15 Bridesmaid Nail Ideas the Whole Bridal Party Will Love

Marisa Petrarca
·8 min read

Instagram / @jessica_oloughlin, @keelydecostamanicures, @beautyby_lola

Settling on the perfect bridesmaid nails for the big day isn't always easy — but we're guessing you already know that, given you've landed on this article. Maybe you're a bridesmaid with no idea what design or polish color to wear. Perhaps, you're a bride helping your closest friends brainstorm.

Whatever the case, there are (approximately) a zillion manicure ideas circulating on the internet. We understand it can be overwhelming to sift through them all, which is why we’ve asked the nail pros to narrow down the options to, you know, the best ones.

If you’re the bride…

According to Mazz Hanna, an editorial nail artist and the CEO of Nailing Hollywood, the bride comes first. If that’s you, congratulations! Now, think about what nail colors and designs you want your bridesmaids to wear. “Some brides don't have a preference, while others have carefully curated every detail and have something specific in mind,” Hanna says.

Some elegant polish colors to recommend to your bridesmaids include Essie Ballet Slippers (a polish that builds from a sheer to an opaque pink), Jin Soon Nail Polish in Piedra (an off-white that resembles marble), and Hermès Les Mains Nail Enamel in Rose Tamisé (a rich, purple pink).

Essie Nail Polish in Ballet Slippers

$10.00, Ulta Beauty

Jinsoon Nail Lacquer in Piedra

$18.00, Jinsoon

Hermès Les Mains Hermès Nail Enamel in Rose Tamisé

$57.00, Nordstrom

If you’re a bridesmaid…

If the bride doesn’t have any preferences, Brooklyn-based nail artist Erica Hipp has a good rule of thumb for bridesmaids to follow: “You never want to upstage the bride," she says. “When choosing a nail polish color, it's probably safest to go neutral or match your [bridesmaid] dress."

Hanna echoes this: "I always think it's best to keep things simple. If you're a maid of honor and the photographer is taking a photo of you putting earrings on the bride, you don't want a manicure that will distract from this special moment."

So what does “simple” mean? Well, it doesn't have to mean boring. Jennifer Tieu, a Dallas-based nail artist, says some of her go-to recommendations for bridesmaids include classic French tips, the reverse French, abstract swirls, and minimal negative-space art. You can also get creative with textured details. New Orleans-based nail artist Morgan Dixon loves elevating bridesmaids’ nails with “small rhinestones and pearls.”

You’ve settled on your look. Now what?

Once you settle on your bridesmaid manicure, Tieu advises booking your nail appointment as close as possible to the wedding day. “That way, they'll look fresh and clean for all festivities and photos,” she says. You’ll also want to pack your day-of clutch with a few essentials.

Bridesmaid nail essentials

Whether your hands need moisture or you encounter a chipped nail crisis, having these items at your fingertips will prepare you and your fellow bridesmaids for any surprises.

Nail polish

If you’re going to pack one product for an emergency nail situation, let it be the specific shade you’re wearing. That way you’ll be ready for any unexpected chips.

Hand cream

“Using a good cuticle oil and hand cream will help keep your skin and manicure in tip-top shape,” Tieu says. A great hand cream is a wedding day must-have the whole wedding party is bound to pass around.

Not only is the Necessaire Hand Cream aesthetically pleasing enough to be in the background of getting-ready photos, it’s fragrance-free and won’t interfere with the bride’s perfume. Plus, it keeps your hands moisturized (thanks to marula oil) without being greasy, so you don’t have to worry about residue getting on your dress.

Nécessaire The Hand Cream

$25.00, Nordstrom

Cuticle oil

While it's important to keep cuticle oil away from anyone's dress on the big day, it's worth having it on hand in case anyone's nails could use a refresh, especially before starting hair and makeup. The Best of Beauty Award-winning Tenoverten Rose Oil treatment is a brilliant option because it has a rollerball applicator for precise application.

Without further ado, here are 15 timeless bridesmaid nail ideas worth screenshotting, including everything from ultra-minimalist designs to a creative take on something blue.

Tenoverten The Rose Oil Hydrating Cuticle Treatment

$26.00, Bluemercury

In this story:

Bridesmaid nail ideas

Simple elegance

Nearly natural

This so-called “lip gloss” manicure is a simple yet sophisticated option for bridesmaids who want a minimalist design. Manicurist Julie Kandalec brought this semi-sheer taupe design to life.

