Bridesmaids' Nails: To Match Or Not To Match?

Bridesmaids' nails are an important part of the bridal look. While some brides are happy to let their bridesmaids choose their own nail colour, others prefer to coordinate their bridesmaids' nails with their dresses or the wedding colour scheme. This can be a fun way to tie the bridal party together, but it can also be a source of stress for bridesmaids, especially if they are paying for their own manicures. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to match their nails is up to the bridesmaids, but it's always a good idea to communicate with the bride beforehand to avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts.

Nails to match the dress

When it comes to choosing a nail colour to match your dress, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to consult the bride and find out if she has a specific palette in mind or if she only wants classic shades. If the bride has curated a specific palette, it is best to avoid bright colours and stick to neutrals, pinks, and whites. These colours complement every dress and wedding vibe without stealing attention in photos.

If you are attending an evening wedding, you may be able to get away with deeper hues that match your dress, as they will blend in with the overall aesthetic. A glossy white shade is another safe option, as it goes with every dress colour and pattern and is understated enough to please the bride. If you are after something a little different, a light shade of brown can be a good option, or you could try a beige with subtle pink undertones, which will be more visible in pictures and will especially pop against deeper skin tones.

If you are wearing a medium to dark green dress, an emerald shade will look beautiful, especially against a plush bouquet. For warm weather, outdoor, or beachside weddings, a playful peach colour is a great choice, as it exudes summertime energy and will stand out in photos. If you are wearing a cool-coloured blue, green, or lavender dress, a sweet shade of pink will look nice, and if you are wearing a yellow dress, a surprising colour choice could be white, as the two colours complement each other and create a super chic look.

If you are wearing a mint dress, you could try a warm peachy nail for a summertime feel, or if you are wearing a bold navy blue dress, a bold chrome colour will pop but still look elegant, sophisticated, and trendy. If you are wearing a grey dress, a silver shade is a good option for a daytime wedding, and for a nighttime wedding, you could try a deeper metallic shade with hints of bronze.

If you are wearing a red dress, a burgundy nail is a good choice, as it will offset the red without overpowering it, and will also leave room for colourful makeup and accessories. For a black dress, you could try matching jet-black polish for a runway-inspired look, or if you want something more demure, a sheer, barely-there shade will give your nails a healthy shine without any colour.

If you are wearing a coral dress, a neutral shade with peachy undertones will complement it well, and if you are wearing a blush dress, a matching pale pink polish will create a pretty-in-pink look. For a nude dress, a metallic champagne colour will give a lengthening effect with a hint of glam, or if you want to make a bold statement, you could try a jewel tone like a velvety blue or vampy red.

Nails to match the season

If you're looking for some seasonal inspiration for your bridesmaids' nails, here are some ideas to consider:

For a spring wedding, opt for pastel colours such as dusty lavender, peach, or minty blue. These shades will complement the vibrant energy of the season and can be paired with a range of dress colours. You could also try an iridescent polish with pastel hues, such as a blue-to-purple combination, which would be especially fitting for a spring wedding.

Summer is the perfect time to embrace bold and vibrant colours. A classic coral red is an excellent choice for a summer wedding, whether it's a beach or garden setting. You can also experiment with white nail polish, which will give a clean and understated look while still complementing any dress colour or pattern. If you're looking for something more unique, try a playful peach shade that exudes summertime energy and will pop beautifully in photographs.

As the weather cools down in autumn, richer and deeper shades come into play. For an autumnal wedding, consider burgundy, navy, or taupe nails. These colours offer a sophisticated twist without clashing with the wedding colour palette. If you're looking for something a little different, try textured tortoiseshell-printed tips, which work with most dress colours.

Winter weddings call for elegant and festive shades. Deep reds, such as dark cherry or merlot, are perfect for the occasion and can be paired with classic neutrals. For something a little more eye-catching, try a burnt pumpkin shade or a bright navy blue to stand out against the winter backdrop. Gilded nails are also a festive choice, pairing well with heavier fabrics like velvet or brocade.

No matter the season, it's important to consider the overall wedding aesthetic, dress colours, and skin tones when choosing nail polish shades. You can also add some sparkle with metallic touches or go for a full glitter look to celebrate the occasion.

Nails to match the ring

When it comes to choosing a nail colour to match your ring, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, identify the type of ring you have. The colour you choose should complement the band's metal, ring setting, and colour of your gemstone or diamond.

