Our Favorite Wedding Dresses from Spring 2022 Bridal Fashion Week

It goes without saying, but the last 12 months have had an undeniable impact on the wedding world. Brides- and grooms-to-be postponed their nuptials left and right; vendors were forced to regroup, rethink, and replan. What you might not have realized, however, is that the COVID-19 pandemic directly affected the bridal fashion industry, as well. The big, bold designer gowns meant for lavish celebrations remained on their hangers as women selected casual, streamlined pieces for their backyard or virtual events.

Even with all the upheaval, weddings were never fully on pause, and neither were the creatives who supply their fashion. As the world slowly began the journey towards recovery, these designers got to work, imagining both next-level ensembles for post-pandemic celebrations and simple, but couture-minded garments that meet this unusual moment. The result? A Bridal Fashion Week—which debuted designers' Spring/Summer 2022 collections—unlike any other.

Ahead, you will discover some of our favorite looks born out of this period from the designers you love the most, from Amsale and Danielle Frankel to Ines Di Santo, Mira Zwillinger, and Monique Lhuillier. While there is something for every type of bride on our comprehensive guide to the latest and greatest big-day fashions, you will notice a few key trends emerge from the batch—statement sleeves, Old-World square necklines (thanks Bridgerton!), and oversized appliqués dominated this season. But the key trope that ties every dress together? A renewed reverence for milestone celebrations and the pieces we wear to them. If you find your future wedding dress on the following slides, we hope you wear it in good health.

On the hunt for something to wear for your upcoming micro wedding? Look no further than Alexandra Grecco's Spring/Summer 2022 collection—dubbed "Poppy & Botanica"—for simple, feminine separates and wedding-dress alternatives that exude happiness. While we're partial to the "Imogen" top and pants, seen here, the sweet minis, blazer dresses, and sundress-inspired midi gowns that punctuate the rest of the collection are just as lovely.

Amsale's "Harbor" wedding dress feels as classic as it gets—and that's because it is. The sleek, one-shoulder number, polished off with a statement bow in the back, is part of the label's new revival collection, which spotlights the late Amsale Aberra's most iconic wedding dresses of the last three decades. On the whole, the series is a nostalgic look back, but it will also push the bridal industry forward: A portion of the proceeds from each archival gown will go toward the Amsale Aspire Initiative at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), a program dedicated to "eradicating racism in the fashion industry by providing scholarships and opportunities for Black students to develop entrepreneurial skills and build successful fashion careers," notes the brand's website.

Natural motifs and distinctive Old-World vibes dominate Anne Barge's latest collection, full of 3D floral vine appliqués, butterfly motifs, and alluring silhouettes. The silky, flouncy "Romanza" gown, complete with a boned bodice and tiered ruffle skirt, lives up to both its name and the new oeuvre's ethos: It's the definition of modern romance.

Leave it to Jimmy Choo—who has been designing couture for women, including the late Lady Di, for decades, taking on the role of creative director at The Atelier Couture in 2017—to create arguably the most dramatic wedding dress of the season. With structured puff sleeves, a double train (note the creamy lace overlay!), and oversized skirt, the ball gown is larger than life and perfect for the bride looking to make a queenly statement at a post-pandemic affair.

With tailored ripples at the waist, a romantic sash, and plunging back, the "Maven" gown from BHLDN's latest series—this dress was designed in partnership with Tadashi Shoji—is both traditional and subtly daring. Take the model's lead and accessorize with a trail of pearls down your spine.

New York City-based fashion designer Danielle Frankel was inspired by the texture and language of flowers while creating her newest collection of wedding dresses. "Dissecting the architecture of flowers to evoke the silhouettes and structure of the collection was a fresh approach for me," she tells us. We love the unique botanical references in this slinky silk and satin sheath—the voluminous sleeves resemble petals.

The latest series from the Tel Aviv-based label, Eisen Stein, is all about the details—gowns are studded with pearls, overlaid with 3D floral appliqués, lined with metallic lace, and enhanced with sequins. The "Hope" wedding dress, featuring an alluring V-neckline that culminates in a matching bow, puts the latter half of that list on display: It shimmers in the light, thanks to sparkly details and silver fabric, which paints botanical scenes across the bodice and skirt.

Grace and glamour: Those are the two words that come to mind when you behold the Elie Saab Spring 2022 wedding dress collection. We love how this number embodies both: The puffed long sleeves feel classic and speak to the former, while the deep neckline and playful skirt (which is transparent at some angles, but a wash of oversized leaves at others) nods to the latter.

You will quickly notice that statement sleeves were a dominating trend this season—something the "Mel" dress, a new number from GALA by Galia Lahav, exemplifies. The off-the-shoulder puffs cinch at the elbow and again at the wrist, resulting in two gauzy clouds; the rest of the ensemble is just as dreamy, thanks to a regal boned bodice and silver beading.

Part of Ines Di Santo's "The Goddess Collection," the "Ziva"—a strapless princess-cut ball gown with rosettes across the neckline—aptly enhances the female form. We love how the strength of its silhouette is tempered by the soft pleated skirt and whimsical floral details.

