Cover Shikin Gomez walking barefoot down an aisle of water
Shikin Gomez walking barefoot down an aisle of water
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Inspiration from some of the most enthralling weddings of 2022 with notes on what to wear for a modern bride
Weddings have always been the ultimate celebration of joy, and after the era-defining couple of years we’ve had, no one can argue that we’re all in need of a little extra joy. For many, the anticipation of a final end to the waiting and the doubt and the delays has resulted in one, very firm decision: this wedding will be the wedding to end all weddings. That can and has been interpreted differently by couples—some see it as a reason to draw their circle a little tighter, and to hold a cosy, intimate ceremony. Others are ready to let loose and go for no-holds barred wedding event marathons, each setup more impressive than the last.
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Commit to a Theme
Everyone’s favourite, can’t-look-away celebrity couple Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker got married in an explosion of ostentation and glamour. The Kravis wedding spanned weeks and continents, and the thematic thread tying it all together? Gothic Romance, chosen perfectly to complement Travis Barker’s punk persona and Kourtney’s glamorous interpretation thereof.
It started in Vegas and ended in Portofino, but the Kravis wedding extravaganza kept things constant. Kourtney’s designer of choice, Dolce & Gabbana, designed a series of outfits for her that were varied interpretations on a theme.
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, when Lily Collins got married last year to film director Charlie McDowell, she had just one event and 40 guests. But at a hot spring. Where she wore a fairytale-inspired, drama-heavy hood, cape and gown by Ralph Lauren. Every photo and vignette from the day was full of cottagecore and folkloric references, contributed by artfully chosen flowers and decorations, but also by the inspiring natural beauty of their venue, Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado. The incredible surroundings added natural drama.
Above Lily Collins & Charlie McDowell's wedding ceremony officiated by Jay Shetty
Above Lily Collins in a Ralph Lauren bridal gown
Lily Collins & Charlie McDowell's wedding ceremony officiated by Jay Shetty
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How to Achieve It
Whether you’re planning a multi-day wedding event or a smaller ceremony, finding a cohesive, recognisable theme will take your big day (or days) to the next level.
A good theme will mark the memory as different in your guests’ minds. It can be as simple as a colour palette—saturated, juicy bright tones like marigold and tangerine are going to be big next year, and perfectly complement a bridal palette of whites and neutrals. Or get playful with pop culture and global references. Even if you don’t want to go full Regency, you could draw inspiration from Bridgerton’s masterful use of colour and unapologetic love of embellishment.
A Moveable Feast
Whether you’re hosting a destination wedding, or inviting guests from afar to your favourite city, a series of events that lead up to the big day, and then gently unwind after that is becoming more and more common.
Start with a simple welcome party to get everyone off on the right foot, as Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz Beckham did in their multi-day Palm Beach wedding this year. Guests were welcomed with cocktails on the first evening, before enjoying the ceremony and reception the next day. It’s the best way for different families and friend groups to mingle and bond, so the chances of awkward dinner-table conversation are eliminated by the time you get to the reception.
Plan for daytime activities and evening meals, but leave a little breathing room for your guests to explore on their own, as well. If yours is a destination wedding, help your guests explore the area and enjoy the trip by offering small guided tours, recommendations at the best restaurants in town and experiences that they can treasure forever—sunset sessions are a sure winner, wherever you happen to be in the world. If you’re inviting friends and family from afar, take the opportunity to show them your favourite places—the best pastry cafe in town, your favourite hikes, post-drinking supper spots.
Make It Personal
As recent events have shown us— anything could happen. So if you want to celebrate your wedding in a non-traditional manner? Go for it. Maybe that starts with a private civil ceremony, followed by an all-out reception. Maybe it’s doing away with all speeches—or making it a free-for-all with the microphone. Maybe it’s an open cocktail bar for your guests to get creative with their own drinks. Maybe, like Shikin Gomez, it’s about turning the bridal march into walking barefoot down an actual aisle of water.
There’s an enormous amount of pressure for bridal couples to do things the way things have always been done but remember: the day is for you, and about you. Wherever you can, infuse your own personalities and tastes into the event.
That extends to wedding favours. Thoughtful gifts that bear an element of the wedding couple are always the best. Mini bottles of your favourite sambal? A bouquet bar for your guests to put together their own flowers? Even little fans are a practical but pretty gift that your guests will actually use.
Why Wear One Dress When You Can Wear Two?
You know what no wedding guest has ever said? “This wedding has been nice, but I wish she didn’t change into that second dress halfway through.” Half of the fun of a great wedding is the spectacle, and if the bride (and/or groom) decides the best way to achieve said spectacle is through multiple outfit changes, more power to her.
Breaking up your wedding day, or weekend, into multiple outfits is the best visual way to tell a story throughout the event, and mark each moment as distinct. We love an all-out gown for the ceremony, complete with all the add-ons, whether that’s a floor-length veil, crowd-stopping train or royalty-inspired tiara (there’s never been a better time to pay homage to the monarchy).
Consider an easy, less structured look for any pre-wedding parties—a shimmery bias slip in your chosen bridal palette is perfect, and sets the tone for the big looks to come. Then a shorter, lighter dress that moves well on the dance floor for the after-party; a relaxed ivory suit for the day after the night before, when you’ve probably had enough of shapewear and heels.
Mini Dresses, Maximum Drama
Are traditional bridal gowns not the one for you? Don’t force it. The wedding mini dress is on the rise, and can pack just as much drama as a full-length gown. The trick is to balance the brevity of your dress with extra length or volume in the other elements of your outfit. Brian Khoo achieves this perfectly in his bridal collection, with a short furry piece featuring a dramatic V neckline.
Or look to Monique Lhuillier’s stunning Sicily-inspired bridal collection and its incredible minis, with ornate draping and botanical flower details.
Brian Khoo bridal collection
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Suit Up
A bride in a suit? Chef’s kiss. Whether it’s a tailored ensemble or an easy off-the-rack look for the final day, bridal suits are always a good idea. Mix and match, and play with separates to create your perfect look, whether that’s sharp lines or an abundance of floral embellishment. For something a little more casual, go high street. You’ll find the biggest array of ivory, cream or eggshell suits on the high street, in whatever fabric you’re after. Brian Khoo and Khoon Hooi’s bridal suits also cut a clean and sophisticated silhouette that is both elegant and modern.
Khoon Hooi bridal collection
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About
Lynette loves travelling and dancing to Latin music almost as much as she enjoys period films and pastry desserts. She is constantly in search of the perfect nude lipstick and finds her best ideas through walks in nature.
Work
As the Editor-in-Chief of Tatler Malaysia, Lynette leads the content teams for print, digital and social media platforms of the brand. She has over 20 years experience in media, having been editorial director and editor-in-chief for lifestyle titles such as Cleo, ELLE, Esquire, Men’s Health, and Women’s Health.
Follow her on Instagram @lynette_ow or LinkedIn
