38 Wedding Nails for a Beautiful Bridal Manicure

Manicures are one thing—wedding nails are another undertaking entirely. “I want the wedding nails to be punctuation at the end of the sentence,” says nail artist Tom Bachik, who was responsible for Jennifer Lopez’s wedding-day mani. “So you have that full look, the gown, the hair, and the makeup, and then the nails are like that exclamation point.”

Bachik notes that wedding nails of late are understated yet deliberate, a minimalistic extension of the bride’s personal style rather than a study in trend. Nail artist Steph Stone agrees. “My biggest recommendation to brides and grooms when doing their nails is to choose a look they feels encapsulates their style while also remaining timeless,” she says. “You never want to look at your wedding photos and think, ‘Why did I follow this trend that ended a few months later?’”

For Betina Goldstein, Chanel nail artist and creator of some of the most inventive nail looks around, subtle adornments can help lend to a memorable wedding look. “If they want a little extra but want to keep it natural, I recommend adding an accent that won’t be the center of attention in the photos,” she says. “It’s a little something for the bride or groom to have during their special day.” Whether you opt for a shimmering nude or an individualized French, take a cue from these artists and allow your wedding nails to serve as the day’s final aesthetic statement.

Here, find 38 wedding (long and short) nail ideas for a perfectly minimalist manicure, pulled straight from the pros.

1. Gem Detail