Wedding outfit? Check. Comfortable heels? Check. Glowing makeup look? Check. Chic bridal manicure? You might be tempted to check this one off because you picked up that bottle of Essie Ballet Slippers or a flattering ivory nail polish. But, we encourage you not to automatically default to the classic look without seeing all the possibilities. How about incorporating some nail art? There’s no need to go as extra as jelly nails or neon colors, but if you want to, be our guest.
Bridesmaids, wedding guests and even brides can personalize their wedding manicures with some sparkle or a heart or two. And you don’t have to buck tradition entirely — the chic and subtle wedding nail art can be recreated on the soft bridal base color of your choosing. Here come the unexpected, elegant wedding nail art ideas. These subtle nail art looks make the big day feel more special.
[ Next: 34 Aspirational Wedding Dresses (and 1 Amazing Jumpsuit) From the Bridal Spring 2020 Collections ]
19 Elegant Wedding Manicure Ideas Everyone Will Want to Try
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Blooming Bride
Calling all bohemian brides. Tie in a floral crown (or other floral wedding accents) with a real flower on the ring finger. Add a daisy design to a few other nails — and to your hands if you're feeling playful.
Image: Imaxtree
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All You Need Is Love
There will be plenty of love going around on the big day, but it doesn't hurt to spell it out with a sophisticated neutral and gold manicure. Decals, nail stamps or a freehand design would work.
Image: @drybylondon
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White Wedding
Is there anything as fresh as an opaque white nail polish sprinkled with silver sparkle? Imagine it at a winter wedding or with silver jewelry. Better yet, try it out.
Image: @_hannahweir_
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Midas Touch
Bring a regal finish to a French manicure with metallic gold tips. Coordinate jewelry and accessories with nails to tie everything together.
Image: Imaxtree
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In the Pink
Go more saturated than the usual petal pink bridal nail polishes. This ombré design has roots in tradition, but it has greater impact. All the better to draw attention to that ring.
Image: Imaxtree
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Something Shiny
This is low-key glitter that still has plenty of impact. Best of all, there's no need to worry about chipping. If a few sparkles fall off, it won't make a difference.
Image: @betina_goldstein
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Feathered French
No need to worry about straight lines with this painterly take on a French manicure. It's something that anyone can do themselves, even if they're new to nail art.
Image: Imaxtree
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Magic Touch
Take a classic neutral bridal nail polish to the next level by encircling it with a glitter moon. It's alright if some of the sparkle goes onto skin. This is one time it benefits to color outside of the lines.
Image: Imaxtree
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Twinkle, Twinkle
Hearts are the most obvious symbol, but starry accents aren't out of place in a wedding manicure. The golden stars shine bright against the classic nail polish.
Image: @onefabday
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Bit of Bling
Neutral pink stiletto nails are made even more striking with randomly placed rhinestones. Create more drama by grouping embellishment inside circles and triangles.
Image: Imaxtree
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White Dress, White Nails
Brides can coordinate their white wedding gowns with opaque white nails. Metallic stripes glam things up and they will enhance any jewelry. Hint, hint.
Image: Imaxtree
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Peachy Keen
Something blue? How about something peach? At first glance, it looks like a usual French manicure, but the accent on the tips has been randomly dabbed on.
Image: @nail_unistella
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Greige Days
Ombré nails are one of the hottest manicures of the moment, but they're still classic enough for weddings that they won't look cringe-worthy in a few years. This pale peach and greige combination is versatile and chic.
Image: Imaxtree
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Green Bride
Brides and bridesmaids will be wondering why they never considered coordinating their manicures with their bouquets after seeing this pretty nail art.
Image: @wedding.pl
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I Heart You
Now is the time to wear your heart on your sleeve — or make that fingertips. Copy this monochromatic color scheme to play off the groom's tux or bring in the wedding colors.
Image: @oliveandjune
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The Minimalist Bride
Sometimes simplicity is best, as evidenced by this refined manicure. Apply just one coat of pale pink nail polish for a my-nails-but-better effect. Then top each digit with a single pearly bead.
Image: @thehangedit
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Three Stripes
Merge a French manicure and a moon manicure to create beautiful bridal nail art. It's a clever way to incorporate wedding colors.
Image: Imaxtree
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Party Time
A wedding is supposed to be a celebration, therefore confetti sparkles are very appropriate. The neutral color palette will look as good in 10 or 20 years as it does now.
Image: @paintbucketnails
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Gold and Greige
Most brides and bridesmaids consider French manicures, but don't forget about moon manicures. They can be wedding-appropriate. Take a look at this tasteful greige nail polish with metallic moons.
Image: @laurenmurdochsmith
