2022 Wedding Trends: Today’s Couples Are Tying The Knot On Their Own Terms

After months of postponed, reduced or altogether canceled celebrations, wedding planning is picking up, and couples (and their guests) can’t wait to get the party started. But when it comes to weddings in 2022 one thing is for certain: couples are getting hitched in ways that feel true to them, focusing on individuality and embracing everything unconventional.

While the pandemic accelerated the micro wedding trend, many couples have taken the opportunity to lean into extra-special personalized details, creating an unforgettable, intimate celebration for their nearest and dearest: according to Etsy, there’s been a 47 per cent increase in searches of the site for personalized place cards and a 107 per cent increase in searches for custom wedding favours in the last three months!

From colourful, destination-themed receptions to bespoke, heirloom-worthy gifts, the wedding planning boom is in full bloom, and at Etsy, sellers are gearing up to meet the demand. Read on for this year’s top trends, identified by Etsy trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson—we promise they’ll be worth the wait. —Vita Daily

bridal bows. Bows are having a moment: on Etsy, there’s been a 51 per cent increase in searches for bow gowns or dresses and a 114 per cent increase in searches for bridal or bridesmaid bow accessories. After living in sweatpants for the past few years, many brides are eager to get ultra glamorous and polished for their big day, and bows offer the perfect solution. Whether oversized and sculptural or small and dainty, the bow is an enduring classic that can add romance, drama or even a touch of whimsy to any bridal look or wedding day decor.

1960s style. The 1960s have long had a major influence on the world of fashion, and this historical time of change and revolution saw several enduring trends emerge (case in point: the miniskirt). Sixties brides did their own thing, rejecting the overly feminine standards of the previous decade, and opting for pared-down looks and shorter hemlines. With searches on Etsy for short wedding dresses up 29 per cent and searches for A-line dresses up 22 per cent, today’s brides are taking cues from history and embracing the mod styles of decades past. To top the retro look off, shorter veils and veil alternatives are also making a comeback: there’s been a 41 per cent increase in searches for short or shoulder-length veils, and a 37 per cent increase in searches for blushers and a 10 per cent increase in searches for pillbox hats in the last three months.

heirloom-worthy gifts. When it comes to thoughtful wedding gifts for the home, gone are the days of formal china sets that end up sitting in cupboards unused. Today, wedding guests are seeking out ultra-personal, heirloom-worthy wedding gifts that can be cherished and passed down to future generations—and ones that couples will actually use. On Etsy, there has been a 77 per cent increase in searches for personalized wedding or couples cutting boards, a 129% increase in searches for custom wedding or couples illustrations, and a 34 per cent increase in searches for custom cake knives or cutting sets.

Another very sweet way to send your congrats to the happy couple is through a wedding keepsake gift, that allows them to relive their special day for years to come: Etsy has seen a 128 per cent increase in searches for wedding bouquet preservation items and a 45 per cent increase in searches for wedding keepsake boxes.

destination (& destination-inspired) weddings. It’s safe to say we’re all craving a getaway, and many couples are taking the opportunity to get hitched in paradise or, with all of the unknowns surrounding travelling over the last few years, bringing the destination right to their guests. From passport-inspired wedding invitations (with searches up 140 per cent) to beach-inspired favours (with searches up 92 per cent) and tropical decor, couples are embracing escapism and creating little slices of wanderlust at home.

regency aesthetics. Thanks to this year’s much-anticipated return of a popular 19th century-inspired TV show, “regencycore”—a style inspired by the 1800s elite—is continuing to influence both décor and fashion alike. Inspired by a sense of escapism, this trend is all about fairytale opulence, elegance, timeless romance and vintage-inspired luxury. On Etsy, there has been a 121 per ecent increase in searches for bridal gloves, a 93 per cent increase in searches for puff sleeve wedding dresses and a 78 per cent increase in searches for pearl veils.

Related to this aesthetic is an increased interest in tea-party inspired weddings and bridal showers: over the last three months, searches for tea wedding favors have increased by 66 per cent. Brides wanting to go all out with this royal theme can have fun incorporating luxe fabrics, pastel tones, brass accents and soft delicate details. It’s also a great way to utilize vintage homewares like candle sticks, tea sets and mismatched china place settings.

colourful celebrations. At the end of last year, Dayna predicted that bright, colourful celebrations of love would be a major trend for 2022—and since then, searches for colourful wedding items have jumped by 327 per cent in the last three months. A departure from the more muted and neutral tones of the last few years, couples are embracing bright, vibrant colour palettes and incorporating bold hues into everything from invitations, to florals, to tablescapes—and even down to the bride and groom’s attire. This trend is all about showing off your personality, injecting joy into your special day, and setting the tone for a fun, playful and entirely unique celebration. We’re even seeing expanded colour palettes take off in engagement rings, with a 249 per cent increase in searches for ruby engagement rings, a 105 per cent increase in searches for emerald engagement rings and a 12 per ecent increase in searches for sapphire engagement rings. We do!

etsy.com