Wedding dress trends for 2022: not-traditional gowns, re-wearable looks, hand-painted veils and voluminous ruffles are in as brides go big, bold and personal post-pandemic

Given the changing restrictions, couples have learned to adopt a creative and agile mindset during the wedding planning process, says Jacqueline Au, founder of bridal boutique The Loft.

“Brides are investing in looks that can be considered for different events, [from] small celebrations at home to bigger ones that are down the line, and eventually looking for something that could turn into something they could really wear again,” she says.

As a result, Au has seen versatile styles rise in popularity as brides are appreciating the use of add-on tops and sleeves to dress up or dress down their looks. Bridal designer Vivian Luk has also seen a similar pattern with her clients; the former Vera Wang protégé has designed a number of separates for her clients’ big days, among them being bodysuits and skirts that can be restyled and worn again in the future.

“I get a sense that people like that variety as well,” Luk says. “I think [brides] want to show people that they’re versatile, and with some of the pieces that are more casual, it sort of shows people that [they’re] relaxed and confident to not always be so done up.”

It is true that smaller celebrations have led brides to opt for slightly more pared-down looks that are still able to impress. “I feel like people are also respectful as well, in terms of not going over the top,” Luk says.

“They just want something quite simple, but still sort of tell people who they are. They want to find something different, [but] I think they still want to dress up.

“It’s almost like they haven’t worn anything nice for a while, and so they want to have that opportunity to create that wow factor.”