Should you stick to the go-to neutral wedding colors? Do you match your nail polish shade to your dress? Or can you add some fun nail art to display your personal style on your fingertips? We're here to answer all inquiries and deliver a ton of nail inspo that will take your wedding day manicure to the next level.
From simple to unique, the list below covers every type of nail style that will complement the bride's preferences and every style aesthetic. Keep reading for different bridesmaid nail design and color options that will make both you and the bride happy.
The Best Bridesmaid Nail Colors
Before picking a nail polish color, always consult the bride for her preference. If she has curated a specific palette or only wants classic shades, avoid bright colors and stick to neutrals, pinks, and whites. For evening weddings, deeper hues, which match the bridesmaid dress, may be acceptable since they won't steal the attention in photos.
Semi-Sheer Nude
You can't go wrong with a translucent nude in a trendy almond shape. Not only will it visually elongate your fingers, but the soft tone complements every dress color and wedding vibe.
Square Tip French
Timeless doesn't have to equal boring, so modernize a typical French mani with a blunt square tip finish. Your nails will look cool and classic all at once.
Not-So-Basic Beige
If your bride is requesting beige nails, paint on a shade with a subtle pink undertone. It will be more visible in pictures and will especially pop against deeper skin tones.
Glossy Emerald
Match a medium to dark green dress with an equally beautiful emerald shade. The color will look especially lovely against a plush bouquet.
Creamy Peach
Perfect for warm weather outdoor or beachside weddings, this playful peach color exudes summertime energy. While the color is timeless, it still stands out in the sunlight and will pop in photos.
Pearly White
This glossy white shade is guaranteed to work with every dress color or pattern. Plus, it's clean, simple, and understated enough to please the bride.
Glazed & Glittery Bridesmaid Nail Ideas
It doesn't get more celebratory than high-shine glazed or glittery nails that scream 'It's party time!'. Don't be afraid to incorporate some sleek nail designs that bring your sparkly color to life.
Rosy-Hued Spectrum
Love pink nails? Add some edge to the sweet shade with a gradient nail design that covers every color in the rosy palette.
Barbie Pink Chrome
This high-voltage pink style is surprisingly versatile. Since the pink is so pale, it will mesh well with almost any type of dress material or color.
Sparkle & Shine
For a fresh take, pair a razor-sharp stiletto-shaped nail with this rosy chrome-meets-glittery style. To make the mismatched nails even more interesting, add some barely-there swirls to the sparkly finger.
Elongated Glitter French
Go for the unexpected by enhancing burnt orange, ombre nails with a thin gold metallic border. The eye-catching duo will look amazing against deep, jewel-tone dresses like oxblood or plum.
Something Blue
Incorporate something bold and blue into your wedding day ensemble. This color has an intense, glassy shine that's downright mesmerizing.
Rainbow-Colored Glaze
If you're in a tropical destination wedding, let your nails reflect the vibrancy of the beachy setting. To make the look feel cohesive, use one hand for warm tones, use the other for cooler icy tones, and match your thumb colors.
Cute Bridesmaid Nail Design Ideas
Both simple and sweet, these adorable designs will make you smile every time you look down at your hands.
Minimalist French
This minimal yet impactful French manicure is personalized with a soft lavender shade and extended tip. Make it work for you by matching it to the exact color of your dress.
Sweetheart Pattern
Show the newlyweds some love with this Valentine's Day-themed mani. The adorable pink pattern is both beautiful and romantic—two adjectives that should describe a wedding day.
Cool Blue French
This has all of the elements of a classic French manicure with a monochrome twist. This airy blue version will be photographed beautifully for a ceremony near the water.
Wavy Accent Finger
If you're not ready to take the plunge with a full-on design, try this color-blocking technique. It contains elements of a French manicure mixed with bold linear shapes.
Unique Bridesmaid Nail Designs
If the bride gives you carte blanche to have a little bit more fun with your nail art, go all the way with a quirky design that is distinct to your style. The creative masterpieces below range from eccentric to playful.
Easter Egg Nails
This one is for spring weddings. Channel the colors of the season with Easter egg-inspired, pastel swirls.
Studded Elongated French
Metallic stud decals are the perfect way to add some excitement to an understated color. To recreate the look at home, just use gold press-on stickers, which are super easy to apply.
Bejeweled Ombre
Balance razor-sharp talons with a dreamy sorbet palette. For a touch of glimmer, add tiny gemstones to each finger along your cuticle line.
3D Add-Ons
Treat your nails like an art project by picking out a cute theme and decorating them with symbolic embellishments. This ultra-girly manicure has sugary symbols like bows, strawberries, and ladylike pearls.