tulle sleeves accentuate a low back and breathtaking pointed chapel train on this fitted mermaid silhouette stunner, “Fleur” by Galia Lahav. Think rustic romance a la a modern bohemian moment with 3D lace, crochet lace trim, and plunging V bows.

TREND: A TOUCH OF BLACK

Whether it’s black accents or all-over black, designers are including the color black for brides who want something non-traditional in a wedding gown.

The layered tulle skirt of this breathtaking gown, “Faye” by Beauté Comme Toi, creates an cinched waist. Featuring a jewel neckline of lace and beadings, halter corset and decorated with a crossed lines of sequins making the dress a gleaming craft piece.