wedding 2022 | Gorgeous Garb

by Anne Pyburn Craig

date posted: March 19, 2022

Bridal wear has always been statement wear, and in 2022, the statement you want to make is up to you.

Nothing speaks “wedding” more than a perfect, beautiful dress. Pair it with your partner’s apparel and a gorgeously attired bridal party, and a wonderful celebration is sure to follow.

the basics

You will, of course, want to consider the season and the setting and choose your outfits accordingly. Remember, the two of you can agree on any color in the rainbow. Consider thinking out of the black-and-white box and going bold with matched pastels, jewel tones, or even neon, and complementary shades for the wedding party.

Bridal wear has always been statement wear, and in 2022—like everything else about this getting-married thing—the statement you want to make is up to you. But do go big. Sparkle some, or sparkle plenty. Flow like satin water. Be the magnet that draws every eye. And try to plan six months to a year in advance.

Before you go shopping on the ground, go window-shopping in cyberspace: Check out classic looks, backless beauties, extravaganzas of beading and fluttering lace, florals, and fashion-forward asymmetrics. Get a feel for the ways various fabrics drape in a well-cut suit. You may end up finding inspiration in unlikely places. Use impossible, budget-busting designers whose work you love as a template for knowing what features matter most to you. Want to be a corseted wonder of lace piled high for the ceremony, but not so sure about how that will work for feasting and dancing? That’s exactly why the idea of a second look—a reception outfit that’s gorgeous but more wearer-friendly than a formal gown—is gaining in popularity, whether we’re talking about a gown that converts or a whole new ensemble.

bridal boutique tips

Plan to bring one, or at most two, trusted confidants, the kind of people who will be honest without being bossy or imposing their vision on yours.
Wear something that’s you. You want to walk in there feeling put together and on point—it’ll give the sales folk an idea of who you are, helping them make better suggestions—and everything looks better with confidence.
Make appointments a couple of weeks in advance.
Wear seamless, strapless nude or neutral undies. After you’ve made your choice, the sales folk can advise you about what undergarments will work with your gown. You’ll want to buy those and wear them to fittings.
Thinking about an updo or a French braid? Give it a dry run on your shopping trip to get a better sense of the full effect.
Have your companion take photos from every angle. If you’re still undecided after shopping, go over the photos together over drinks or lunch.

The idea of a second look—a reception outfit that’s gorgeous but more wearer-friendly than a formal gown—is gaining in popularity, whether we’re talking about a gown that converts or a whole new ensemble

suitability

The standard rules still make a great guideline: a tuxedo or fancy three-piece in wool, silk, or a blend, in black, midnight blue, or charcoal, complements a formal wedding like nothing else. You’ll want to arrange alterations two to three months in advance.
For an outdoor wedding, barn wedding, or other, more casual setting, a lighter-colored three-button three-piece is a good choice, and one you’re likely to get more wear out of in the future. If you’re going with a tux, unless you’re often summoned to black-tie dos, consider renting.
If formal occasions are a regular part of your life, consider splurging on a bespoke suit. You will look and feel superb.
Don’t forget the accessories! Your clothier or tailor can help you make sure you get the right shirt, tie, pocket square, socks, and suspenders. Lace-up black Oxfords or Derby shoes go with everything—polished, of course.

Before you go shopping on the ground, go window-shopping in cyberspace.

You’re designing the look here, so of course you get to dress the wedding party. But don’t get too tyrannical. These are people you love, and you want them to love the way they look in your photos and the way they feel all day. In your decisions about color, silhouette, length, and accessories, get enough input to make sure that no one will be stuck with a look they absolutely hate. Pre-select some looks you love, get the crew together for coffee, and talk that stuff through.

Color swatches are your ally here. Bring swatches of personal favorites to a gown fitting so you can get an idea of the absolute best pop or most gracefully subtle shading. With a little basic photo editing, you can put photos together and see how outfits look side by side.

Consider mismatched wedding party garb pulled together by one element or another—different styles in the same color, or various colors in the same style. It can make for a splendid look and give your attendants a little more room for self-expression. Just be clear about what you do want, choosing color families, hemlines, or fabrics that will play well together and will satisfy your ultimate vision of your wedding day.