Gradient hearts

<h1 class="title">gradient hearts bridesmaid nails</h1><cite class="credit">[@sophiezaramanicurist](https://www.instagram.com/p/CZzx_uuM514/){: target="_blank"}</cite>

gradient hearts bridesmaid nails

[@sophiezaramanicurist](https://www.instagram.com/p/CZzx_uuM514/){: target="_blank"}

It's hard not to fall in love with this minimalist design. London-based nail technician Sophie Zara used neutral polish in white, beige, and brown to create gradient-tone hearts.

Minimalist hearts

<h1 class="title">Minimalist hearts bridesmaid nails</h1><cite class="credit">[@keelydecostamanicures](https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf-9cSbsNIN/){: target="_blank"}</cite>

Minimalist hearts bridesmaid nails

[@keelydecostamanicures](https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf-9cSbsNIN/){: target="_blank"}

If you love the heart idea but want to make it even more minimal try these sweet bridesmaid nails by Liverpool-based nail artist Keely Decosta. She spotlighted her client's natural nails using sheer polish and a dotting tool to create the tiny hearts. She placed "two dots onto the nail plate” before using a small liner brush to drag some of the polish from each dot to make the shape.

Dreamy French manicure

Reverse French

<h1 class="title">reverse French bridesmaid nails</h1><cite class="credit">[@mel.loves.nails](https://www.instagram.com/p/CjiOLgCMRJC/){: target="_blank"}</cite>

reverse French bridesmaid nails

[@mel.loves.nails](https://www.instagram.com/p/CjiOLgCMRJC/){: target="_blank"}

Tieu speaks highly of the reverse French manicure for its understated elegance. Nail artist Melissa Tome executed this design using BIAB polish, but it can easily be re-created using the classic French colors: a neutral polish that looks natural against your skin tone and an off-white for the cuticle line.

Modern French

<h1 class="title">modern french manicure bridesmaid nails</h1><cite class="credit">[@nailartbyqueenie](https://www.instagram.com/p/CgR_8NJJtB3/){: target="_blank"}</cite>

modern french manicure bridesmaid nails

[@nailartbyqueenie](https://www.instagram.com/p/CgR_8NJJtB3/){: target="_blank"}

As much as we love a traditional French manicure, we love this updated take for the wedding party. Editorial nail artist Queenie Nguyen dreamed up this design for a bride, featuring three extra-fine lines below the tips, but it's an equally covetable choice for bridesmaids.

Glitter micro French

<h1 class="title">Glitter micro French bridesmaid nails</h1><cite class="credit">[@beautyby\_lola](https://www.instagram.com/p/CSXEGLcMxmV/){: target="_blank"}</cite>

Glitter micro French bridesmaid nails

[@beautyby\_lola](https://www.instagram.com/p/CSXEGLcMxmV/){: target="_blank"}

Behold one of the prettiest takes on the micro French manicure we've ever seen. To create the look, expert manicurist Lola K used a soft and natural cream-pink base and a square-tip nail brush to paint a dainty micro tip onto each nail. Her polish for the tips is ultra-reflective Brillbird Hypnotic Gel & Lac Polish.

Brillbird Hypnotic Gel & Lac Polish in 143

$17.00, Brillbird

Soft French manicure

<h1 class="title">baby boomer bridesmaid nails</h1><cite class="credit">[@jessieleigh\_h](https://www.instagram.com/p/CpYHcsZObme/){: target="_blank"}</cite>

baby boomer bridesmaid nails

[@jessieleigh\_h](https://www.instagram.com/p/CpYHcsZObme/){: target="_blank"}

Kandalec was also the brains behind this French ombré manicure, also known as the French fade. No matter what you call it, the style is undeniably popular and perfect for brides and bridesmaids who prefer nails that are visually softer than a traditional French mani.

Double French manicure

<h1 class="title">double french manicure bridesmaid nails</h1><cite class="credit">[@\_by\_shelley](https://www.instagram.com/p/B7OBfwbgGAC/){: target="_blank"}</cite>

double french manicure bridesmaid nails

[@\_by\_shelley](https://www.instagram.com/p/B7OBfwbgGAC/){: target="_blank"}

Can't decide between a traditional or modern French? Why not combine the two as nail artist Shelley Graham did here? Note how she cleverly alternated between white and rose gold on every other finger.

