You said yes. Congratulations! Maybe you said yes a few months ago, or maybe you said yes right before a pandemic [1], and now three years later, you're finally about to say "I do." Let's take one deep collective breath, shall we?
According to The Wedding Report [2], over 2.4 million U.S. couples will be tying the knot in 2022. That's a lot of cake! To help those soon-to-be brides and grooms prepare, we spoke with wedding planners and other experts to get their take on this year's top trends. From private elopements to themed parties, couples will be throwing more unconventional (and true-to-themselves) celebrations this year. And if that means wearing a Victorian ball gown [3], even better. Now start practicing your first dance moves — it's time to get married!
Pant Suits
Not into dresses, but still want to make as strong of a statement? Gbemi suggests sporting a pant suit. "There are so many options out now to create a custom pant suit, with intricate details such as embroidery or beading that no other bride will have," she says. And unlike most wedding dresses that are preserved (and never seen again), a striking blazer and pair of slacks can become part of your everyday wardrobe.
Unconventional Themed Parties
Getting married is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of moment, and sometimes that means rewriting the rules. In 2022, couples are reimagining their ideal wedding day, bridal showers and bach parties. "They're choosing supplementary events that speak to their own interests and hobbies, like "I do" BBQs, stock-the-bar parties, sunset catamaran cruises, and fun day trips or outdoor excursions," says Emily Forrest, director of communications at Zola. Ultra-niche themes are also on the rise—like "classy carnival" and "witchy-meets-European countryside." Who could ever decline a wedding this fun?
Cultural Traditions
Tara Melvin, founder of The National Society of Black Wedding and Event Professionals [4], is seeing more couples honouring their heritage and integrating culture into their ceremonies and receptions. "Hip-hop violinists are a popular phenomenon right now," she notes. "Another tradition seen at African American weddings is interpretive and liturgical dance performances."
Very Peri
Another trend Tara predicts will be exceptionally popular is pairing Pantone's colour of the year "Very Peri" with other vibrant hues. "Gone are the days of all-white wedding decor," she tells POPSUGAR. Don't be surprised to see pops of periwinkle in bridesmaid dresses [5], floral arrangements and wedding invites in 2022.
Sustainability
Forget that something blue. Something green is becoming the new priority for environmentally conscious couples. "Secondhand wedding dresses have exploded in popularity," Sarah Baillie [6], author of the Wildlife-Friendly Wedding Guide tells POPSUGAR. Not only will you be saving money, you'll be saving the environmental costs of raw materials needed for a new dress. "Outdoor ceremonies and ceremonies at non-traditional venues are also on the rise," she says. "These locations are often naturally beautiful, requiring less work and materials in terms of decorations."
Natural Hair
Nicole Mangrum [7], global hair artist and expert on Intro, is all about the sparkly accessories, low buns, and natural hairstyles in 2022. "Being a girl with textured hair, I love seeing brides rocking their natural curls and coils instead of straightening," she says. "Being yourself and feeling naturally beautiful radiates confidence, and confidence is always on-trend no matter the occasion." With clients like Michelle Obama [8] and Oprah Winfrey [9], we know she's witnessed this firsthand.
Elopements
"The pandemic caused many couples to view elopement as their only option to wed," says Sarah Kelly, wedding operations manager at Simply Eloped [10]. "Then they discovered how fun, intimate, and romantic eloping can be." Not only will you save yourself a ton of money (and stress), you'll also experience a celebration centreed around what truly matters: the love between you and your partner.