Bridgerton Brides Are (Still) 2021’s Biggest New Wedding Trend

When Bridgerton first aired on Netflix, the lavish nature of its costumes sparked an immediate trend for puff-sleeve dresses, corsets and long gloves. Now 'Regencycore', as people who've watched it twice tend to call the trend, has spread to our very own social circuit as brides-to-be find themselves inspired by the wardrobes of Daphne, Penelope and Eloise.

According to global search platform Lyst, and its 2021 Wedding Report, brides have been increasingly charmed by 1800s-inspired wedding dresses and accessories, which has resulted in rapidly growing year-on-year demand for bridal corsets (+291%), empire-waist wedding dresses (+133%) and embellished headpieces (+156%).

This shows no sign of slowing down, either, given that the Spring 2022 bridal collections were full of Bridgerton-inspired details, like Elie Saab's feathers and Wiederhoeft's draped corset gowns.

And why not? Even if you're playing it safe with a pocket-sized wedding of 30 people, you can still throw caution to the wind with what you're wearing. And considering how many times the show earns the adjective 'romping', some of the dresses are surprisingly demure with their empire-line silhouettes, square necklines and pretty capped sleeves. Emilia Wickstead's Viva, part of her ready-to-wear bridalwear collection, is a brilliant example, although it's actually sleeveless. While Erdem's Ulrica, with its high neck and wrist-length sleeves, is more modest still but certainly no less romantic.

Once you've found something suitably Daphne, don't forget about the accessories. Cornelia James's Desmonda gloves, made of pure silk and designed to finish a few inches above the elbow, are the actual pair worn by Phoebe Dynevor. Add some pearl earrings (Shrimps's flower-beaded pair is perfect) to complete your big day finery. The Bridgertons would approve.