Are you recently engaged and planning your wedding in Malaysia but worried about how much it will cost? Don’t fret – with creativity and DIY spirit, you can have an amazing wedding without breaking the bank. You’ve found the perfect soulmate; now it’s time to plan the perfect day to celebrate your love in an affordable way. Get ready to be inspired with cheap but chic ideas for your wedding decor, catering, entertainment and more.
With so much going on, how do you choose a nail style and colour that wows? How long before the wedding should you get your nails done? What are the latest nail trends for brides and bridesmaids? We’ve covered you with the ultimate guide to getting stunning nails for your best friend’s wedding. By the end of this article, you’ll be walking down that aisle with confidence and nails that are as flawless as the bride’s gown.
Wedding Nail Trends: Choosing a Style That Suits the Bride
As a bridesmaid, your nails will be in a ton of photos! You want to ensure they look perfect for your best friend’s big day. There are so many fun, trendy styles to choose from – your biggest challenge will be narrowing it down.
Some of the hottest wedding nail trends right now are:
- Pastel colours: Soft pinks, peaches, and mint greens are perfect pastel choices. They’re feminine, romantic and photograph beautifully.
- Metallic accents: A shimmery rose gold, silver or gold coat over a pale base colour adds just the right amount of glam. Tiny metallic bows, stones or striping tape as accents take it up a notch.
- Neutral with a twist: You can’t go wrong with a neutral shade, but jazz it up. Try a neutral base with one nail on each hand in the wedding colour, or do a French manicure with the tips in a complementary colour.
- Floral designs: Delicate floral nail art is a huge trend and ideal for a wedding. Little rosebuds, cherry blossoms or lotuses – keep the design minimal and classy. Ask your nail artist to match the flowers to the wedding bouquet for bonus points!
The options are endless, so have fun with it! Chat with the bride to determine her vision and preferences, then choose a style you both love. Your nails will be featured in the photos for years to come, so make them memorable. With the perfect mani-pedi, you’ll feel like a million bucks and ready to celebrate the lovely couple. Most importantly, enjoy this special time with your best friend!
Nail Length: Long vs Short for Bridesmaids
Girl, it’s time to decide—long or short nails for your best friend’s wedding? As her bridesmaid, your nails will be in many pictures, so you want them to look gorgeous yet natural. Either length can look stunning, so go with what makes you feel most comfortable and confident!
If you prefer shorter nails, you can go right with a classic nude, pink or red. Shorter almond, oval or square-shaped nails in natural colours are elegant and timeless. You’ll look polished without drawing attention from the bride.
Consider a soft pastel like rose gold or seafoam green for longer nails. An almond shape complements longer nails, and an ombre fade from dark to light can create a whimsical look. Be careful to go only for a short time or choose a colour/design that’s too loud or flashy. The focus should be on the bride, not your nails!
No matter which length you choose, get a manicure a couple of days before the wedding. Get those cuticles pushed back, nails filed into a flattering shape and buffed to a shine. Consider adding nail hardener or gel polish for extra protection and durability. Your nails will look photo-ready from the ceremony to the reception!
Most importantly, choose what makes you feel comfortable and confident. Whether short or long, natural or colourful, your nails should reflect your style while complementing the wedding style and your bridesmaid dress. With the right manicure, you’ll look and feel like a million bucks standing by your best friend’s side on her big day!
Nail Colors: Matching the Wedding Theme
The possibilities are endless when choosing nail colours for your best friend’s wedding! Matching the wedding theme is a fun way to make a statement and show your support.
Classic and Timeless
For a classic wedding, neutral and natural nails are always a good choice. Pale pinks, beiges and light browns complement most skin tones and wedding attire without drawing too much attention away from the bride. These muted shades photograph well and will still look stylish in wedding photos for years.
Bold and Bright
If the bride is going bold with her wedding theme, don’t be afraid to follow suit with your nail colour! Vibrant reds, rich burgundies and deep plums make a dramatic statement for a glamorous wedding. Tropical shades of bright orange or neon pink are perfect for a fun, colourful beach wedding. Matte topcoats can tone down the shine for a chic, modern look.
- Red nails pop against most bridesmaid dress colours like navy, emerald and plum.
- Neon colours glow under dim lighting for an evening or nighttime wedding.
- Matte topcoats create an on-trend velvet finish.
Metallic and Shimmery
Shimmering metallics like rose gold, silver and gunmetal add an elegant, opulent touch for an upscale black tie wedding. Iridescent nail polishes with multi-coloured pearls and shimmers beautifully reflect the warm glow of candlelight. Subtle gold flecks sprinkled over a pale pink or peach base coat are a simple way to incorporate metallic details.
- Rose gold is a romantic shade that complements most skin tones.
- Pearly white shades create an ethereal, dreamy look.
- Gold or silver tips accent natural nails with a touch of glamour.
With so many gorgeous options, you’ll have no trouble finding nail colours to match your best friend’s wedding theme. Focus on shades and finishes that you love and will look stunning in the wedding photos. Most importantly, have fun with it! This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get glammed up for your best friend’s special day.
Nail Art: Subtle Accents to Complete the Look
Add Some Bling
Your nails are the perfect canvas for subtle yet stunning nail art accents. Ask your nail technician to add some dazzle to your manicure with the following:
- Rhinestones or crystals: Just a few small gemstones placed strategically on your ring finger or thumb will give your nails a touch of glamour without overpowering them.
