On your wedding day, every detail matters and perfection is not spared as everything from head to toe has to be on point. Including how you decide to decorate your nails. In the past, nails were frequently overlooked when brides planned their beauty routines for their big day. However more recently it has become more apparent that your nails deserve special attention as your hands will be the centre of attention during several special moments: pre-ceremony photos, the bouquet toss and of course – when receiving the ring at the alter. From classic nudes and French manicures to more creative and non-traditional designs, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you opt for natural or fake nails, why not make a statement with beautiful and elegant nail designs? To help you choose your style for your big day, we asked Alex, our favourite nail artists to share the trending wedding day nail designs.
Simple & Sophisticated Nudes
Nude nails have been a popular choice for brides for many years now and it is not hard to see why. There will be so much colour coordination between decor and design going on during a wedding that sometimes for things like your nails, ‘less is more’. Focus on choosing a shade that complements your skin tone, your dress and perhaps even your bouquet. An advantage to choosing nude nails for your wedding day is that it will not clash with your engagement ring or wedding band. It will also not distract from the other elements of your bridal look such as your makeup, hair, and accessories.You can not go wrong with nude nails, its a classic and elegant option that never goes out of style, making it unlikely that you’ll ever cringe at this choice, even after 20 years.
The Classic French Manicure
Another timeless choice that adds a touch of sophistication to your bridal look. Opt for a traditional white tip or switch it up with a coloured tip. In this instance the client opted for coffin shaped nails which make the french manicure even more striking and subtle red love heart details symbolise the moment the client’s husband proposed to her with a giant bouquet of floating heart balloons. Alex says that its the small details that make each style unique to a client and capture an intimate detail only they know.
Glitter & Jewels
Add some sparkle to your nails with glitter or shimmer polish. You can go for a subtle shimmer or full-on glitter glam. Alex’s favourite hack is to layer polishes and glitters to create unique colour combos. It is important to maintain healthy nail beds for these crystal details, the best nail hack is to use cuticle oil. It covers a multitude of nail problems and keeps your nails healthy.
No matter what style you choose, make sure to take care of your nails in the weeks leading up to your wedding. Get regular manicures, nourish your cuticles, and keep your nails hydrated with cuticle oil.
Bold & Daring Colour
Let’s be honest, not every bride wants the simple nude look, some would rather make a statement with bold and vibrant colour choices. You can’t mention colourful nails without a mention of the classic red and here it has a twist with a feminine floral pattern. Other options could be pinks, pastels and even blues are popular choices in this situation, as long as the colour doesn’t break away from the overall colour theme of the wedding. Patterned designs are also a great way to infuse bold colours in to your nail design.
Accent & Statement Nails
Add some visual interest to your nails by choosing a different design or color for one or two nails. This is a great option if you want to add a pop of color without going too bold. Your nails can be inspired by the overall wedding theme, the surrounding environment or just be your favourite colour for nails.
Metallic Details
If gold is a running theme in your wedding then you could easily incorporate some metallic tones on your nails. Alternatively, you could choose a metallic finish that most closely matches the theme or your accessories and most importantly – your ring. Metallic tones will attract a lot of attention, for this reason it’s better to use them to accent your nails and not as the dominant colour.
To be prepared for the big day and and avoid last minute surprises or disappointment, Alex recommends having a prior consultation with your nail tech to try out the design ideas you have in mind. Different designs will look different depending on your hands, finger length, nail length and whether you choose to go natural or fake.
This list is no way exhaustive and the options could be endless when you consider the impressive artistry brought forward by talented nail technicians across the country. In the end the most important thing is that your nails compliment your overall look for the big day and that you love them.
