Over the last year, my Instagram saved folder has slowly become a vision in white, which may or may not have to do with the fact that I finally have a great boyfriend. As weddings have started to pick up again, I can’t help but swoon over the incredible wedding dresses. Exaggerated silhouettes, puff sleeves and lace-trimmed veils have returned with a brilliant vengeance after brides have endured delay after delay. Though I have no intention of getting married anytime soon, I have every intention of using my free time to plan and re-plan the multiple outfit changes I would like to have at my wedding. The top 2022 wedding dress trends play with the boundary of traditional norms and are, in a word: fun. 

The most stunning weddings I see are when the bride looks like an elevated version of herself. The notion of a white bridal gown naturally starts to feel a bit uniform, but once you consider options outside of the traditional bridal silhouette, a white dress can actually take on many forms. Like most fashion trends, the emergence of the modern bride has started to gain traction in Europe. 

Source: Instagram

Camille Charriere, a Paris based fashion influencer, has taken over Instagram with her “Roaring 2020s” themed wedding that included not one, not two, but three outfit changes. The looks included a fitted vintage Jean Paul Gaultier suit and two completely sheer dresses: Celine for the ceremony and an up-cycled vintage lace dress for the reception. 

Source: Instagram

The dresses check all of the usual boxes (lace, sequins, white) and yet have never been done before! While you absolutely don’t need to have your underwear on display at your wedding, I think every modern bride should look to Charriere for inspiration on infusing personal style into the wedding dress structure.

Bridal designers are joining in on the fun and the 2022 collections truly push the envelope. A traditional white dress will never be a bad choice but if you’re looking for inspiration to turn “I do.” to “I do!”, read on for the best wedding dress trends for 2022.

This Strapless Ribbed Dress

This Yolancris wedding dress technically has a lot going on with thick ribbed material, a strapless neckline, puff sleeves and the two-piece top/skirt and yet, it comes together to look clean and simple. This is a great option if you like a traditional wedding dress shape but want to play-up the details.

This Show-Stopping Shoulder Detail

Vera Wang is a wedding dress master and the evidence is in the details of this completely pearl-studded dress. On it’s own, the simple pearl silhouette is streamlined and modern but the eye-catching flower on the shoulder adds a vintage-inspired element to the gown.

This Victorian-Era Dress

Simone Rocha does not specifically design dresses for brides but almost the entire collection is perfect for a wedding. The Victorian-inspired silhouettes are extra dramatic, unique and perfect for a more casual venue.

This Floor-Sweeping Gown with a Lace Bodice

The Kate Middleton effect still hasn’t worn off and probably never will because it. is. timeless. The wide train of this dress is stunning with the neck to floor pearl embellishment down the back.

This Semi-Sheer Halter

This sheer color-blocked dress would be perfect for a beach wedding or as a fun reception dress change! A slip runs beneath the full dress so it has the playful sheer detail without being scary.

This Ruffled Tule Ballgown

If you’re not marrying into literal royalty, this dress is the next best thing. The layered tulle gives the dress incredible texture and there is no doubt that all eyes will be on you.

 

This Dramatic Mermaid Silhouette

A mermaid silhouette is a classic way to show off your figure. The deep v-cut of the bodice and contrasting feather-like bottom gives a modern day princess effect.

This Form-Fitting Sheer V-Neck

A wedding dress can absolutely be sexy and timeless. The sheer top of this dress with descending floral detail shows just enough skin while still being family friendly.

This High-Collar, Puff-Sleeved Gown

This wedding dress is a refined ode to what many of our parents probably wore to get married in the ’80s (but way better, I promise). The combination of a high neckline with puff sleeves is contrasts beautifully against the dress’s simple silhouette.

This Cape-Sleeve Dress

The ultra-chic cape sleeve is back in style! This style pairs beautifully with a veil or can be worn without because the draping gives a veil-like shape to the dress by itself.

This Pleated Suit Jacket

If a huge gown isn’t for you, consider wearing something more structured like a suit jacket. This style will look just as amazing at City Hall as it will at a swanky afterparty.

This Girly Baby-Doll Style Frock

Cecile Bahnsen is another design that does not specifically make wedding gowns but has incredible options for a more casual setting. This simple perforated dress can easily be dressed up with glittery heels and a dramatic veil.

 

This Black and White Piped Gown

If the tiered silhouette of this wedding gown alone wasn’t stunning enough, the black piping and bow make it wearable art. The black detail breaks the all-white bridal mold while still keeping to a classic shape with the sweetheart neckline.

This Jumpsuit with A Shoulder Train

This modern jumpsuit is still very feminine with a corset-like top, shoulder train, and cap sleeve. However, the flare pants obviously break the wedding dress tradition. This jumpsuit is perfect for a bride who wants the best of both worlds.

This Dress with Detachable Statement Sleeves

The dramatic sleeve is a big trend in 2022 and having a detachable option allows you to participate as much as you want! I love when brides wear a statement sleeve down the aisle and then remove them for the reception. It gives the illusion of two dresses in one.

from StyleCaster