- Gold or silver foil: For a metallic sheen, pieces of foil can be applied to the tips of your nails. This works especially well if your bridesmaid dress has metallic accents.
- Lace or netting: Delicate lace or fishnet fabric can adhere to the nail surface for an ultra-feminine accent. The pattern peeks through the polish for a whimsical, fairytale effect.
- Stamping or stencils: Intricate patterns like lace, dots, or florals can be stamped onto one or two nails per hand using special tools. This allows you to be as bold or subtle as you like.
Consider Accent Nails
For extra flair, consider giving just one or two nails on each hand special treatment with the following:
- A different polish colour: Choose a slightly darker or lighter shade than the main colour for contrast. Or do an ombré fade on the accent nails from dark to light?
- Nail wraps: Foil, lace or netting nail wraps only cover one nail, allowing the rest to remain simple. This focuses all the attention on your statement nails!
- Blinged out: Amp up the glam factor by concentrating rhinestones, crystals or other embellishments on just two nails per hand. Keep the remaining nails bare or with a single coat of polish.
Your perfectly polished nails with the right amount of sparkle or pattern are the finishing touch to complement your bridesmaid ensemble. On your best friend’s big day, you’ll feel utterly put together and photo-ready from head to toe! By adding a few special accents or focusing on just one or two accent nails per hand, you achieve a memorable yet tasteful manicure. Most of all, have fun with it! This joyous occasion calls for some celebratory nail art.
Bridesmaid Nails FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered
Girl, have we got the answers for you! As a bridesmaid, you’ll have many questions about your nails for the big day. We’ve compiled the top FAQs to put your mind at ease.
Q1: What colour should I choose?
The bride will likely specify a colour palette or theme to match your dress and the wedding decor. Stick to shades in the families of pink, red, neutral or metallic colours. If she gives you free rein, choose a colour you both love! Pale pinks, nudes and soft rose golds are always stunning and timeless options.
Q2: Should I do gel nails or regular polish?
Gel manicures last 2-3 weeks and is chip-resistant, perfect for wedding activities! Regular polish may chip sooner, but it is easier to change. Ask your nail tech which they recommend based on your nail health and wedding schedule. Either way, bring the nail polish colour to your salon visit for a perfect match.
Q3: How long before the wedding should I get my nails done?
For gel nails or nail extensions like acrylics, schedule your appointment 1-2 weeks before the wedding. This allows time for any touch-ups and the nails to settle into their final shape. For regular polish, aim for 2-3 days before. This way, your nails will look fresh, but you minimize the chance of chips before the big day.
Q4: How can I make my nails last through the honeymoon?
- Apply a base coat, 2 coats of polish and a top coat for durability
- Use cuticle oil daily to hydrate your nails and the skin around them
- Avoid water as much as possible, including washing dishes. Wear rubber gloves if needed
- Gently file any small chips and reapply the top coat
- Consider gel nails, dip powder or nail extensions, which can last 3 weeks+
Does this help put your mind at ease? Now go forth and get those gorgeous nails—your best friend and Instagram followers will thank you! Let us know if you have any other questions. We’re here for you!
Conclusion
You’ve got this, bridesmaid! Armed with these tips and tricks, you’ll give your best friend the perfect nails she deserves on her big day. The hours of bonding during your DIY manicure will create cherished memories to last long after the wedding. When you look at the pictures from the wedding, you’ll feel a surge of pride knowing you played an important role in helping the bride feel and look her best. And the bride will surely appreciate your thoughtfulness and support in helping her achieve the wedding of her dreams. So get excited, get inspired, and get ready to give your best friend the ultimate gift—gorgeous nails and an even more gorgeous lifelong memory. The big day is almost here, so take a deep breath and dive in. You’ve got the skills, you’ve got the passion, and most importantly, you’ve got each other. Now go get those nails done!
FAQ
The bride will likely specify a colour palette or theme to match your dress and the wedding decor. Stick to shades in the families of pink, red, neutral, or metallic colours. If she gives you free rein, choose a colour you both love! Pale pinks, nudes, and soft rose golds are always stunning and timeless options.
Gel manicures last 2-3 weeks and is chip-resistant, which is perfect for wedding activities. Regular polish may chip sooner, but it is easier to change. Ask your nail technician which option they recommend based on your nail health and the wedding schedule. Either way, bring the nail polish colour to your salon visit for a perfect match.
For gel nails or nail extensions like acrylics, schedule your appointment 1-2 weeks before the wedding. This allows time for any touch-ups and the nails to settle into their final shape. For regular polish, aim for 2-3 days before. This way, your nails will look fresh, but you minimize the chance of chips before the big day.
- Apply a base coat, two coats of polish, and a top coat for durability.
- Use cuticle oil daily to hydrate your nails and the skin around them.
- Avoid water as much as possible, including washing dishes. Wear rubber gloves if needed.
- Gently file any small chips and reapply the top coat.
- Consider gel nails, dip powder, or nail extensions, which can last 3 weeks or more.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to choosing nail colours for your best friend’s wedding. Matching the wedding theme is a fun way to make a statement and show your support. For classic and timeless weddings, neutral and natural nail colours like pale pinks, beiges, and light browns are always good choices. For bold and bright themes, consider vibrant reds, deep plums, or tropical shades like bright orange or neon pink. Metallic and shimmery shades like rose gold, silver, and gold add an elegant touch to upscale black-tie weddings.
