Mehr Bedi and Uday Sampath Kumar

(Reuters) – Wedding guests can expect some surprises in this year’s U.S. post-pandemic nuptials. People will be swapping their sweatpants out for sheer layers and figure-hugging gowns.

While the United States is gearing up for 2.5 million events, which will be the largest since 1984, retailers are taking a lot of pressure to make outfits that capture this mood.

This year, we have definitely seen an increase in sleek, bold and more sensual styling among the brides. Lori Conley is the head of merchandise for Anthropologie’s Bridal business. She has spent the past few years wearing loungewear.

Durand Guion of Macy’s fashion department stated that clothing inspired by the period dramas “Bridgerton”, on Netflix (NASDAQ;) and HBO’s” The Gilded Age is also becoming more popular.

This rebound reflects a return of pre-pandemic American lifestyles. Vaccinations have made it possible to remove restrictions and reduce fears about infection.

The Wedding Report predicts that 2022 will see a 31% increase in sales of products and services related to weddings, such as catering and attire, which is also well ahead of pre-pandemic levels.

BHLDN, Anthropologie’s bridal gown-designing arm, nearly doubled last year’s inventory, and Rent the Runway’s special occasion clothing is 10% more than pre-pandemic.

We are celebrating our new era of style with thousands more styles than ever before. Rent the Runway chief executive officer and co-founder Jennifer Hyman said that they are embracing more stylish styles and fashionable merchandise.

Macy’s Inc. (NYSE 🙂 and Kohl’s Corp. are both stocking up on party dresses and evening gowns. Kohl’s has a 75% increase in space dedicated for dresses.

Rent the Runway sees the opportunity to revive its primary revenue stream, which was subscribers after the 2008 health crisis.

Retailers are still suffering from supply chain disruption for months. Recent COVID-19 lockdowns, in China, will likely increase their headaches about keeping shelves stocked.

The supply chain should be back to normal between the middle and the end of this year, according to Jefferies analyst Ashley Helgans. However, as we enter wedding season, it does not feel like the supply chain is completely back to normal,” stated Ashley Helgans, Jefferies analyst.