Our Favorite Wedding Dresses from Fall 2022 Bridal Fashion Week

It's that time of year again: Wedding-dress designers around the world have officially debuted their Fall 2022 bridal collections. This Bridal Fashion Week feels quite different from the last, as it marks a profound reemergence, as creatives—and brides, too—come back with gusto after a dark period of uncertainty. The new big-day looks that were debuted this October feel bigger, bolder, and more forward-minded than ever before. And that's very good news for today's brides-to-be: Now that we're back to planning large-scale events, we need the exciting, new-age wedding dresses to match.

Needless to say, these designers delivered. While some minimal creatives stayed true to their contemporary, pared-back aesthetics, most opted for larger-than-life motifs, from major (not just puffed!) sleeves—as seen here, on this number from Halfpenny London—and extra-sparkly beadwork to big bows and architectural skirts. Another takeaway? The iconic strapless ball gown is back on top; it was arguably the most popular silhouette of the season, which is good news for timeless, traditional bride who wants to make a visual statement at her ceremony and reception.

To help you cull through the hundreds of gowns that hit runways (both real-life and virtual ones!) this season, we went ahead and curated several of our favorite garments. While you will find several of those trend-forward pieces on our list of favorites, we were sure to include traditional and whimsical iterations, too—there's something for every woman of the hour in the slides ahead. Keep reading to discover the crown jewels of the season, which were personally selected by our editors.

Alexandra Grecco's latest bridal series, dubbed "Sonnet," is full of wedding dresses with overlays, detachable trains, and removable sleeves and was designed with layering in mind. We're partial to this structural A-line, which flows easily down the body; delicate half-cap sleeves, embroidery at the waist, and subtle illusion mesh add intrigue and visual interest.

Designer Michael Cho looked to nature—forest streams, mossy banks, and towering trees—when designing Amsale's first major rollout since before the pandemic; in that vein, the brand's iconic silhouettes were updated with whimsical botanical threadwork (think mushroom caps, butterflies, and winding branches). "Yuna," seen here, moves like a gentle body of water and is detailed with elaborate floral embroidery. It's the ultimate pick for a flower-loving bride currently planning a garden celebration.

Anne Barge's previous collection, which debuted this spring, was all about Old-World royal romance. The brand's Fall 2022 series builds upon this theme with an added splash of 1930s glamour. Low, square bodices and plunging backs speak to the monarchial themes of the Regent era, but the gowns' floral brocades and Italian organza and satin crepe fabrics bring the 20th-century vibe. Our favorite look is this strapless fit-and-flare with a curved neckline and optional tulle gloves; it is the ultimate reflection of vintage-meets-modern design.

Lace, embroidery, or beaded embellishments, anyone? If you're searching for an elaborate, detailed wedding dress, bookmark Eisen Stein's newest collection. While pearls dominated their Spring 2022 oeuvre, this season, it's all about the appliqués—which were perfectly transposed onto the label's daring silhouettes. Draped sleeves are another harbinger of the collection, and we're loving the iterations on this satin ball gown, complete with a fitted corset bodice and intricate floral beading.

Elie Saab is the master of 3D appliqués and overlays, two signature moves that are on prominent display throughout the atelier's latest collection, which was dedicated to bridal femininity. Dazzling stones, sequins, and organza petals adorn these sculptural gowns, which move fluidly (despite this ornate ensemble's appearance, it's perfect for dancing).

Colombian bridal designer Francesca Miranda drew design inspiration from her rich Latin American culture when ideating her latest pieces, which are infused with old-age glamour and nod to romance and nostalgia; together, these ideas informed the collection "Gloria," named after one of the region's most prominent flowers. Crafted from upcycled organza and tulle and finished with hand-made appliqué florals and impressive beadwork, these ensembles—the "Alheli" is the stand-out, complete with a trailing cape and crystal detailing—are speak to Miranda's origins.

Complete with eight gowns, three veils, and five accessories, Grace Loves Lace's newest series "Coco Loco" celebrates the multi-faceted bride and channels every part of her personality into one big-day garment. These designs are sweet, but sensual, upbeat, yet classic—just like the women who wear them. Take the "Olive," for example; the lace fabric and silhouette feel traditional, but the deep V-neckline and subtle scalloped seams feel fresh and fun.

