The Prettiest Wedding Nails for Every Kind of Bride

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Looking for ideas for wedding nails? Congratulations—both on your engagement, and on the fact that you’re in the right place; we can take it from here. After having settled on a venue, gown, and bridal hair and makeup (and you know, enduring the never-ending stress of wedding planning), the last thing you want to do is make another decision about the big day. There are plenty of nail trends and manicure options available, ranging from gel nails and acrylics, to French and chrome. Where do you even begin?

Fortunately, we did all the work for you and asked experts everything there is to know about wedding nails. From when to get them done to which shades to try, see all your bridal mani FAQs answered ahead. Then keep scrolling for wedding inspo.

How many days before the wedding should I get my nails done?“To ensure the freshest manicure possible for your big day, it’s best not to get your nails done (or do them yourself) more than three days before your big day,” Juli Russell, DIY nail expert for Sally Beauty, tells Glamour. “Plus, this means they’ll also be on point for prewedding activities.”

In fact, getting your nails done too soon could result in visible growth and more exposure to elements that cause wear, Russell says, so be sure to wear gloves while doing chores like washing dishes to ensure your mani stays fresh for the wedding.

What are the best wedding nail polish colors?“My bridal clients often request neutral shades, and it turns out that ‘something neutral’ nails are also the most popular nail look among Zola’s wedding community,” says celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt (creator of the glazed donut mani), who has partnered with wedding planning site Zola. “There seems to be an equal divide in popularity between nude nails and white nails: 37% of Zola brides prefer neutral nails with shades of pink, nude, and beige, and 36% opt for shades of wedding white.” For a neutral nail look, Ganzorigt’s favorite shades are OPI’s Bare My Soul, Put It in Neutral, and Bubble Bath.

Russell agrees, also pointing to OPI’s Bubble Bath as one of her favorite choices for brides. “It goes without saying that sheer pinks and Frenchies are the most popular and classic options for wedding nails, but pearl nails are having a moment and have a vintage aesthetic, which makes them both trendy and classic,” she says. She recommends China Glaze’s Diva Bride, FingerPaints’ In a Glaze, Gelish’ Mini Gel Curls and Pearls, and ASP’s Gel Pink Whisper as more options that will complement your wedding dress.

You can also try press-on nails for the big day, Russell says. “Pop them on the morning of your wedding, and you have a salon-like manicure in minutes,” she says, citing Dashing Diva’s White Claws, Double Trouble, and Rosewater Glaze as some of her favorite bridal sets.

Wedding nail designs and artOf course, there is plenty of room for nail art and designs in bridal manicures too. “Brides are requesting the glazed-donut nail; this look has been popular because it gives a little extra shine to traditional neutral nails and makes them more modern without adding anything too extra,” Ganzorigt says. “I’ve also been getting requests for variations of French nail designs lately, but instead of the traditional white tip, many brides are asking for different color combinations or restructured designs.”

From classic white and minimalist chic to pastel French and everything in between, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of wedding nail designs for every kind of bride. Scroll on and get ready to screenshot—then say “I do” to your wedding day mani.

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Glitter TipsDon’t let your wedding bling hog all the sparkles! This glitter-tip mani is glamorous and elegant but still so much fun. Make it your own with matching glitter decals.

Delicate LaceMatch your mani to your wedding gown with this delicate lace design. If it’s too complex for your DIY skills, don’t worry: They make press-ons for that.

Skinny FrenchMilky OmbréAnother popular bridal look? Ombré nails. It’s more subtle, giving a softer end result. Plus, milky white ombré is so pretty.

Black TieFor an unexpected take on a traditional wedding mani, mix and match black-and-white French nail art. Elevate the look with the opposite, yet complementary, lines.

Royal WeddingIf you loved the royal wedding, this might be the nail design for you. Classic, iconic, and romantic, this manicure will make you feel like a princess on your big day.

Gilded GardenIdeal for brides having outdoor weddings, this foliage-inspired style adds the right amount of shimmer.

Courtesy of Glamnetic

Stiletto WhiteNo list of wedding nail designs would be complete without a chic stiletto white mani. Since it’s elegantly eye-catching while still matching the vibe of your big day, you can’t go wrong with this classic bridal mani. DIY with Glamnetic’s I Do press-on set.

