15 Bridesmaid Nail Ideas the Whole Bridal Party Will Love — See Photos

By Marisa Petrarca

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.

According to Mazz Hanna, an editorial nail artist and the CEO of Nailing Hollywood, the bride comes first. If you’re the bride — 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).

If you’re a bridesmaid and the bride doesn’t have any preferences, Brooklyn-based nail artist Erica Hipp has a good rule of thumb 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," she says. “For example, if you're a maid of honor and the photographer is taking a shot 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, exactly? Well, it doesn't have to mean boring. Jennifer Tieu, a Dallas-based nail artist, says that 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.”

Once you settle on your bridesmaid manicure, Tieu advises booking your manicure appointment as close as possible to the wedding day. “That way, they'll look fresh and clean for all festivities and photos,” she says.

If that’s not possible, remember to moisturize consistently leading up to and during the main event. “Using a good hand cream and cuticle oil will help keep your skin and manicure in tip-top shape,” Tieu adds. And, in case of an emergency on the big day, she recommends "having a bottle of your nail color (if not the exact one, then something similar) on standby.”

Ahead, 15 timeless bridesmaid nail ideas worth screenshotting, including everything from ultra-minimalist designs to a creative take on “something blue.”

By Aliza Kelly

By Varuna Srinivasan

By Kara Nesvig

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 recreated using the classic French colors: a neutral polish that looks natural against your skin tone and an off-white for the cuticle line.

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

By Aliza Kelly

By Varuna Srinivasan

By Kara Nesvig

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.

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.”

By Aliza Kelly

By Varuna Srinivasan

By Kara Nesvig

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.

As much as we love a traditional French manicure, we love this updated take for your 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.

By Aliza Kelly

By Varuna Srinivasan

By Kara Nesvig

The so-called “lip gloss” manicure is everywhere right now and it's a simple yet sophisticated option for bridesmaids who want a minimalist design. Manicurist Julie Kandalec brought this semi-sheer taupe design to life.

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

By Aliza Kelly

By Varuna Srinivasan

By Kara Nesvig

Can't decide between a traditional or modern French manicure? 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.

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

Watch butterfly nail art come to life:

By Aliza Kelly

By Varuna Srinivasan

By Kara Nesvig

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

There are no limitations when deciding what will be that something blue on your wedding day. So, why not make it your bridesmaids’ nails? Editorial nail artist Sarah Alaina painted intricate, dried flower-inspired nail art that couldn't be more perfect for a garden party wedding.

By Aliza Kelly

By Varuna Srinivasan

By Kara Nesvig

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

This eye-catching set by nail artist Mutsa Munyawiri features gold leaf, which contrasts against the pinky-beige base.

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 a sheer polish then used 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 into the shape of a heart.

More eye-catching nail art: