Bridal Nails: 6 Wedding Nail Designs and Bridal Nail Art

You’ve picked the person, the dress, the flowers…now it’s time to pick the polish!

Bridal nails might seem like a small detail, but they’re the kind that last forever in your wedding photos. Every bouquet shot, every champagne toast, every moment your hands are in the spotlight – it’s your manicure that quietly ties it all together.

Whether you’re looking for timeless elegance, floral accents, subtle shimmer, or pearl-inspired finishes, we’re sharing our favourite wedding nail designs – and how you can re-create them for your own bridal nails – below.

6 bridal nail designs to suit every aesthetic

From chic neutrals to intricate wedding nail art, these bridal nail designs offer nail inspiration for every bride’s style. With our vibrant polish colours and long-lasting formulas, these six looks will ensure your bridal nails will stay flawless – from the aisle to the after-party!

1. Understated elegance

Nude nail shades are labelled as the “basic” option, but they’re anything but.

Effortless and elegant, nude bridal nails are a timeless choice you’ll never regret – whether you’re looking back at your wedding photos in one year or in 50.

Step 1: Choose a nude polish that complements your skin tone – think beige or blush undertones for lighter skin tones, and caramel or rose-based nudes for medium to deep tones. Try ‘eternal optimist’ for fairer skin or ‘clothing optional’ for deeper complexions.

Step 2: Apply two thin coats for an even, polished finish.

Step 3: Seal with a glossy top coat to lock in shine and longevity.

2. Soft and romantic

Blush pinks, champagne tones, subtle shimmer. Soft and romantic shades are perfect for brides who want their wedding nail polish to feel as dreamy as the day itself.

Step 1: Apply two layers of ‘matter of fiction' – a blush pink cream nail polish with a glass-like shine – as your base.

Step 2: Add dimension with ‘a cut above’ – a rose-gold glitter that can be used across the whole nail for high-impact sparkle, or just the tips for a softer shimmer effect.

Step 3: Seal with our ‘all in one’ top coat for a smooth finish.

3. Classic and chic

We couldn’t write about wedding nail art without mentioning the timeless French tip – a classic that never goes out of style.

Step 1: Apply one thin coat of a beige-toned sheer – and allow it to dry.

Step 2: Once dry, use our iconic ‘blanc’ to brush a neat white line across the tip of each nail.

Step 3: Let the tips set, then seal with a glossy top coat to smooth the surface.

Pro tip: Prep your nails first with ‘apricot cuticle & nail oil’ – hydrated cuticles make your French tip look even cleaner and more refined!

4. Pearly chrome

For brides after a modern flair, chrome nails bring reflective shine that instantly catches the eye. Sleek and fashion-forward, chrome creates just the right amount of shine while updating this classic wedding nail art look with a modern twist.

Step 1: Apply two thin layers of ‘pre-show jitters’ – a cool-toned white, longwear base – and let it dry completely.

Step 2: Once dry, layer on ‘pure pearlfection’ ‘to achieve that lustrous, mirror-like finish.

Step 3: Allow polish to set, then seal with our ‘gel couture top coat’ to lock in the reflective shine and prevent dulling.

Pro tip: Use a makeup sponge when applying chrome to your nails – pressing the polish onto your nails makes for a smoother, mirror-like shine that really pops!

5. Milky white

Milky white ombré nails are the perfect wedding nail polish look that enhances neutral tones – while keeping the look soft. This gives that creamy, marshmallow-like finish that feels dreamy, polished, and effortlessly bridal.

Step 1: Apply two thin coats of ‘gel couture first fitting’ – a clean milky white – as your base, letting each layer dry fully.

Step 2: Using a makeup sponge, gently dab a milky white shade toward the tip of each nail, working in light layers to create a soft, diffused gradient.

Step 3: Use the sponge or a clean brush to gently blend where the two colours meet, creating a smooth, natural transition from base to tip.

Step 4: Finish with our ‘stay longer’ top coat to smooth out the milky ombré effect.

6. Intricate flourishes

Floral nails are flirty, feminine, and a cute way to let your personality bloom in your wedding nail polish. Classic but totally customisable, they add a subtle and unique detail to your look.

Step 1: Apply two coats of a neutral base colour and let it dry. (Wondering how long you’ll have to wait? Learn more about how long it takes nail polish to dry.)

Step 2: Using a dotting tool or the tip of a bobby pin, place four to five small dots close together on the nail to form petals.

Step 3: Add a contrasting dot in the centre of each flower to complete the design.

Step 4: Repeat on one or two nails per hand for a delicate accent – or create a full garden effect across all nails.

Step 5: Once dry, seal with a glossy top coat to lock in the design.

Pro tip: Add a tiny hit of metallic polish in the centre of your flowers for a touch of shimmer!

7 tips for long-lasting bridal nails

The secret to flawless wedding nail polish? It all starts with a little care before colour.

By preparing your nails properly and following a few simple maintenance steps, you’ll give your bridal nails the best chance of staying smooth, chip-free, and picture-perfect.

1. Care for your cuticles: Healthy cuticles keep bridal nails smooth and help polish last through the day.
2. Prep: File your nails correctly, buff, and apply a base coat before adding polish.
3. Seal with top coat: Adds shine while protecting against chips.
4. Time it right: Plan your manicure for two to three days before the wedding.
5. Go for gel or longwear: This, plus the rest of our tips on how to make your nails last longer, will help your wedding nails stay flawless throughout the celebrations!
6. Skip hot water: Helps prevent polish from lifting or fading before the big day.
7. Hydrate daily: Use cuticle oil to keep nails nourished and glossy.

Now that you’ve got your bridal nails inspiration, bring even more of your ideas to life – here are 7 easy nail art looks made for beginners.