Marrying Trends

How to ‘marry’ 2022’s bridal dress trends to your wedding theme

English Country Garden Wedding

The English Country Garden theme is one of the most enduring wedding trends; think wildflowers, glasses of Pimm’s and a fairy-light-filled marquee. Its prevalence is unsurprising – everything about it evokes old-fashioned, understated romance, something everyone wants on their wedding day.

When it comes to finding a wedding dress for your country garden nuptials, why not let your surroundings inspire you? Floral motifs are big this year, with designers such as Philippa Lepley adding petals to their creations. They’ve done it in all manner of clever ways too, including three- dimensional appliqués, exquisite beading or via thousands of tiny sequins. Alternatively, add a detachable element to your gown, and have an overskirt or sleeves that can be removed. Many labels have created two-in-one dresses which are a great way of taking your look from country garden to fairy-tale evening without a complicated outfit change.

Winter wonderland wedding

November and December weddings have become increasingly popular, and there are plenty of bridal options if your dream nuptials have a Winter Wonderland theme. Capes have seen a resurgence recently, with many designers making them an integral part of their collection. They’re perfect for keeping a bride warm while adding a magical element to an otherwise simple dress. It’s also an easy way of transforming a bridal dress from day to night. This year, it’s all about balloon sleeves too; the bigger the better. Sassi Holford’s sleeves, for example, made a big statement. Talking of statements, the trend for a high neckline on a wedding dress is also ideal for winter, especially in lace, adding a theatrical element that flatters most figures.

Destination wedding

Instead of a British-based event, your big day may involve a big beach surrounded by palm trees. Destination weddings require a very different take when it comes to choosing a dress, but this year’s bridal trends complement a beachy vibe. If there’s ever a wedding when you don’t need to wear something ankle-skimming, it’s one with sand and the sea, and many brides are opting for the increasingly popular short hemline/mini dress style. Minimalism, as seen in Belle & Bunty’s collection, is also a go-to look for this type of wedding day. With its sharp lines, sexy silhouettes and general unfussiness, this trend is made for saying ‘I Do’ with waves lapping gently in the background.

Rustic wedding

A rustic wedding is often in a barn or outdoor setting and is more laid-back and informal than other wedding themes. This sense of the alternative can be reflected in the dress you choose. The trend for bridal separates with multiple pieces as opposed to a single, long gown definitely ticks the quirky box and designers like Caroline Castigliano have created some beautiful designs for brides wanting to go down this route. Or perhaps you want that non-traditional feel to come from not getting married in classic white? Coloured and patterned dresses are also another trend this year; they don’t necessarily have to be bold in colour but might have gold brocade or a light pink hue to them rather than the classic white or ivory.

Vintage wedding

Vintage weddings take many forms – they can be Art Deco, Victoriana, Retro Fifties or Swinging Sixties, and usually the wedding dress a bride chooses will reflect the era their day is evoking. That said, there are several 2022 bridal trends that work well with this type of wedding, and bring a contemporary feel to vintage designs at the same time. Lace is a popular vintage trend, especially for nuptials with a Victoriana or 20s theme. Most designers will have at least one lace wedding dress in their collection, so the hard part will be picking just one design!