10 Nail tips for Brides
1. Start Planning early
Planning and organising yourself well in advance is the best way to prepare for your big day. This will reduce your stress levels and make decision making a lot easier for you. No one likes a bridezilla. Start with getting as much inspiration as you need, join wedding groups on Facebook, talk with friends and family members, or read wedding blogs. A lot of wedding planners will have articles, tips and insider advice which will always be helpful.
2. Wedding Pinterest Board
Every Bride has a Pinterest wedding board full of all things from dresses, venues, table layout, makeup looks etc All the inspiration a bride needs to start her planning journey to her big day. So I've created a Pinterest Board just for wedding nails. To help you speed up your search for nail inspiration. From neutral shades to bridal nail art to even the names of the colours and brands and some of my recommended hand care products.
3. Picking a Bridal nail colour.
You want your bridal nail colour to be timeless, to stand the test of time, as you will have your wedding photos for life. Clean, elegant neutral colours of milky whites and soft nudes & pinks will compliment your skin complexion. A clean fresh manicure is always the safe option if you are unsure of what to go for.
4. Classic French tips
Can be classic and also very elegant. But keep in mind that most french tips manicures are used with a bright white colour which might just stand out too much against an ivory dress. So make sure to mention the shade of white of your dress to your nail technician, so she can suggest options for you.
5. Beautifully blended French Ombre
Can be a softer alternative to the classic french tips. Very elegant, clean and timeless nail look for a bride. For me as a nail tech, this is the most popular option with my brides.
6. Bridal Nail art
This is totally up to the bride, again you can have a very simple and sweet nail art design. For example, a blue diamonte can be added for 'your something blue', a little sparkle by adding glitter, you could ask your nail tech to recreate a lace pattern to match your dress. You can try out all the possible ideas with your nail tech months before your wedding, to see what you like or more importantly what you don't like. The choices are endless, but also know that not every nail tech is an artist.
7. Book Appointments early
Heads up! Beauty salons are busy so make sure you book as early as you can, even if it is just to reserve the spot and time you can always ring sooner to the appointment date to confirm the number of people and treatments. Also remember to mention it's a bridal party, beauty salons like to make the experience a little special for their brides. You don't want to miss out on a free glass of bubbles now do you?
8. When to Book your Nail/Beauty Appointments.
If you get your nails done regularly you will know booking your nail appointment ahead of time is very important to keep your nails healthy and looking good. I recommend booking your nail appointments at least 6months before your wedding and every three weeks, right up to your wedding week. By doing this, you can grow your natural nails healthy, try out colours, and designs, and your nail tech can get to know you and what you like. So then you have full trust in your nail tech and can relax, and enjoy the pamper session, knowing your nails are going to be perfect. But if you can’t commit to booking every three weeks within those 6months, that’s ok too just communicate with your Nail tech and have an idea or photo for reference from your Pinterest board so you are on the same page with your nail tech.
9. When do I get my wedding nails done?
Any day of the week of your wedding. Your Bridal week is the busiest week of the year, well at least it will feel like it. So remember to schedule out and plan the week out. Allowing plenty of time for beauty & nail appointments, church rehearsal, family gatherings and delays etc. You want to enjoy this week, it's what you have been preparing for. Nails do not have to be the day before or the evening before the wedding. The beauty of Shellac/gel/acrylic or any nail service that isn’t a regular nail Polish can be done at any point. But to have that fresh manicure look I suggest two or three days before the wedding.
10. Home Nail Care, starts now.
Invest in a good hand cream & cuticle oil, or schedule in a few hydrating manicures in preparation. No one wants to see dry cuticles, hangnails, and callus hands in the photos when cutting the cake or exchanging rings. Applying Hand cream and cuticle oil is general daily Nail care for everyone.
You can see my tips for the 'At home Manicure', or you can try my At home 'Coconut Melt manicure'.
I hope this helps your planning journey to your dream wedding nails. I wish you all the love and happiness in the world. An Excting new chapter of your life is only beginning.
Love, Steff
