Summer weddings are the perfect time to dress up and enjoy the finer things in life: family and friends. But if you're planning the ultimate wedding guest ensemble, your nails are a major factor to consider. What if you upstage the bride? What if you clash? We're bringing you the secrets and inspo to perfectly nail wedding guest nails this season.
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Nailing Wedding Guest Nails
"You don't want to upstage the bride," says celebrity manicurist and KISS brand ambassador Julie Kandalec. "You probably don't want to show up with three-inch stilettos with big charms, but I think you have the opportunity to do something really special to celebrate the couple."
While it might not be time to trot out major 3D designs, there are plenty of classic, classy manicures that would be welcome at any wedding. Consider going minimal with nail art and choosing a length that's comfortable for you. And it doesn't hurt to check and see what the bride is planning.
Next-Level Wedding Nails
If you're close to the couple, you might want to take it to the next level by incorporating the couple or the wedding into your look.
"If you know the colors of the wedding, using those to build your manicure idea could be a really lovely way to honor the couple," Kandalec says. "Even a single heart or maybe their initials would be really sweet homage to the bride and groom."
And the good news is no one is going to be offended by some glitter. "You don't need to be afraid of a little sparkle and shine, either," she says.
There are also plenty of trends that work for big days like weddings, including the infamous butter yellow mani and french tip update.
Always-Elegant Nail Ideas
If you don't have all the inside knowledge for the wedding theme or colors, it's a good idea to go classic. "This is the time when you see a lot of french tips, maybe using a color for the tip to create some interest," Kandalec explains. "I get a lot of requests for nudes, french tips and even chrome for occasions like these."
Wedding Guest Nails Inspiration
33 Elegant Wedding Guest Nails to Complete Your Look
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Barely There Sparkle
Barely There Sparkle
This stunning manicure has just the softest touch of sparkle to elevate the your-nails-but-better look.
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Catch the Bouquet
Catch the Bouquet
Florals are a classic for a reason, and this color combination makes a statement without being overwhelming.
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Over the Moon for You
Over the Moon for You
This manicure gets more playful with a lilac french tip and 3D gold embellishment, which creates an adorable crescent moon.
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Sunset Beach Wedding
Sunset Beach Wedding
Want to sparkle without out-shining the bride? This ombré glitter look manages to catch light and channel golden hour while still giving a refined elegance.
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Simple Silver
Simple Silver
You don't need a lot of length or an intricate design to have an excellent manicure worthy of a close up. This silver stunner will go with nearly any wedding party look.
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Modern French
Modern French
A fresh take on a french manicure is always a guaranteed winner. We love the additional white lines to create a more dynamic look.
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Refined Artsy
Refined Artsy
Abstract line art combined with a classic color or the wedding colors creates a balance between simple and playful.
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Pressed Flowers
Pressed Flowers
Take floral in a different direction with this gorgeous pressed flower art.
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Glossy Silver
Glossy Silver
If you're interested in a more dynamic nail art look but are worried about over-doing it for wedding guest nails, consider combining a neutral with a metallic.
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Bubble Bath Nails
Bubble Bath Nails
One of the biggest trends of the summer is also the perfect wedding guest nails inspo. This soft color makes an excellent neutral that will go with any wedding.
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Milky French Manicure
Milky French Manicure
There's something so classy about milky nails, and combining it with a classic french tip is a winning combination.
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French Tip Gradient
French Tip Gradient
A twist on a classic, this gradient is the perfect way to dress up your manicure.
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Lip Gloss Nails
Lip Gloss Nails
Like bubble bath nails, this is a major trend that works super well for any wedding.
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A Line of Glitter
A Line of Glitter
If you want to sparkle but not too much, consider using a glitter as a compliment to a neutral mani.
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Butter Yellow French Tip
Butter Yellow French Tip
Another huge summer trend we would take home to meet the folks, butter yellow is the perfect color for a bright and sunny summer wedding.
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3D Crystal Touch
3D Crystal Touch
Similarly, take a french tip manicure up a notch with a single nail devoted to a jewel. This little bit of bling could even be in the wedding colors!
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Dipped Glitter
Dipped Glitter
A gradient but make it gilded—golden dipped and glitzy without being too loud for a wedding guest.
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Orbit Nails
Orbit Nails
The way these gems seem to have an orbit around the edge of the nail is stellar.
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Pearlescent
Pearlescent
The finish of your look can also go a long way towards establishing the mood of your manicure. A pearl finish has so much elegance and class.
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Pink Chrome
Pink Chrome
But that doesn't mean that chrome can't be a great choice! When used in the right color, a chrome can create a glamorous, glossy look.
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Robins Egg
Robins Egg
There's so much space in nails to play with color, and this speckling feature creates so much visual interest.
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Gold Marbling
Gold Marbling
Combining a soft color or neutral with a bright gold creates a summer look appropriate for any wedding guest.
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Ink in Water
Ink in Water
Soft marbling is always gorgeous in nail art, but combining it with the right colors can unlock the perfect wedding guest nails.
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Silver Hollow French Tips
Silver Hollow French Tips
Keep it minimal without giving up on interest with this gorgeous hollowed-out silver french tip manicure.
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Green and Gold
Green and Gold
If the wedding is anywhere botanical, playing with shades of green and a good metallic is a great way to get a little bolder.
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Abstract Art
Abstract Art
Similarly, consider using neutral colors to create a minimalist design that delivers on the interest without getting too busy.
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A Single Flower
A Single Flower
Concentrating nail art to just one nail is a great way to communicate your personality without overpowering the event.
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French Stiletto
French Stiletto
If you prefer your manicure to have more drama, consider going bigger with length and shape than with color.
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Softened French Tips
Softened French Tips
Your classic french tip has a clean border, but softening that edge can create a really clever twist on an old favorite.
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Hollow French Tips
Hollow French Tips
Going with a hollowed-out look gives an almost updated lace feel, perfect for any wedding.
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Neutral Botanical
Neutral Botanical
If you're not sure what the wedding colors are going to be, you can't go wrong with a solid neutral combination.
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Pink Quartz
Pink Quartz
Use a soft rosy color and a little bit of marbling and you suddenly have a precious gem mani.
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Gold Current
Gold Current
The white and gold marbling in this manicure just screams wedding to us, and we love how much it does without being too loud for a guest.
