Your mood board says it all. But what about your nails? Although your wedding day manicure will likely take a backseat when deciding your beauty looks, it’s definitely one that should not be overlooked. Think about all of the things that you’ll be doing with your fingers on your wedding day — throwing your bouquet, holding your partner’s hands, wearing your new wedding band — the list goes on.

Wedding Beauty Tips – Manicure and Pedicures

1. Always Get a Trial Run

Just like you would for your makeup and hair, you should definitely consider a trial run for your nail look. This will give you the opportunity to test out different colors, lengths, and shapes. I recommend scheduling your trial run at least 3 months prior unless you are using artificial nails.

2. Should I even schedule a Wedding Manicure and Pedicure?

Yes, yes, yes! Even if you have less than perfect nails you should definitely get a manicure. Shorter nails can look very pretty if they are getting a little extra attention.

Should anything disastrous happen to your manicure on the day of your wedding, it would be wise to arm yourself with a handy emergency kit. In it, keep a nail file, a cuticle clipper, hand cream, nail polish remover and pads, and of course, the nail polish of your wedding manicure. Also often overseen is the groom. Yes, modern men have manicures, and while you may not need hot pink nail polish, clean and nicely filed nails will make a difference. Remember photographers will photograph the ring exchange and also do some closeups of your hands, you don’t want your hands to look like you just finished an oil change. I would always recommend

Depending on your shoes or dress length, your toes might not even make an appearance on your wedding day. You should still definitely get a pedicure. As for color? Light pastels and neutral colors are favored by brides. Need something blue? Toenails are one of the best places to wear something blue.

3. Consider Gel Over Regular Nail Polish

The last thing you want to do the day before your wedding is worry about ruining your manicure. If you’re up for it, consider a gel to prevent any smudges or chips from happening. What’s more, it’ll last you at least two weeks after your wedding day. “Gel is a good option especially if there is an extended honeymoon after the wedding,” says Saunders. If you are planning on Gel keep in mind they will also only last about 3 weeks and need to be redone after that time. So make sure that you calculate that if you travel for your wedding.

4. Keep It Simple With The Nail Art

Nail art is not everybody’s cup of tea and it doesn’t always translate into a timeless wedding day look. That doesn’t mean you should skip it if you’re into fun designs and a little sparkle, however. “If you are a nail art fan, keep it simple on your wedding day by using a gold or silver metallic or some rhinestones as an accent. I love Smith & Cult Nail Polish “ A Little Lovely” for a sophisticated look. The company also has beautiful pastel nail colors that are perfect for less adventurous brides.

5. All Natural

Shorter and natural nails are in trend. You don’t have to have long perfect nails to have your hands and feet shine on your wedding day. Unless you are an office girl, in many other occupations it is often difficult or impossible to have long fingernails. I have less than perfect nails and yes, I have tried acrylic nails several times. I just don’t feel comfortable with them and somehow simple tasks all of a sudden become a major undertaking. Another thing is the upkeep of acrylic nails.  It is a personal preference and I am not saying to stay away from artificial nails if it works out for you.  Here are a few tips if you are like me a short fingernail all Naturelle.

• Treat yourself to a professional manicure and pedicure. If you are a DIY’er you can also find a lot of information on how to archive professional results online and on youtube.
• Choose just a clear coat or light pastel colors for your polish.

BABETTE HILL – LIFESTYLE WEDDINGS