Bridal FrenchOne easy and arresting way to elevate your wedding nails? Give your French tips a glow-up: Match them to your gown, or opt for a delicate design like floral or lace.

White DiamondWhite nail polish can be polarizing, to say the least. But designs like this abstract take on white and gold prove that there are countless ways to rock the shade on your wedding day.

Pretty in PinkMost wedding nail designs are on the simple side, but that doesn’t mean they have to be drab. This sparkly yet delicate take on a bridal mani is the perfect example of “fun, but make it bridal.”

Courtesy of Glamnetic/Instagram.com/@stylemebea

French OmbréTorn between a French mani and ombré nails? This creamy style combines both trends, making for a gorgeous wedding day set. Get the exact look with Glamnetic’s Creamer press-ons.

Nude SparkleRepeat after me: Nude nails don’t have to be boring! And this sparkling nude mani more than proves it. Top off your go-to nude or clear nail polish with a glitter top coat like OPI’s Happy Anniversary, and you’re good to go…on your honeymoon.

Gorgeous GlazeNegative SpaceIf you like the look of natural nails but still want to sport an eye-catching design, this abstract white line work might be your match. For a similar look, try Glamnetic’s Heavenly press-ons.

Celebratory SilverLove nail art but don’t want it to clash with your wedding gown? This celebratory style is show-stopping and customizable, and won’t look out of place in photos.

Icy ChromeIf white is starting to feel repetitive, try an icy, chrome-finished pop of the shade instead. Get the look with ice white chrome powder.

Glitter CuffsAnother way to jazz up nude bridal nails? Opt for glitter or metallic cuffs! The effect is so discrete it won’t clash with your gown, but it still allows you to have some fun. For a similar look, try Glamnetic’s Goal Digger press-ons.

Dramatic FrenchIf a classic French manicure feels a little too simple for your taste, dramatize the look with a slightly darker shade of pink and a chrome finish.

Bridal Mix & MatchCan’t choose between skinny French, ombré, or sparkles? Mix and match all three with a customized bridal mani.

Rose QuartzRose quartz is the best of both worlds: super simple and minimal, yet still a stunning design.

Pearly PinkYou get to dress up on your wedding day; why don’t your nails? Elevate your base coat of choice with charming pearl nail decals.

Metallic AccentsAlternatively, if pearls aren’t your thing, add some specks of gold or silver foil to your nails for a regal pop.

Floral FrenchElevate your classic French mani with dainty daisies just beneath the tip. It’s supersweet yet discrete and won’t look out of place in photos.

Rose Gold SparklesGive your engagement ring a run for its money, and pair a a rose gold manicure with sparkling nail decals.

Celestial PastelsThis may be a list of wedding nail ideas, but colors are allowed. And this adorable celestial style is the perfect example of how you can pair pastels and space-inspired nail charms without it looking too over-the-top.

Something BlueWear your “something blue” on your hands, and paint your tips a delicate shade of the hue, like OPI’s It’s a Boy! blue.

Bridal ChromeDouble FrenchEnhance your French mani with artistic double lines and pearl decals.

Accent EdgesCombine glitter cuffs and an off-kilter French mani for a modern take on the trend.

Blushing BowsDiamond DecalsWatercolor BlushWatercolor nails are the perfect way to sport a pop of pigment at your wedding without it looking too emphatic.

Statement FrenchAnother way to elevate a classic French mani? Opt for a thick line and embellish with 3D nail charms.

Abstract SwirlsSweetheart PinkEmbrace your romantic side (you are getting married, after all) with a sweetheart-pink French mani.

Pops of PigmentDelicate DaisiesFlorals? For your wedding? Groundbreaking (but actually). This charming style is the ideal way to wear white without it feeling drab, especially with a cool matte finish. Simply adhere daisy nail stickers to your base, and you’re good to go (down the aisle).

Star-Crossed LoversThis style might be minimal, but it’s full of meaning. Sport constellations on your nails for your big day. Bonus points if they represent the night you met.

Chrome LinesMetallic line work is stunning, and the ultimate way to ensure your wedding manicure isn’t boring. Recreate the look with metallic gel liner.