The world is finally open again, and one thing that was put on hold and affected millions was the inability to have traditional weddings. While some people decided to head to the courthouse and elope, others just postponed their weddings for what seemed like an eternity. Now that spring is here, and it’s wedding season! And while you may haven’t looked for trends since the 2020 wedding season, you could need a refresher. Let’s look at the top trends for this 2022 wedding season. The list is helpful whether you’re the bride, groom, at the wedding party, or just attending.
Engagement Ring Upgrades
This year, the traditional engagement rings have gotten a serious upgrade. Sure, the halo style is still “in,” but more and more people opt for oversized rings that make a profound statement. When you’re rocking several carats on “that” finger, prices can get sky high, so this year’s colossal trend is Kobelli moissanite rings – which look just like the real thing, but at a significant fraction of the price.
Engagement rings also get an upgrade this year when it comes to settings. Instead of the traditional solitaire setting, East-West style rings are a modern take on classic solitaire. Other settings in trend right now are the “you and me” set which features two stones of different colors set next to one another. One thing is for sure – engagement rings are fashion-forward in 2022.
Next Level Textiles
Whether you want an open-back dress, strapless, with a train – it doesn’t matter. The textiles for bridal gowns this year are next level. While traditional lace is still stunning and a favorite, many wedding dresses this year are going sequined, pearled, and beaded, not to mention with volume with details like large ruffles. Puffy sleeves and extra-long trains are in as well as traditional veils. The theme for weddings in 2022 seems to be a very modern twist on classic wedding looks.
Mix & Match Bridal Party
One of the best trends for weddings this year is the mix-matched bridal party gowns. While the most significant trend in style is a tribute to the 90s with a straight line and thin-strappy slip dress, the party itself is a showstopper when everyone is wearing different hues in the same color family. Popular color themes are rust & terracotta, blue tints from navy to baby blue, or shades of green. This trend makes for a beautiful photo when the entire party is lined up and makes the bride stand out most surprisingly – bright white in a sea of different shades.
Colorful Decor
If you’re invited to a wedding this year, expect to see a lot of inspiration from costume dramas like Bridgerton or Marie Antoinette. Many couples want to transform the traditional wedding experience and color palette (neutrals and greenery) into bright, bold colors and over-the-top decorations. They are sparing no expense to make the experience unforgettable and decadent. This year, the decor at weddings is playful and exciting, which is a welcome refresh from the traditional.
Breaking Traditions
If you haven’t noticed yet, the theme is breaking traditions in a big way for a wedding this year. Couples are doing this through color, as mentioned earlier, schemes, and decoration choices. Another way is through non-traditional ceremonies, like reception-only celebrations. Weekday weddings are standard this year, too, with couples choosing to tie the knot during the workweek instead of working around everyone else’s schedule.
Sustainability Abounds
Living life more intentionally and sustainably has been at the forefront of so many of our minds for years now, and thankfully, it’s trickling into the wedding circuit now. You can expect to see plastic-free catering, paperless invites to the events included with the wedding, and even donating the flowers post-event. If you’re a bride or groom planning your wedding, look for companies that source from more sustainable brands, where part of their mission is using “greener” alternatives to traditional components of your wedding.
This year’s wedding season promises to be one that none of us will ever forget – and frankly, the trends are ones that most of us would love to stay! While formal weddings with traditional entertainment will always be in vogue, a particular form of self-love is evident when couples choose to go their way with planning… and in these instances, love is truly all you need.