How to Prep Bridal Nails for the Big Wedding Day

1. Determine your ideal nail shape

Do you want your nails to look like they do every day? Maybe you want them to be a bit longer than usual or try a square or almond shape?

Once you can identify your style of choice, you can then create the perfect routine and manicure maintenance to get your nails into the perfect shape.

2. Pay close attention to your nails

About 2 months before your wedding, start really paying attention to your nails. This means upping the care and maintenance.

3. No biting!

Absolutely no biting or clipping your nails.

And I’m not just talking about your nails, I’m also referring to your cuticles.

Stay away from any clipping tools, especially if you’re trying to grow them out. 

4. Take care of your cuticles

In my estimation, this should really be tip #1. Make sure to moisturize and oil your nails regularly. 

I love using cuticle oil every day. I especially encourage brides-to-be to apply cuticle oil up to 3 times a day.

It really makes a big difference in the health of your fingernails and cuticles.

5. Take care of your hands

Make sure you’re exfoliating and moisturizing your hands on a daily basis. This will keep your hands soft and photo-ready.

Also, be especially careful with your hands. If you’re cleaning your house or car, wear protective gloves so you don’t scrape or scratch your hands.

5. Opt for a long-lasting manicure

For your wedding treat yourself to a gel, shellac or acrylic manicure as opposed to regular polish.

One of these manicures will ensure that your nails are as strong and chip-resistant as possible.

If you’re not comfortable with a full, gel manicure, I recommend getting either an acrygel manicure or gel overlays.

These involve a base coat of gel polish or gel and acrylic powder combined. This will still give you the strength of a gel manicure. 

6. Timing

I recommend getting your manicure 1-2 days before your wedding day.

There’s always so much setting up to do which could potentially damage your nails.

Try to get as much of this done before you get your manicure. Again, gel and shellac manicures should be resistant to all these activities. 

Extra tip: Get a manicure trial

Even if your nails are still not the length and shape you want them to be on your wedding day, definitely get a trial of the color.

Make sure you love it as much as you think you do. Don’t forget to bring an extra bottle of the color you chose with you in case it gets chipped.

My last note is not to stress about your nails. It’s going to be the best day of your life regardless of what your manicure looks like.

Bride nails for wedding

These tips will help you whip your nails into shape before your big day. I hope you loved these wedding nail ideas!

For more nail content, check out my post on How to Shape Your Nails Like a Pro.