Expert advice and wedding season nail trends from a full-time nail technician.
Wedding season is here, and whether you're a bride, part of the bridal party, or a wedding guest, your nails are an essential part of your look. We sat down with en Vogue Educator Casey-Leigh Boucher to get the lowdown on the latest bridal nail trends, tips for success, and advice to ensure those nails are picture-perfect for the big day.
Q: What’s the biggest bridal nail trend right now?
Casey-Leigh: Painted deep french tips are really trending, as well as the glazed donut look. Neutrals and very natural-looking nails are also in high demand.
Q: What look you do for brides most often?
Casey-Leigh: Most often, I do the French fade. It’s the go-to look for many brides.
Q: Do you have a favorite bridal set you’ve done?
Casey-Leigh: One of my favorites is the french fade, but I also love when a bride incorporates her personality into her nails, like adding a touch of black or something unexpected yet true to her.
Q: What did you wear on your nails when you got married?
Casey-Leigh: I went with the classic french—short, square, and timeless.
Q: What would you do today if you got married again?
Casey-Leigh: I would probably go for the french fade. It’s my ultimate favorite!
Q: What are some of your favorite colors to recommend to brides?
Casey-Leigh: I always recommend Angel Wings, All Steamed Up, Santorini Sand, and Rosé Build. Our curated Wedding Edit has some other great options as well, including Milky Way, White Pearl, Nearly Nude, Pink Lace, Cloud 9, Frosty, Strike A Pose, and Milan.
Q: What do you say to brides wondering: “Should I go all out on my nails for my wedding day?”
Casey-Leigh: I would not recommend going all out - stick to something comfortable and classic, and save the fun and themed nails for your bachelorette party, wedding shower, and other pre-wedding events!
Q: What are some simple ways for a bride to spice up their nails?
Casey-Leigh: Adding gems, a chrome finish, or a subtle glitter over a fade or a classic french can be really cute. There are lots of little touches you can add to make your nails feel wedding-day-worthy.
Q: What are some designs or trends you recommend to a bride planning their wedding nails?
Casey-Leigh: I suggest doing something you’re comfortable with. Now is not the time to try something completely new - stay in your comfort zone and avoid going too crazy with your wedding nails.
Q: What are some nail designs you’d suggest for wedding guests?
Casey-Leigh: Florals are always cute for guests, especially if you want something extra on your nails; they’re a great way to incorporate wedding colors subtly. Nudes and neutrals are also always in style, with shades like Angel Wings and All Steamed Up being popular choices.
Q: What’s your best advice for brides when it comes to planning their wedding nails?
Casey-Leigh: Do a trial set if you’re a regular nail wearer. Start experimenting well in advance if you’re thinking about a new shape or design, and aim to get your final set done about a week before the wedding.
If you’re new to nails, try to get at least two or three sets in before the wedding day - nails often look better and more natural after a few fills, plus it gives you time to adjust and decide what looks and feels the best for you. And when choosing colors, it can really help to bring a fabric swatch from your dress (or even your bridesmaids’) to find a complementary color, rather than trying to match it exactly.
Final Thoughts
Wedding nails are a small yet significant detail that have a big impact on the entire bridal look. Whether you’re a nail tech, bride, or bridesmaid, you can use Casey-Leigh’s expert advice to take the stress out of at least one part of the wedding planning process! Whatever you decide, make sure you’re choosing something that is true to you to add the perfect finishing touch on your special day.
For more bridal nail inspiration and to explore our curated Wedding Edit, visit @envoguenailsofficial on IG, or www.envogueUSA.com - happy wedding season!