Source images: [L to R] @nails_of_la, @glossy.studio, Margaret K. PhotographySave this storySave this story
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It may seem like a minor detail on your wedding day, but your nails can have a big impact on how you look and feel for this ultra-special occasion. I learned firsthand at my recent wedding how many moments there are where my hands took center stage: They were highly visible in the photos of me getting ready, slipping on my wedding band as I said, "I do," and raising my hand for a toast at the reception. Try as you might, you won't be able to hide your hands on your wedding day, so make sure they are shaped and painted to perfection.
Everyone’s approach to their wedding manicure is different. Maybe you want an allover muted color, or perhaps you have your heart set on 3D embellishments. I wanted something pretty and demure, which is why I opted for a romantic take on a French manicure with wispy cloud-like tips.
Regardless of the vibe you’re after, Miss Pop, a New York City-based nail artist, says you should always consider possible manicure mishaps and plan ahead. “If you want rhinestones or anything 3D, make sure they are set in gel or acrylic so they last,” she says, and also recommends carrying extra bedazzlements and nail glue from your manicurist, “just in case one goes missing before your big day.”
But figuring out your perfect bridal mani shouldn’t be an added stressor. Brides already have plenty of other details to worry about, like hair and makeup. Ahead, the best wedding nail ideas (including my own) to make your search easier.
In this story:
- Modern monochrome
- Dainty detailing
- Romantic French tips
- Statement shine
Modern monochrome
All white
Courtesy of @ptp.nails
There are three things Lily Richard, a New York City-based nail artist, keeps in mind when it comes to wedding nails: "Elegance, fun, and [making it] complement you and your dress or wedding day look.” For this manicure, Richard opted to keep things simple and crisp with the solid, off-white color on medium-length, ballerina-shaped nails.
Simply sheer
Courtesy of @elsgels
"A sheer pink polish and an almond shape can create a gorgeous manicure," says nail artist Ella (a.k.a. Els Gels on Instagram). For this dreamy look, she used The GelBottle Teddy BIAB, available only through pro nail artists. If you’re not a manicurist by trade, try Aprés Light & Shadow Gel Polish in Pink Clouds, which is a similar shade that’s just as sheer and shiny.
Glossy and neat
Courtesy of @matejanova
Mateja Novakovic, a nail artist based in London, created this stripped-down style that features a hint of texture you have to look closely to see. “The nails look nude and glossy, until you notice that the half-moon shape on the nails, known as a lunula, is actually matte,” says Novakovic.
Dainty detailing
Subtle disco
Courtesy of @betina_goldstein
For the party-loving bride, there’s a silver reverse French manicure that’s reminiscent of a disco ball. Even better, the nail art is fun, but the sparkling details won’t distract from the rest of your wedding look. Betina Goldstein, a Los Angeles-based nail artist, used crushed metallic pieces from a crafts store, extending them halfway up the sides of each nail. Not feeling artsy? Bring a screenshot of this look to your go-to nail artist, who will likely have these pieces in their kit.
Gilded touch
Courtesy of @ms.bines
Looking for a low-lift, DIY bridal mani? Content creator Ari Bines suggests using good ol’ press-on nails. "Make sure you measure your nail size for the most accurate application,” she says, noting that this makes it less likely the nails will pop off while you’re dancing the night away.
The exact press-ons Bines used here are sold out, but you can still re-create the aesthetic with the Coconut Coffin set from Static Nails’s Bridal Suite and meticulously measured pieces of gold striping tape.
Soft matte
Courtesy of @studiobarinails
For her own wedding, Bari Elizabeth, a nail artist in New York City, created this manicure with elements of her gown in mind. "I chose the soft, matte base to complement the white lace of my dress and added the dots," she says. She encourages brides to go for a solid color with a simple design.
Another tip Elizabeth gives her bridal clientele? Don't skip cuticle oil! “Whenever I do a bride's nails,” she explains, “I always send them with a bottle of oil for the big day and strict instructions to apply it while they're getting ready that morning, along with hand lotion. It makes a world of difference when their photographer takes those memorable hand/ring photos.”
Pale pink
Courtesy of @stephie_nails
Manicurist Stephanie Staunton doesn't shy away from sending her clients off with a little bling. For this look, she used real diamonds sourced from London’s Hatton Garden. To bling on a budget, try crystal nail stickers.
Romantic French tips
Cloud French manicure
Courtesy of Margaret K. Photography
Yoshiko, a New York City-based nail artist, is used to crafting intricate nail designs for celebrities like Nicki Minaj and Precious Lee. But for my wedding mani, I asked her to take a more subtle approach, albeit still eye-catching. We came up with this airy, cloud French manicure in my signature medium almond shape.
