Photo: Courtesy of Deborah Lippmann
You're about to add a second gorgeous ring to your hand, and you want your wedding nails to look absolutely perfect. We get it! So while getting your actual wedding-day manicure is probably one of the last things you'll do before your big day, it's smart to think about the shape, color, and style you want now.
We asked celebrity nail guru Deborah Lippmann, who's handled the nails of A-listers like Reese Witherspoon, Kate Winslet, and Penelope Cruz, to name a few, to talk about the latest trends for wedding nails.
Brides: What nail colors are you loving for brides right now?
Deborah Lippmann: Opaque pastels are going to be big for spring. The soft, light colors are very refreshing! I also think a light shimmer will be a huge hit—particularly something like La Vie En Rose, $18 (a shimmering light pink). Brides can wear it alone or over a sheer beige or pink.
See more: Edgy Nail Polish Colors That Will Take Your Engagement Ring From Sweet to Sassy
Brides: If a bride wants to wear nude lacquer, how can she find the best shade for her skin tone? We've found that one color definitely doesn't fit all.
DL: Try it on! But you shouldn't stand in a store and put on one thick coat of color; it won't be true to how it will look on your hand. If you do need to try it at the store, apply a single coat, allow it to dry for a minute or two, then apply a second coat. If your cuticle changes color and becomes more red or pink, the color might be better suited to a different skin tone. If you can't live without the color, you might be able to wear a light, single layer of the polish.
See more: Touch Up Must-Haves for Picture-Perfect Wedding Beauty All Night Long
Brides: What's a new, fresh way to wear a French manicure?
DL: Create a subtle look by putting a light coat of the color you used on the top of your nail over the entire nail bed. You can also create a nail "duet," which uses a color other than white as the tip of the manicure. For something a little different, young brides can try a very light, very thin blue tip.
Brides: Are there any nail lengths and shapes you're obsessed with right now?
DL: Nail length is coming down from the "stilettos" we've seen a lot of this year. I think nails will stay feminine with an almond shape but end just above the fingertips—perfect for a wedding. Square and squoval-shaped nails are still out.
Brides: How do you feel about matching your fingers and toes for your wedding? Is it a do or a don't?
DL: It isn't a must, but it is trending a bit more. For me, it's more about the look in relation to everything else you're wearing. If you have really strong eye and lip makeup, I would match fingers and toes. It's just like the two out of three rule with jewelry!