Nail Appointment Timing For Your Wedding Day

Planning a wedding is stressful, so it's important to get the timing right for all your beauty appointments. Many brides opt for a special pre-wedding manicure to ensure their nails are perfect for their big day. But when is the best time to get your nails done?

The general consensus is that you should book your manicure one to two days before your wedding. This gives enough time for your nails to be in top condition, while also reducing the risk of chipping or breaking a nail. If you're getting a regular polish, you may even want to leave it until the day of your wedding to prevent chipping.

If you're planning to have a group manicure with your bridesmaids, it's a good idea to call ahead and make reservations. You should also consider the type of manicure you want, as this will affect how long your appointment will take. For example, a gel manicure will take longer than a basic manicure.

Some brides also opt for a nail trial before the big day, to ensure they're happy with the colour and style. This is usually done one to two months in advance.

How far in advance to book your appointment

It's important to book your wedding nail appointment in advance, but opinions vary on how far ahead of the big day you should do this. Some sources suggest that you can book your appointment a couple of weeks in advance, while others recommend booking a month ahead, especially if you have a large group joining you.

When it comes to the ideal time to get your nails done, most sources agree that one to two days before the wedding is best. This timeframe ensures your nails will look their best for the ceremony and reduces the risk of chipping or breaking a nail. However, if you opt for a regular manicure, you may want to get your nails done on the day of your wedding to prevent chipping.

If you're considering a gel or acrylic manicure, it's worth noting that these tend to last longer, so you can schedule your appointment a little earlier. While gel manicures can last for at least a week, regular polish is more prone to chipping, so it's best to get this type of manicure as close to your wedding as possible.

If you're particular about your nail technician, it's a good idea to book in advance to ensure their availability, especially if your wedding falls during peak wedding season.

How many days before the wedding to get your nails done

The timing of your nail appointment will depend on the type of manicure you want. If you're opting for a regular polish, it's best to get your nails done on the day of your wedding to prevent any chipping. With gel or acrylic nails, it's ideal to schedule your manicure one to two days before the wedding to keep your nails in the best condition. This timing ensures that your nails will look fresh and well-maintained for your special day.

If you're aiming for long nails, it's essential to start your nail process early. Celebrity manicurist Mazz Hanna recommends incorporating manicures into your beauty routine for two to three months leading up to the wedding if you want grown-out natural nails. This allows your nails to grow to your desired length and ensures they are in healthy condition.

For gel or acrylic nails, you can safely assume that your nail polish will remain in excellent condition for at least a week. These nail systems can also improve the strength of your natural nails. If you're concerned about nail growth showing, you can always opt for a touch-up closer to your wedding day.

It's worth noting that some salons may require appointments, so it's a good idea to call ahead and book your slot in advance, especially if you're bringing a group of people. This ensures that you have one less thing to worry about as your wedding day approaches.

Additionally, if you're considering a specific nail style, colour, or design, it's beneficial to do a trial run before your wedding. This will allow you to test out different options and ensure that you're happy with the final look. You can even form a relationship with a nail artist who understands your vision and can deliver the perfect manicure for your big day.

What type of manicure to get

When it comes to choosing a manicure for your wedding, there are several options to consider, each with its own pros and cons. Here are some popular choices:

Gel Manicure

Gel manicures are a popular choice for brides as they are long-lasting and provide a glossy and chip-resistant finish. This type of manicure is created using a special gel polish that is cured under a UV or LED lamp, resulting in a durable manicure that can last up to 2-3 weeks. Gel manicures are also quick-drying, saving you time. However, they can be more challenging to remove, requiring soaking in acetone. Additionally, they usually require the expertise of a qualified nail technician.

Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails offer a sturdy base for long-lasting manicures and can be customized to your desired shape and length. They provide a flexible, lightweight feel and a wide range of colours and finishes. Acrylic nails can last up to 2-3 weeks without chipping. However, they require regular fills to maintain their pristine appearance, and improper care can potentially damage your natural nails.

Dip Manicure

Dip manicures offer a long-lasting manicure with a natural-looking finish. This method involves dipping your nails into a coloured powder, resulting in a chip-resistant manicure that can last 3-4 weeks. Dip manicures offer a variety of colours and finishes, from subtle nudes to bold hues. However, they typically require professional application, and some individuals may find that they lead to thicker nails.

Traditional Polish Manicure

A traditional polish manicure is a classic and versatile option. It involves applying a base coat, two coats of coloured polish, and a top coat. This type of manicure offers endless colour choices and can be easily done at home or at a salon. However, traditional polish manicures are more prone to chipping and may require more frequent touch-ups, especially if you have an eventful wedding weekend planned.

French Manicure

A French manicure is a timeless and elegant choice for brides. It typically features a neutral base with white tips, creating a natural and sophisticated look. French manicures can be done with traditional polish or gel polish for added durability.

Ultimately, the choice of manicure depends on your personal preferences, desired level of maintenance, and the overall look you want to achieve. It is recommended to consult with a nail technician or do a trial run to help you decide.

How to choose your wedding nail colour, shape and style

Choosing the right nail colour, shape, and style for your wedding day is important, as your hands will be in many photos, from close-up ring shots to images of the happy couple exchanging rings. Here are some tips to help you decide on the perfect look.

Nail Colour

Choosing a nail colour that complements your skin tone is a good place to start. If you have a fair to light skin tone, light shades, cool and warm colours like pink and blue, and pastel colours are all good choices. These shades make pale skin look brighter, and the nails appear flattering. If you want a more natural look, opt for nude shades like tan or beige. For medium or olive skin tones, there is a wide range of colours to choose from, as these skin tones look great with warm, cool, light, and dark shades. If you have a darker complexion, dark or deep shades, especially burgundy and purple, will look classic and flattering.

You can also choose a nail colour that complements your style and personality. If you like dark colours, or want to match your lip colour to your nails, go for a vibrant red. You could also add a silver sparkle polish to your accent nails for a pop of colour.

Nail Shape

When it comes to nail shape, shorter nails are typically chosen for wedding days, but some prefer the dramatic look of long nails. If you want your dress, hair, makeup, shoes, and jewellery to be the focus, opt for shorter nails that complement your look without overpowering it. Common shapes for bridal nails include almond, oval, rounded, squoval, and square.

Nail Style

There are several types of manicures to choose from, each with its own features and limitations. Here are some popular options:

• Classic Nail Polish: This type of manicure involves applying classic nail polish and drying it slowly. It is ideal for brides who want a more natural, simple, or thinner look.
• Gel Nails: Gel nails are a popular choice for brides who want unique designs and longer-lasting styles on natural nails.
• Acrylic Nails: Acrylic nails are perfect for brides who want longer nails, dramatic shapes, and strong designs.
• Dip Nails: Dip nails are an in-between option, thicker than gel but more natural-looking than acrylic. They are a good choice if you want a more sculpted look.

Timing

It's recommended to get your nails done one to two days before your wedding to ensure they look fresh and well-maintained. If you are wearing regular nail lacquer, it is best to get them done on the day, as this type of polish is prone to chipping. For other types of manicures, like gel or dip nails, you can get them done a day or two in advance, ensuring your nail growth doesn't start to show.

Trial Run

Consider doing a trial run of your bridal nails to see how they hold up and to make sure they are exactly what you want. This is especially important if you are trying out a new nail style for your wedding. It is also a good idea to start working with a nail technician a few months in advance if you want to have long, natural nails on your wedding day.

How to care for your nails in the run-up to your wedding

##

Frequently asked questions