Yoshiko applied Aprés Gel X tips to elongate my nails before coating the clear extensions with Aprés Pink Clouds-508 gel polish. She then dipped a nail brush in white polish to create a rough swipe at the tip of each nail, then used a thin brush to fan out the color into a delicate cloud swirl on each nail. The result was a heavenly manicure that paired perfectly with my simple ivory gown and bouquet of white roses—oh, and my sparkling diamond ring.
Deep French manicure
Courtesy of @glossy.studios
Manicurist Karina Maribel likes a modern, simple French tip for her clients who are about to walk down the aisle. To re-create this look, she recommends using OPI Gel Nail Polish formulas: "They are elegant and have a range of sheer polishes to choose from."
If you don't want a gel manicure but still want a glossy finish? Coat your French manicure with the Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning Olive & June Quick Dry Top Coat. It dries in just 60 seconds for a chip-resistant, shiny finish.
Stiletto French manicure
Courtesy of @nails_bybou
Nail artist Bou of Nails by Bou also swears by the classic French manicure—but with a stiletto twist. "French tips are timeless for a bride who will be looking back at her photos forever," Bou says. The stiletto shape is a bold, extra-memorable take on the classic.
French twist
Courtesy @drybylondon
Krisztina Van Der Boom, founder of DryBy salon, says less is more when it comes to wedding manicures. "This design is a modern twist on the traditional French, with side and reverse French lines in an asymmetrical, unexpected setting," Van Der Boom says. “The base color can range from see-through pink to opaque nude to complement all skin tones."
A pearly French
Courtesy of @nails_bybou
Although Bou is partial to simple designs, she does love the added glamour of these appliqués. “I also find that the medium almond shape is the most flattering with this French tip and design," Bou says.
Ombré French with flowers
Courtesy of @klawsbysonia
Sonia Sanchez spruced up a client's nails by adding a handmade touch that only a seasoned professional could achieve, so get your nail artist on the phone if this look catches your eye. She combined 3D flowers, made with acrylic powder, with an ombré design.
Gold-lined French manicure
Courtesy of @amberjhnails
Manicurist Amber Hancock used The GelBottle's Clear Builder in a Bottle and polish in Cashmere for this elevated French featuring gold lines that sparkle just enough so they're not distracting. And this sleek almond shape really brings out the details in a gorgeous way.
Neutral almond with lacy tips
Courtesy of @nicoledowling94
Nail artist Nicole Dowling is the mastermind behind this manicure, which has creamy white swirls instead of a solid white tip. “My favorite style for bridal nails would be a classic or alternative French,” says Dowling, “in a natural pink and white” (as above).
Statement shine
Glazed aura
Courtesy of @Ny Kuin Lyu
Glazed aura nails combine two ethereal trends—an aura design and a chrome finish—for a minimal, dreamy set. When done with muted colors, like ivory and soft peach (this mani is by Los Angeles-based nail tech Ny Kuin Lyu), the result is a demure manicure that effortlessly complements any bridal look.
Gilded glamour
Courtesy of @jesamarie_
Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor wanted her nails to be as fun as the dance floor on her big day. “My nail artist, Sonya Belakhlef, understood the vision: the funkier the splashes, squiggles, and globs of gold, the better,” says Calaor. Belakhlef added pearl appliqués and tiny silver orbs to make the nail art stand out even more.
Round and pearly
Courtesy of @therealthing_nails
Like a wedding dress made of Mikado fabric, this look is elegant with a hint of shine. Nail artist Rakia Easter-Yahya painted LeChat Nail Lacquer in Awakening onto this bride's nails, then topped it with chrome powder. As a finishing touch, she added fine-line white swirls on two accent nails.
French chrome
Courtesy of @curedbyjae
"My go-to styles for wedding nails are French tips or designs that use white, pearlescent chrome," says nail artist Jenniline Hansing. She combined the two here for a high-shine, classic manicure.
Single crystals
Courtesy of @nails_of_la
If you’re considering doing your own nails for your big day, Los Angeles-based nail artist Brittney Boyce suggests this manicure. “This is a look that anyone can pull off,” she says of the sheer pink base with a tiny, sparkling rhinestone on each nail.
Boyce also recommends letting your base coat, polish, and topcoat dry for 10 minutes before dotting nail glue onto your nail and sticking the crystal in place with tweezers. “Make sure to hold the stone in place for about 30 seconds, then avoid water contact for 30 minutes,” Boyce previously told Allure.
