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Bridgerton Trends – Opulence, Maximalism, and Embellishment

Based in East London for over 10 years but originally from Glasgow, Laura Devine of Devine Bride offers pick and mix wedding planning, helping cool couples to plan their wedding in a more flexible and fun way. With over 180 weddings and events under her belt, Laura knows what’s worked, what’s not, and what’s fun! Here she shares her expert insight into one of the hottest wedding trends for 2022 – Bridgerton!

“With season two of Bridgerton imminent as I write this, you will find me devouring it as soon as it drops in the name of research! I am somewhat thankful for Regé-Jean Page’s absence for season two, so that I can focus fully on drawing inspiration for all of 2022 weddings! My clients’ moodboards and design concepts are in desperate need of a refresh for the year ahead – and Regency era style is a running theme at the moment. Inspiration from this period is proving popular in a post-covid wedding world (fingers crossed) for its opulence and maximalism, flounces and

2022 is set to be a record year of weddings following all the postponements from 2020-2021; and with extra time to think, plan, and save, I am seeing many of my couples influenced by intrinsic Regency accents thanks to Bridgerton. An austere bout of lockdowns has made my couples go for quite the opposite in every way for their wedding. This style is emerging as a natural trend, rather than an obvious nod, so it’s easy to add elements of embellishment and luxury and, ahem, drama, to your wedding style without it looking like a full-on rehash of Daphne’s wedding.

Firstly, colour palettes are emulating Regency blues, soft hues, and an array of pastels. The most obvious trends for the Bridgerton palette is bridesmaid dresses, tablescapes and gorgeous coloured glassware, and of course stunning flouncy florals. With wisteria very typical of the time period in London when the show is set, it’s an easy one to recreate – especially as artificial wisteria is very convincing due to its undulating cascading layers. It’s also surely no coincidence that Pantone announced the colour of the year as ‘Very Peri’, which is a very deep yet slightly powdered violet, ‘encompassing the qualities of blue’; which incidentally is a match for the most common and prominent colour of wisteria. Aside from echoing Regency vibes as a standalone tone anyway.

Bridal styles have evolved to include frills, layers, and puff sleeves for next season, with a search increase for ‘bridal gloves’ reported on Pinterest. (I will gloss over any Covid connection here and attribute this to black tie and morning suit style instead…) Decorative and ornate headpieces, crowns, and tiaras have become highly sought after, along with oversized bows and embroidered veils.

Tall grandiose cakes with an embellished rococo style (adopted somewhat into this era for its opulent and extravagant charm) are a luxury that couples are now adding on – often usually an afterthought should more wedding budget become available; grand cakes are now taking centre stage. Think ornate details, gilding, extra tiers, and delicate sugar craft. Thanks also to Will and Kate for planting the seed for this trend years ago.

Lastly, overindulgence takes precedent. Champagne towers, cocktail hours, spoon food canapes (not like in that ep, though!), decadent tasting menus, and extravagant dessert tables are on the up, because why not? Make it a feast to rival any Bridgeton ball.

PHOTOGRAPH: www.flemingphoto.co.uk

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