Sweet Swirls

Sophisticated squiggles

<h1 class="title">minimalist swirl bridesmaid nails</h1><cite class="credit">[@jessica\_oloughlin](https://www.instagram.com/p/CPd8HxrgOfM/){: target="_blank"}</cite>

minimalist swirl bridesmaid nails

[@jessica\_oloughlin](https://www.instagram.com/p/CPd8HxrgOfM/){: target="_blank"}

Intent on a design? Consider this sophisticated swirl art. Content creator Jessica O’Loughlin wore this on her wedding day, but Tieu says it’s also a great option for bridesmaids.

Elegant appliques

Sparkles and Sequins

<h1 class="title">sparkles and sequins bridesmaid nails</h1><cite class="credit">[@akikonails\_nyc](https://www.instagram.com/akikonails_nyc/){: target="_blank"} and [@sakienails](https://www.instagram.com/sakienails/){: target="_blank"}</cite>

sparkles and sequins bridesmaid nails

[@akikonails\_nyc](https://www.instagram.com/akikonails_nyc/){: target="_blank"} and [@sakienails](https://www.instagram.com/sakienails/){: target="_blank"}

Sakie, a manicurist at New York-based Akiko Nails, is the mastermind behind this high-shine design. The rhinestone appliqués elevate the sparkly base making this combo likely a faster alternative to intricate nail art.

3D pearls

<h1 class="title">pearl applique bridesmaid nails</h1><cite class="credit">[@gelsbybry](https://www.instagram.com/gelsbybry/){: target="_blank"}</cite>

pearl applique bridesmaid nails

[@gelsbybry](https://www.instagram.com/gelsbybry/){: target="_blank"}

Pearl embellishments are perfect for those who want a timeless look. Nail artist Bryony Howell, who is behind this manicure, bought the miniature pearls on eBay and expertly “cured them into a clear rubber topcoat to ensure they lasted.”

Rhinestone nails

<h1 class="title">rhinestone bridesmaid nails</h1><cite class="credit">[@yournewnaillady](https://www.instagram.com/p/CM0fUvRrqQx/){: target="_blank"}</cite>

rhinestone bridesmaid nails

[@yournewnaillady](https://www.instagram.com/p/CM0fUvRrqQx/){: target="_blank"}

Want your manicure to exude glamour? Take inspo from Miami nail technician Ian Hoang, who used sparkles and gems atop a glossy neutral base, fit for a wedding party with a modern vibe.

Watch butterfly nail art come to life:

Garden glamour

Something blue

<h1 class="title">blue floral nails</h1><cite class="credit">[@novo\_geo](https://www.instagram.com/p/CxGCFeXKzeG/?hl=en){: target="_blank"}</cite>

blue floral nails

[@novo\_geo](https://www.instagram.com/p/CxGCFeXKzeG/?hl=en){: target="_blank"}

Why not let your bridesmaids' nails be your something blue? In one wedding with a color scheme of blue and white, manicurist Georgia Taylor took inspiration from the bridesmaids' blue dresses and bouquets to craft this light blue floral design.

Bright blooms

<h1 class="title">flower nail art bridesmaid nails.</h1><cite class="credit">[@thebeautiquebyelizabeth](https://www.instagram.com/thebeautiquebyelizabeth/){: target="_blank"}</cite>

flower nail art bridesmaid nails.

[@thebeautiquebyelizabeth](https://www.instagram.com/thebeautiquebyelizabeth/){: target="_blank"}

Want a bold floral design? Check out this hand-painted manicure that features vibrant flowers on a pink base.

Fresh sage

<h1 class="title">floral nails</h1><cite class="credit">[@silkbeauty.uk](https://www.instagram.com/p/C5c-eR4s-r1/?hl=en){: target="_blank"}</cite>

floral nails

[@silkbeauty.uk](https://www.instagram.com/p/C5c-eR4s-r1/?hl=en){: target="_blank"}

Part of a garden wedding? Draw inspiration from this client's vision. According to nail artist Emily (Silkbeauty on Instagram), "The wedding theme and bridesmaid dress were sage-mint green and she wanted the nails to match." Nails are a simple yet effective way to harmonize with the bride's theme without overshadowing it.

More eye-catching nail art:

Originally Appeared on Allure