We love a bride bold enough to wear some color on her wedding day, which is why this number from Halfpenny London—composed of two pieces, the Hyacinth" dress and "Orchid" skirt—made our list. Despite being different, this option doesn't feel nontraditional, and that's thanks to the recognizable silhouette (a beautiful ball gown!). The pretty watercolor pattern feels playful, yes, but doesn't detract from the ensemble's classic composition.

Renowned for their sumptuous ball gowns and dynamic color play, Ines Di Santo delivered a subtler series this time around—one that still manages to make a major impact, thanks to eye-catching embroidery and body-hugging silhouettes inspired by the designer's childhood memories in Italy. The "Mariana," with long sleeves and floral threadwork, is a lovely sample of the nostalgic oeuvre.  

"This season focuses on unique details that make the bride come alive the moment she puts on her gown and can feel her personality shine through," said Jenny Yoo in a press release. Her simple silhouettes work across all events, big or small, and come with minimal accents and appliqués, so the woman of the hour takes center stage—not the dress. We love this elegant ensemble for its minimalism; the sheer bodice, shoulder sleeves, and button-down back are pared back, but stunning.

Clean, timeless, and structured—those are the words that come to mind when you picture any of Justin Alexander Signature's creations. This season's gowns tapped right into the brand's ethos. "Let's remove the layers, melt away the crystals, untie, and unlace," read the company's press release, speaking to the restraint shown throughout the collection. Restraint, however, doesn't mean boring, as the streamlined "Marie" gown—with its high slit, architectural bodice, and geometric lace—proves.

The sea and its horizon drove Lihi Hod's latest hits; they feel like a fresh start. It's easy to envision a bride wearing the "Amery" on the beach, its soft tulle skirt rustling in the breeze. The pearl-inspired beadwork, dainty puff sleeves, and illusion belt are airy, ethereal motifs that speak to the ocean.

Leave it to Monique Lhuillier to create the floral wedding dress of your dreams; the designer has been crafting botanical-inspired gowns for years. This season, she brought new patterns to the table, using color and embroidery to fuel the floral frenzy. Another defining element of the collection? Larger-than-life sleeves, seen on this two-piece, which add to almost every number's romanticism.

Part of the "Mystique" collection, the "Damaris" gown from Morilee by Madeline Gardner exemplifies the collection's glamorous, romantic aesthetic. The folded sweetheart neckline and flowing skirt make for a timeless gown that will always—always—be in style.

No one uses lace quite like Reem Acra, who crafted a Fall 2022 collection with the fabric front and center. Even the queenly sleeves and low, scooped neckline on this A-line take a backseat to the material, which boasts a botanical, fern-like pattern (you'll find other natural details, like butterflies and florals, throughout the series!).

Say hello to your rehearsal dinner look! Paired with the "Yasmin" cape, the "Aurora" separates (how fun are the high-waisted pants and strapless bra?) make for a statement-worthy pre-wedding party ensemble.

Romona Keveza set out to meet the needs of the modern woman at this time in history, using sustainable fabrics and inclusive sizing to do so. "Whether she is getting married in St. Barts, at a villa in Tuscany, or in a modern loft in New York City, Romona has something for every bride," read a press release. In that vein, we could see this strapless sheath, with a pleated asymmetrical neckline, in any of those contexts.

Arguably the most traditional look on our list, this classic, long-sleeved ball gown from Sareh Nouri feels decidedly royal—Megan Markle would approve. It's part of a series dedicated to timeless, clean dresses, updated with sweet draping, pleating, and structural seamwork.

Looking for a crisp gown with a touch of contemporary flair? Bookmark THEIA's newest garments within the brand's first collection in three seasons. Inspired by the Greek goddess of light, the pieces are lightweight and radiant, and capture a timely sensibility via architectural silhouettes and thoughtful cut-outs. This piece—which pairs the allure of open shoulders with spaghetti straps and demure long sleeves—is modern and minimal, but has maximum impact.

Allow us to introduce Vera Wang's first collection with Pronovias, crafted from premium fabrics and featuring exaggerated silhouettes with major volume. The artisanal pieces are a must for fashion-minded brides. "Vera Wang Bride is about freedom, experimentation, and innovation, along with a tangible ingenuity in the details and tailoring. In short, no rules," Wang explained in a press release. The affordable series (gowns start at $1,800) is also size inclusive and captures the daring, boundary pushing design Wang is famous for—the tulle "Scarlett," with an illusion, draped-to-perfection bodice, is proof.