Choosing an outfit for a wedding guest is hard enough, but honestly, I also have a hard time finding inspiration for the right nail look. While I tend to go for a fairly simple look, I also think it’s good to change it up every now and then. To get some new ideas, I asked celebrity nail artist Elle Gerstein. She works with stars like Blake Lively and Jennifer Lopez, so I knew she would have some good ideas.
If you need some ideas for taking a screenshot before a wedding and taking it with you to the salon, keep scrolling. Gerstein shared a few key tips below and I’ve added a few of my favorite recent finds.
How to match your nail look to a wedding
While it’s easy to assume that you should keep your nails neutral or understated so as not to steal the show from the bride, Gerstein sees it differently. “It’s about showing off your personal style,” she says. “You don’t have to dull your shine to be a guest at a wedding.”
Additionally, Gerstein recommends matching your nail design to the shade of the dress, taking the season into account. Her favorites include a black or gray shade with a bit of shimmer, like Mineral Fusion Nail Polish in Smoke & Mirrors ($9), a nude nail polish (Chanel has great options, in her opinion), or a red like Dior’s Nail Polish in Rouge ($32).
You shouldn’t be afraid to try something new either. Gerstein says, “If you want to try something new, start with a chrome lace or a small stone detail. Lace is also great and a way to honor the bride. Floral, rose and pearl details are always wedding appropriate too.”
For even more inspiration, look below.
1. Pearl nails
As Gerstein mentioned, pearl accents on the nails are So sweet and perfect for a wedding. Pair it with a shimmery pink or nude tone and it will go well with any outfit.
Get the look:
Olive & June
Nail polish in Sugarcoat
2. Elegant swirl designs
Wearing a raised swirl design in a white shade seems like the perfect way to honor the bride. You can definitely take a photo like this to a nail artist, but if you’re on a budget or in a pinch, try the press-ons below!
Get the look:
Glamnetic
Marshmallow Swirl Press-Ons
3. Pearlescent nails
This pearlescent look is almost holographic and changes color in the light. You can definitely opt for a cat eye polish in the salon to achieve this effect, but the Glamnetic press-ons below are exactly the same as in the pictures and still look amazing.
Get the look:
Glamnetic
Press-Ons in the Moonlight
4. Baby pink nails
You can’t go wrong with a light, neutral shade of baby pink. It’s perfect for those who want something simple that still looks elegant and classy.
Get the look:
Essie
Nail polish in Sugar Daddy
5. Satin chrome nails
I love this unique chrome design that still doesn’t look over the top. If it catches the light right, your manicure will definitely make you look twice.
Get the look:
OPI
Gel color in Glazed N’ Amused
6. Golden glitter nails
This might be a bit too “Christmas” for some, but gold glitter on nails is so festive and fun. If you just sprinkle gold glitter on the tips of the nails, it looks a little classier and is so cute for a wedding guest look.
Get the look:
SAIFTRAD
Holographic nail glitter
7. Butter yellow nails
Pastels are generally a great option for a spring or summer wedding, but this buttery yellow is one of my particular favorites for weddings.
Get the look:
CANNI
Pastel yellow gel nail polish
8. Lily flower nails
Fun fact: Gerstein recently created this beautiful design for Blake Lively ahead of the It ends with us Premiere. But it also happens to be the perfect floral design for a wedding! Such a design may be difficult to recreate at home, but you can opt for a few floral stickers on a slightly shimmery icing.
Get the look:
FBABFBUO
Flower nail art stickers
9. Moonlight and rose nails
This is another gorgeous design that Gerstein created for Jennifer Lopez and it would look beautiful for a wedding too. It’s a little more complicated than your average nail look so you’ll probably have to take the photo to a nail technician, but it would go so well with a nude outfit or more vibrant colors like red.
Get the look:
OPI
Infinite Shine nail polish in Kyoto Pearl
10. Nude nails with accent
A simple nude nail is chic and classic, but you can add something unique to it by painting a few silver dots or another small accent of your choice on one nail.
Get the look:
Chanel
Le Vernis Longwear nail polish in Legende
To add even more shine, I always apply a cuticle oil after every manicure and use it almost like a lotion for my hands. The following works great and is So moisturizing.
SHEGLAM
Blooming Nails Cuticle Oil