Yemi Osunkoya, the founder and creative director of Kosibah, is known for his couture line—which makes his new ready-to-wear bridal collection that much more exciting. The more accessible series captures the label's dedication to form (Osunkoya is known for his mastery of corsetry and drapery), which is evident in the "Ronke" gown; it is fitted in all of the right places on top and draped to perfection down below.

Designer Lihi Hod's creations consistently exude modern elegance—and her latest bridal collection is no exception. The "Ashley" wedding dress feels decidedly classic thanks to the buckle belt, front and center. Breezy sleeves and the barely-blush skirt, however, bring the garment straight into the present.

The creatives at Marchesa consistently look towards unexpected, age-old architecture and materials (think French stone, gold, and woodwork) when curating each series of wedding dresses. We love the structure of the "Anna" gown, a weightless number with a wide square neckline and whimsical skirt, dotted with botanical vines. 

What do you get when you meld Renaissance portraiture and 1950s fashion? Markarian's Spring/Summer 2022 wedding dress collection. Like this mid-length ruffled ensemble, the rest of the series—made with the current celebration climate in mind—feels simultaneously Old-World and fresh.

The "Natasa" wedding dress takes Mira Zwillinger's penchant for appliqués to the next level. The oversized petals and crystal beading make this simple silhouette a showstopper.

Meet "Rose," the next-level ball gown with ombré satin, hand-tufted bustles, and hand-rolled rosettes that just bloomed straight out of Monique Lhuillier's Spring 2022 bridal collection. The gown is an embodiment of the designer's inspiration well, she tells us: "It reflects my current state of mind—I'm full of optimism, joy and gratitude and embracing the opening up of the world. Life is so precious—it should be celebrated to the fullest!"

Arguably one of the more timeless ensembles on our favorites list, the crepe-and-organza "Cheryl," from Morilee by Madeline Gardner's The Other White Dress collection, features covered buttons all the way down the back. The elongated neckline feels subtly Meghan Markle-inspired.

Sweet and sultry, Naeem Khan's "Gardenia" wedding dress is composed of show-stopping lace from head to toe. Another highlight? The off-the-shoulder neckline (you don't frequently see the silhouette paired with a full-lace fabric).

Wear this sophisticated Oscar de la Renta mini, with a drop waist and lace lining, and you can skip the veil thanks to a built-in cape at the back, which starts at the shoulders and stops at the hem.

Want to make a splash on your wedding day? Consider the "Ophelia," a sophisticated mermaid with a structural bodice and over-the-top ruffle skirt, from Rita Vinieris' Rivini label. Despite its voluminous lower half, it's light as a feather and perfect for dancing.

We're meant to see each wedding dress within "The Secret Garden Collection," Romona Keveza's Spring 2022 bridal series, as a bouquet—an image that comes readily, thanks to the gowns' unique botanical prints, nature-derived motifs (think butterflies!), and pastel colorways. You'll have to act quickly, however, to get your hands on the garments (including our favorite ball gown, featuring a cherry blossom branch pattern and wrapped bodice!): The entire oeuvre is a collectors' limited edition, which means a maximum of 25 dresses per style will be made to order.

Incredible textiles and regal shapes make just about every one of Sareh Nouri's newest releases worth a bookmark. We're partial to this architectural mini (named "Love Is in the Air"), however, for its structural skirt, which takes us back to the days of hoop petticoats. It's sweet—casual, even—but still royal.

Brides taking a less-is-more approach to their big-day attire, put Savannah Miller at the top of your list. The designer's consistent dedication to simplicity makes her a favorite amongst minimalist women. Take the "Lorien" gown, from the creative's Spring 2022 collection, for example: With a balconette neckline, corset bodice, and hook-and-eye fastening, the free-flowing dress is streamlined and intriguing.

New York City-based designer Steven Birnbaum notes that his most recent Bespoke series "stresses individuality and the endless possibilities available for today's brides." "Rather than dictate a look and offer variations of that theme, I chose to offer a sampling of the many ways one can be a bride today," Birnbaum explained in a press release. The collection pushes the boundaries of luxury; key accents include silk buttons, lush fabrications, and unparalleled craftsmanship. We're partial to the "Charlotte" gown, pictured here, which feels Old-World, but fresh.

Enter the courthouse gown of our dreams: Temperley's "Garin" wrap dress, composed of crepe satin, hits that City Hall blazer-inspired note, but offers the gravitas of a full-blown wedding dress thanks to the length. 

Big-day jumpsuit, anyone? Wedding attire gets a modern edge in the latest series from Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren (which also marks their bridal label's five-year anniversary). This tailored jumpsuit fits right into the film noir-inspired collection.

Here's the look contemporary brides-to-be have been searching for. This belted ensemble by Yolancris is actually a two-piece (a move the designers leaned into heavily this season!), composed of the lace "Sadie" body suit and the full, opaque "Vera" skirt, chunky belt and all. Needless to say, you'll wear both pieces again.