By Kristen Daly

 

We’re calling it: 2022 is a big year for weddings. Not only are lovebirds getting married in large numbers with the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, but we’re also ushering in a bold new era of bridal and bridesmaid trends, from remixed classics to ultra-modern looks with refreshingly unique details.

In part thanks to recent celeb brides like J-Lo, Britney Spears and Kourtney Kardashian, this season it’s all about individuality; from daringly simple slip-style dresses to youthful two piece sets and even mini dresses, bridal gowns and outfits are as beautiful as ever - and also a little badass. No matter what you’re after, there’s a bridal gown or set - or fun statement accessory - to meet your (impeccable) taste.

Not to be forgotten, bridesmaid dresses and other looks are also available in a wide variety, ensuring your squad will feel comfortable while also looking like their most unique, fabulous selves.

But we all know weddings are freakin’ expensive, and after paying for the venue, catering and everything else you may want to save a little cashola on the clothes. Lucky for you then, cause at Showpo we pride ourselves on making wedding outfits that are not only on trend, but affordable.

If you’re a bride (or groom) on a budget, or even a wedding guest looking for inspo, check out these inexpensive bridal dresses and wedding outfits - all under $500.

 

7 Trends For Brides & Bridesmaids From Our Wedding '22 Release & Bestselling Archive

1. The Whimsical Dress

After years of more sleek, streamlined looks, this season bridal dresses are going big with lashings of sequins, ruffles, floral appliques and more fanciful details. In line with the general trend of joyous maximalism seen in fashion lately, this look is romantic, feminine and a little fairytale-esque.

We’re also seeing hints of vintage, as is the case with the Leauna Bridal Gown from our latest Bridal '22 collection. This beauty features a classic pearl embellishment all over, as well as sheer blouson sleeves, an open back look and a full tulle skirt. Coming in at under $500, it’s the detailed but unexpectedly affordable wedding dress you’ve been looking for.

For bridesmaids, we love the elevated but slightly edgy Aisha Midi Dress, featuring a princess-worthy tulle skirt ending at a chic midi length and a trendy bustier bodice.

2. The Embellished Dress

Did someone say embellishments? As suckers for sparkle, we’ve loved seeing sequins, diamantes and other luxe details make the jump from Friday night party outfits to the more traditional category of bridal and bridesmaid fashion.

It’s not a trend for the faint of heart, but our figure-skimming Leuna Bridal V-Neck Gown keeps the look easy and modern. We also adore our opulent Rehyna Maxi Dress for bridesmaids, especially for a black tie or evening dress code.

3. The Ultra-Modern Mini Dress

Also giving major ‘go big or go home’ vibes: the bridal mini dress! Whether it’s worn down the aisle as a bold fashion statement or only pulled out for the reception, this look is very 2022 - especially when finished with on-trend details like sparkly embellishments or volume sleeves.

A round of applause, then, for our newly released Akshia Mini Dress, which combines puff sleeves with ruffle cuffs, a V-neckline, floral appliques and a tulle mini skirt without feeling overwhelming. If you’re looking for *maximum* main character energy on a day when you're already the main character, this may be the dress for you.

And while mini hems aren’t a huge bridesmaid trend right now, there’s a way of adapting this fun look to your bridesmaid attire. Consider our Azrael Dress, which offers the elegance of a maxi hem but with a hot high-rise split at the front.

4. The Siren Slip Dress

Not every bridal trend right now is about romantic maximalism. Some of the best dresses out there for 2022/2023 are so understated they feel a little subversive - like the beloved slip dress.

We’re used to seeing slip silhouettes in formal and bridesmaid dresses (at Showpo we’ve got a lot of ‘em), but this season they’re also a hit for brides. From the sumptuous satin finish to body-hugging silhouette with a hint of sex appeal, what’s not to love?

We nominate our just-released Joesa Bridal Gown, or for bridesmaids - our Cariela Maxi Dress, Lunaria Maxi Dress or Soft Petal Midi Dress. The swishy softness of these slips is luxe, luxe, luxe.

5. The Classic Elegance Dress

In line with this refreshed less-is-more ethos is a classic style like our newly released Courtlyn Bridal Gown. Featuring an understated mermaid silhouette, fitted waist and elegant sweetheart neckline, it’s a pared-back but perfectly tailored (and affordable!) showstopper.

On the bridesmaid front, you can’t go wrong with another new style - our Wellah Maxi Dress. It’s not super common to see a long sleeve on a bridesmaid frock, but here it’s perfectly complemented with a full-length skirt, thigh split and flattering wrap front.

6. The Sheer Sleeve Dress

Looking back on all of these 'fits, ultimately we can’t deny sheer is here for 2022. It’s a youthful look that may involve a sheer skirt overlay, sheer fabric above the bust - or a statement sheer sleeve.

Adventurous brides love our My Whole Heart Gown, with its showstopping tulle off-shoulder sleeve. Or for a slightly more subtle look for your bridesmaids, why not try a Showpo bestseller, the Dangerous Woman Maxi Dress? With its flattering A-line silhouette, deep V-neckline and 70s-style sheer flared sleeve, it's a little dramatic but so elegant.

7. Sleek Separates

While many of the above trends are undeniably memorable, what really sets this wedding fashion era apart is its adherence to a broader movement towards consciously made, worn and reworn clothing.

This is partly why we love the ongoing trend of brides and bridesmaids in matching separates. Not only cool, modern and elegant, our Hopeless Romantic Two Piece Set or Kelcie Two Piece Set can also be deconstructed and easily worn again in different ways.

Just imagine the strapless bandeau top in the bridal set worn on its own with chic pants and stilettos, or the maxi Kelcie skirt styled with a bralette and heels for nights out!

Love these ultra-luxe but still affordable bridal and bridesmaid looks? For more wedding dresses and outfits online, shop bridal at Showpo.com.