Credit: getty
6 min read
From traditional and timeless to modern nail art designs, we’ve rounded up the best wedding nail designs to give you all the inspiration you need.
Is it just us or does wedding season feel busier than ever this year?
Whether you’re the one getting married, a part of the bridal party or you’re simply attending a bunch of weddings this summer – we’ve got your wedding beauty sorted.
Wedding nails can be a divisive subject when it comes to planning your wedding beauty style. If you’re the bride, do you go traditional and classic? If you’re a bridesmaid, do you have to have your nails pre-approved? Do you go all out and simply not give a damn?
Whatever the ‘rules’ may be, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite wedding nail art inspiration pictures for brides, bridesmaids and guests – that you can screenshot and take along to your nail salon before the big day. Or, if you’re more of a do-it-yourself type of person, scroll down for five styles you can do at home, with step-by-step instructions thanks to nail artist Katy Rae Mayer and ethical jeweller Nightingale.
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Perfect Frenchie
A great option for traditional brides, bridesmaids and guests – this simple French manicure is a forever favourite that will never go out of style.
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Bubblegum
Suitable all year round, this pink colour is more robust than pale or light pink, with depth and colour payoff that’ll stand out beautifully in photographs.
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Neon French
If you’re a fan of a classic but want something a little more modern – this neon French manicure is a really chic shout.
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Just a lil’ love
We love this really simple little love heart to add a little somethin’ special to your classic clean manicure.
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An Easter wedding
Want to go for something springy and fresh-feeling? This pastel manicure is both cute and classic.
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Simple heart mani
Elegant but special, wear your heart on your mani with this minimalistic design.
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‘Clean’ aesthetic nails
Maybe the ‘clean look natural nails’ are your jam right now. One thing’s for certain, you’ll never regret this super simplistic wedding trend.
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Negative space nails
For a modern twist on your traditional French manicure, why not add a negative space design – like this cute heart mani.
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Fairy Dust
Subtle, elegant and when the light hits it just right, totally ethereal.
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Dark French
If you’re not into the whole traditional romantic wedding vibe, give your mani an edgier spin with this sophisticated black French tip design.
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For the wedding in Capri
Heading to a wedding abroad? Embrace your surroundings with a fruity manicure design.
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Diffused French
Part-natural nail, part diffused French manicure, this take on the classic style is elegant and modern.
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Pure and simple
This very simple graduated ombre effect is both understated and beautiful.
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Something blue
Why not wear your ‘something blue’ on your nails with this cute sky blue tips mani.
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Pearl perfection
This pearl embossed manicure is giving us major couture wedding vibes. Trés chic.
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Spring fresh
Floral and fresh, this intricate manicure features real flowers – simply gorgeous.
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Be Mine, Valentine?
A love-themed rainbow of solid pink and red shades. We love.
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Loads of love
These love heart nails are perfect for the true romantic.
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Simply does it
Fresh, simplistic and chic – this white cuticle nail art design is perfect for the modern bride.
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Milky manicure
Want something you’ll never tire of? Opt for a milky white manicure that’ll be sure to never date.
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Boho and beaut
If you’re having a boho-themed wedding, these pretty floral nails are perfect.
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Milky mani
Perfectly chic, this milky manicure looks seriously clean, fresh and timeless.
5 easy bridal nail designs to do at home
If you’re trying to keep budgets in check or simply prefer to do things yourself, these beautiful wedding manicures are 100% straightforward enough to do from the comfort of your living room, bedroom or bathroom. Expert nail technician Katy Rae Mayer and independent ethical jeweller Nightingale present five simple, chic styles to try.
Glazed donut nails
“Glazed donut nails are a stunning way to add something different to your wedding mani without seeming overpowering on the day. This style is super modern and will give them that glamorous yet effortless look. Recreate this at home by using a white chrome powder – Hailey’s manicurist uses this OPI shade.”
Step-by-step
- Apply one coat of base coat polish – Essie’s base coat is effective and strengthens your nails.
- Then, apply two coats of your favourite French pink polish, I like the Essie Sheer Fantasy shade.
- Finish by mixing a clear top coat (like this OPI gel colour) with the chrome powder on a pallet (or a piece of tin foil) until evenly distributed. Then apply over the nail.
Stick-on pearls
“Pearl nails are a new take on the old school diamanté nails, giving them an up-to-date twist. Add them to a French polish for a classic but unique look.”
Step-by-step
- Apply one coat of base coat polish.
- Next, apply two coats of nude colour (any of these Essie options will work) followed by 1 coat of white polish (this Sally Hansen formula is a great, cheap option) on the tips.
- Then, apply small dots of nail glue to two to four points, scattered evenly across the nail. While the glue is still wet, use tweezers to apply the pearls (these designs from Etsy come in a range of sizes) to each of the points.
- Finally, apply one layer of top coat across the entire nail over the pearls (this will seal the pearls in).
Glitter tips
“A glitter tip looks great in the sunlight or under spotlights, meaning they will shine beautifully from day to night. They’re the ultimate showstopper and are guaranteed to draw attention to your hands. Recreate by choosing a glitter polish to match the colour of your ring,” says Mayer.
Step-by-step
- Apply one coat of base coat polish
- Then, apply two coats of a French pink colour.
- Once the pink is dry, apply one coat of glitter polish to the tips (OPI’s Happy Anniversary! is a perfect bridal colour).
- Finish by applying one coat of top coat polish.
French ombré
“A French ombré is a modern take on the classic French manicure. Simple yet effective, this look gives you that clean, finished look. Simply choose your favourite French pink and white polish and a favourite make-up sponge to apply.”
Step-by-step
- Apply one coat of base coat polish.
- Then, apply two coats of french pink colour.
- Once the pink is dry, simply use a make-up sponge to lightly dab on the white polish to the tips of the nails (be careful not to put too much onto your sponge, you can always apply a second coat of the white if you need to).
- Finish by applying a layer of topcoat polish – this will smooth out any sponge indentations and give your nails a nice glossy finish.
Gold leaf
“Adding gold leaf to your wedding manicure can help give your nails that extra pizzazz, plus they can be as under or over-stated as you desire. You can purchase gold flakes to place onto the nails, or Peacci has a nail polish with gold flakes already mixed in.”
Step-by-step
- Apply one coat of base coat polish.
- Second, apply two coats of your chosen base colour, I recommend a nude shade.
- While the second coat of colour is still wet, use a pair of tweezers to place pieces of the gold leaf (World of Glitter does an inexpensive version) onto the surface of the nail. If they feel raised, lightly press them into the polish using the edge of your tweezers.
- Finish with a top coat. You may wish to add a second topcoat to help smooth any roughness.
Main image: Getty
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