One of the biggest trends at April 2022's Bridal Week in London, everyone from Morilee to Seren Moda and Ellis Bridals showcased some seriously epic sleeve work. This trend of larger than life sleeves has filtered from the catwalks into real-life bridalwear, and brides are loving the opportunity to give a classic, simple, effortless dress the wow factor by adding a detachable sleeve. "Three years ago, we made a pair of double-puffed bubble sleeves for Millie Mackintosh in tulle and appliqué French lace, 

since then the trend for sleeves has really grown," says Kate. There are so many options out there, you can have them as detailed or as plain as you like. "We have some epic Mikado sleeves in the collection we launched last year and a gorgeous shrug which adds volume. It allows you to update any dress and have fun, you can be traditional if you want to be, while also playing with the drama!"

2022 weddings are all about choice – and the concept of layering detachable elements to transform the outfit throughout the day is going to play a key part. "The great thing about choosing a detachable overskirt is that you can wear it over a beautiful fit-and-flare silhouette and transform from princess to goddess," explains Kate. "Have fun with it and people will think you completely changed your outfit. With everyone’s excitement that weddings are able to go ahead again, I think brides will want to really make the wedding outfit even more magical. 

I’ve said throughout all of this that, no matter how big or small your day is, you can still wear the dress of your dreams and feel amazing. Some brides have been opting for a small ceremony now and a bigger party later and this way you can wear the simple, elegant dress for one, then add the drama of the overskirt for the other and wear your dress for both events."

Capes have been one of the popular wedding dress trends for a while and the bridal experts don’t see them going away. In the same way that the detachable sleeves and the overskirts give you the opportunity for layering, a cape can add a magical element to a simple dress. "I think this is especially true if you’re not into wearing a veil, which I must say is becoming more popular," notes Kate.

As any bride knows too well, veils can really elevate any look and make the simplest of gowns become bridal. They can also make something quite lacy and pretty look more edgy and fashion-forward if you choose a 3D appliqué veil, for example. "I’d say around 80% of our brides choose to wear one and I’m all for the drama that it brings. Whenever else will you wear a veil?!" says Kate.

"Sustainability shouldn’t be a trend, it should be here to stay," says Kate - and she's spot on. From choosing to manufacture in the UK, to using all recyclable packaging, to the bags you use to carry your dress home, to what happens to the off-cuts from the fabric that brands like Halfpenny London use to construct the gowns, sustainability should be at the top of every bride's priority list. "We repurpose or donate all of our off-cuts so no fabric ever ends up in a landfill. I don’t want you to think about your wedding dress as a single wear item. 

I want you to think about it as something that you can wear again or pass it down as an heirloom. Your wedding dress should have a journey, like any other precious items of clothing you own." Hear, hear.

Leading on from sustainability, the trend for separates is going nowhere. If you have a smaller wedding dress budget, consider investing in separates which will last you a lifetime and you can incorporate into your wardrobe to enjoy again and again. Even big ballgown skirts can be shortened and worn with a cashmere sweater or cute cami for another occasion. The beauty of a two piece is that the choices are virtually unlimited and you can really pick and choose 

your top and bottom to create the exact look you want and really be the bride you want to be.