19 Wedding Nail Ideas That Look Stunning In Photos
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by Allure editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Condé Nast may earn an affiliate commission.
Instagram / @drybylondon, @therealthing_nails, @jesamarie_
Your nails may seem like a minor detail on your wedding day, but they can have a big impact on how you look and feel for this ultra-special occasion. After all, there are moments when your hands take center stage, such as when you’re taking close-up, pre-ceremony photos, and slipping on that wedding band as you say “I do.”
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. Regardless of the vibe you’re after, New York City-based nail artist Miss Pop says to always consider possible manicure mishaps and plan ahead. “If you want rhinestones or anything 3D, make sure it is set in gel or acrylic so it lasts,” says Miss Pop, who 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 with hair and makeup looks. So we rounded up the best wedding nail ideas to make your search easier.
In this story:
Modern monochrome
All-white
There are three things New York City-based nail artist Lily Richard 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
"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, which is available only to pro nail artists. If you’re not a manicurist by trade, try the Aprés Light & Shadow Gel Polish in Pink Clouds, a similar shade that’s just as sheer and shiny.
Glossy and neat
London-based Mateja Novakovic 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
Disco Nails
Instagram / @betina\_goldsteinFor 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. Los Angeles-based nail artist Betina Goldstein used crushed metallic pieces from a crafts store extending 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
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 for this look 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
For her own wedding, New York-based nail artist Bari Elizabeth 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
Manicurist Stephanie Staunton doesn't shy away from sending her clients off with a little bling. For this particular look, she used real diamonds that she sourced from London’s Hatton Garden. To bling on a budget, try crystal nail stickers.
Romantic French tips
Deep French manicure
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 to create a chip-resistant, shiny finish.Says manicurist Karina Maribel, she 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 Best of Beauty-winning Olive & June Quick Dry Top Coat. It dries in just 60 seconds to create a chip-resistant, shiny finish.
Stiletto French manicure
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 look.
French twist
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
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," says Bou.
Ombré French with flowers
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
Manicurist Amber Hancock used The GelBottle's Clear Builder in a Bottle and nail polish in Cashmere for this elevated French featuring gold lines that sparkle just enough so that it's not distracting. And this sleek almond shape really brings out the line details in a gorgeous way.
Neutral almond with lacy tips
Nail artist Nicole Dowling is the mastermind behind this manicure, which has creamy white swirls where a solid white tip would be. “My favorite style for bridal nails would be a classic or alternative French,” says Dowling, “[like above] in a natural pink and white.”
Statement shine
Glazed Aura
Glazed aura nails
Instagram / @Ny Kuin LyuGlazed 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
Allure senior 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
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 before topping it with chrome powder. She added fine-line white swirls on two accent nails as a finishing touch.
French chrome
"My go-to styles for wedding nails are French tips or designs that use white, pearlescent chrome," says nail artist Jenniline Hansing. She combines the two looks here for a high-shine, classic manicure.
Single Crystal
Mono Crystal Nails
Instagram / @nails\_of\_laIf 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.
More ways to prep for your big day:
Now, watch 100 Years of Bridal Makeup:
Originally Appeared on Allure