If you have a gold ring, opt for a warmer nail colour like peach or light pink. These colours will contrast the yellow of your band, but also pick up the shine of the gold. If you want your ring to stand out, a metallic nail shade like sparkling grey will do the trick.

For a white gold ring, choose a darker nail shade like dark purple or crimson. A metallic nail shade will also enhance the appearance of your ring and make it look bigger and more elegant.

If you're rocking a rose gold ring, a candy apple red nail polish will bring out the pink accents of your ring. For a more neutral option, a pearly white or champagne nail colour will bring out the shine in your ring.

Cool-toned metals like platinum go well with icy blue or white nail colours. These hues will give your ring room to shine while still providing an eye-catching backdrop.

Gemstone engagement rings can be tricky as they already have pops of colour. Deep jewel-tone hues are a great option, with colours like violet, crimson, and deep blue providing a contrast that enhances the colour of your stone.

While these are some general guidelines, ultimately the best nail colour is one that excites you and complements your overall look.

Nails to match the bouquet

Matching your nails to your bridal bouquet is a fun way to elevate your wedding look. Here are some ideas to achieve this:

Monochrome Magic

For a bold statement, opt for a sleek white manicure to match a bouquet of white flowers. This pairing exudes modernity and simplicity. Alternatively, for something a little more unconventional, consider a monochrome button bouquet with black and white polka dot nails. This playful combination will undoubtedly make a lasting impression.

Pretty in Pastel

For a soft and romantic look, opt for a pastel nail colour that complements your bouquet. Whisper and Rose Jamberry Nail Wraps offer a softly patterned mauve design that pairs beautifully with a lilac and ivory bouquet. The pastel tones of the nails ensure that the brighter bouquet doesn't overpower them. Another option is to match a blush pink bouquet with a nail design featuring multiple tones of pink, such as Paulinas Passions' floral nails.

Floral Fantasy

Take inspiration from your bouquet and incorporate floral nail art. Indeco Flowers' bouquet of pink ombre roses would beautifully complement a similar nail design. For a more subtle approach, a classic French manicure with a botanical-themed pattern on one nail is a lovely way to include floral details.

Colour Pop

Make a statement by matching your nails to a brightly coloured bouquet. A bright red manicure with a modern triangle cuticle detail would be stunning alongside ivory roses. Alternatively, a bold blue or green manicure would beautifully complement a plush bouquet in the same shade.

Metallics and Jewels

For a glamorous touch, consider metallic or jewel-toned nails to match your bouquet. Whisper and Rose Jamberry Nail Wraps offer a metallic nautical design with a pretty pearl accent that pairs well with a brooch bouquet. Alternatively, a gold manicure with a razor-sharp stiletto shape is a unique way to add some sparkle to your look, especially when paired with a glamorous gold bridal bouquet.

Remember, when matching your nails to your bouquet, it's important to consider your overall wedding aesthetic, skin tone, and the colours of your wedding dress and accessories.

Nails to match the makeup

Matching your nails to your makeup is a fun way to express yourself and can really tie your look together. It's also a trend that has been around for a while, with influencers and nail artists on Instagram coordinating colours and designs.

If you're going for a bold look, why not try matching your lipstick to your nails? You could also take inspiration from your eyeshadow palette and choose a nail polish in a similar shade. For example, if you're wearing a blue sweater, you could opt for a matching nail colour.

If you're wearing green eyeshadow, you could go for matching or similarly coloured nail polish. Alternatively, you could complement your makeup with your nail choice, rather than having exact matches. For instance, if you're wearing a pink top and silver glitter shoes, you could paint your nails with pinks and silver glitter.

You could also take cues from your accessories. If you're wearing silver shoes, you could choose a nail polish shade to complement them. Or, if you're wearing a statement ring, you could match your nails to it.

For a more subtle approach, you can stick to classic bridal shades such as nudes, pure white, off-white, soft grey, or light pink. These colours are likely to complement your overall look without being too matchy-matchy.

Remember, it's important to choose a nail colour that goes with your skin tone. Pay attention to the undertones of your skin when making your selection.

Finally, don't be afraid to break the rules and have fun with your nail art! You can always ask your nail artist for their opinion and design ideas that are perfect for your nails.

Frequently asked questions