From mini dresses to rainbow-hued celebrations, today’s couples are tying the knot on their own terms
Image credit: DesignbyLaney
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: we’ve seen a 47% increase in searches for personalized place cards* and a 107% increase in searches for custom wedding favors* in the last three months.
From colorful, destination-themed receptions to bespoke, heirloom-worthy gifts, the wedding planning boom is in full bloom, and at Etsy our sellers are gearing up to meet the demand. Read on for this year’s top trends—I promise they’ll be worth the wait.
Bridal bows
Bows are having a moment: on Etsy, we’ve seen a 51% increase in searches for bow gowns or dresses* and a 114% 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.
‘60s 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%* and searches for A-line dresses up 22%*, 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: we’ve seen a 41% increase in searches for short or shoulder-length veils*, and a 37% increase in searches for blushers and a 10% 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% increase in searches for personalized wedding or couples cutting boards*, a 129% increase in searches for custom wedding or couples illustrations*, and a 34% 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: we’ve seen a 128% increase in searches for wedding bouquet preservation items* and a 45% 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 traveling over the last few years, bringing the destination right to their guests. From passport-inspired wedding invitations (with searches up 140%*) to beach-inspired favors (with searches up 92%*) 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 decor 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, we’ve seen a 121% increase in searches for bridal gloves*, a 93% increase in searches for puff sleeve wedding dresses*, and a 78% 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%*. 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.
Colorful celebrations
At the end of last year, I predicted that bright, colorful celebrations of love would be a major trend for 2022—and since then, we’ve already seen searches for colorful wedding items jump by 327%* in the last three months. A departure from the more muted and neutral tones of the last few years, couples are embracing bright, vibrant color 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 color palettes take off in engagement rings, with a 249% increase in searches for ruby engagement rings*, and a 105% increase in searches for emerald engagement rings* and a 12% increase in searches for sapphire engagement rings*.
*In the last three months, compared to the same time the previous year