How to Choose Your Wedding Nail Color

Styling your wedding dress to capture your dream look can require a lot of coordination. From choosing your best hair cut to selecting the right bridal makeup, every detail can bring you one step closer to your ideal wedding attire. Though seemingly small, picking out your bridal nail polish can also help curate your style for the special day. Whether you already have a general idea or in need of inspiration, we’ve gathered a few suggestions on how to decide on your favorite wedding nail color. 

Choosing the color of your wedding nail polish

Knowing where to begin with selecting your nail color can be difficult, especially if you don’t normally get your nails done or are hoping for a new look you’ve never tried before. Below are some basic starting points to think about as you slowly narrow down which style is right for you.

Match your bridal nail polish to your dress

Choosing your nail color based on your bridal gown can be helpful when trying to create a coordinated look. For brides with a princess-inspired wedding dress, consider following in your fashion icon’s footsteps by opting for neutral nails, or match the shade with your gown’s unforgettable shimmer. Starting with the intricate details of your gown can help inspire your nail color.

Coordinate your nail polish with the theme

An alternative way to pick out a wedding nail color is to match the overall theme of your ceremony. Preparing for a romantic beach wedding? Select a color with metallic accents to add a hint of sophistication into your relaxed ensemble. Alternatively, for a city hall venue, consider simple wedding nail art in white that subtly elevates your modern attire.  

Popular wedding nail polish trends

Hoping to draw inspiration from some of the most common looks for brides-to-be? Uncover our list of some popular bridal nail colors below to get an idea of what you wish to incorporate on your wedding day. 

Nude for simple elegance

A bridal nail manicure in nude is effortlessly sophisticated and easily accompanies any wedding day look. Whether you’re hoping to complement your retro-inspired Bohemian dress or are aiming for a more modern ensemble, nude nails for your wedding day provide enhanced versatility.

Vibrant hues for a personalized look

Bolder wedding nail colors can better capture your unique style. If you have a favorite vibrant shade but aren’t sure how to incorporate it into your bridal look, using it at your chosen nail polish can be a more subtle way to personalize your attire. Similarly, if you’ve picked out a more colorful wedding bouquet, select one of those hues to tie it all together and create the perfect photo opportunity.

Soft pastels for spring

Painting your nails in a soft shade that complements spring’s cheery palette can help create a light and airy aesthetic suited to your ceremony. Consider a soft yellow or pastel pink that matches the season’s new blooms.

Sparkle accents for glamour

Elevate your iconic bridal ensemble with sparkling nail polish. Decide on rose gold wedding nails to capture a retro, Hollywood glamour look and gently draw attention to your hands. The shimmer complements the shine of your engagement ring and consider enhancing the look even further with a gold bracelet. 

Black for contemporary

Though some brides prefer to match their nails to the gown perfectly, consider black bridal nail polish as a modern twist that creates a stunning contrast. The dramatic difference can provide depth to the overall ensemble. Decide between all black or designs in black for contemporary flair.

Wedding nail art for unforgettable

Instead of selecting just one shade, opt for bridal nail art with various hues that combine into a unique look. Pick out white wedding nails with a colorful floral pattern for springtime, or with delicate blue or silver snowflakes that complement your winter wonderland theme.

Tips for wedding nail prep

To ensure the nail polish color you picked is right for you, consider putting the shade on at your bridal makeup appointment. With the ensemble all together, you will be able to tell whether you need to make any necessary adjustments before the big day. Your nail color should elegantly complement your overall look without pulling away from your stunning eye shadow or glamorous lip color. Similarly, consider getting your nails done before your final wedding hair trial so you can see how everything comes together before you walk down the aisle.

After knowing some of the most popular wedding nail colors and how to choose a polish for you, you can begin the hunt for your perfect style. Whether you prefer coordinating based on your gown or want to match your ceremony’s overall theme, our helpful tips can help you narrow down your choices, bringing you one step closer to your dream bridal look.