- Blog
- Bios
- Boards
- Classifieds
- DIY
- Gallery
- Vendor Reviews
- Shop Weddingbee
Weddingbee Blog
As we get closer to the big day, I’ve been thinking more and more about my wedding day look. You guys know I’m already thinking about hair (Still working on it!), and now I started thinking about my nails.
Our wedding is on a Saturday, but seeing as I have the Friday before off of work, I think I’ll get my nails done then. Bridesmaid Marie has the day off too, so she’ll be joining me. Yay!
It seems like such a silly thing to think about, but I just keep thinking of those gorgeous pro-pics with close ups on the bride’s hands/rings/nails/bouquet. See, look—a lovely photo of a first dance, with nails in full view! See, that’s reason enough to fancy up your fingers.
Photo by our rock star photogs Miller + Miller via their blog
I told the bridesmaids that they don’t have to get their nails done, but if they do, to please get French tips. I think French tips are super classy, and they always look good!
Photo via Skinology 101
If that’s the bridesmaids, what about the bride? Originally I wanted to go French Tips too, but I wanted to do something a liiiiitle more fancy/exciting than normal. It turns out there’s quite a few options that are French Tip classy, but also pop.
Photo by tiffanybridetobe via Weddingbee Gallery
Photo from Wedding Come True / French Manicure with Silver Tips
Photo from Glam Me Up Blog / French Tip Tutorial
Photo from Elle and Ish Blog / Konad Manicure Post
Photo from All Women Talk / 7 Nail Trends to Try
Who knew French tips could be so hip? It’s pretty cool that there are so many options for something that seems so simple. So, what did this Giraffe decide?
Photo from Her Royal Princess Kate Blog / A Royal Manicure
Hahaha, just kidding! Although, I wouldn’t be completely opposed to putting my own photo on my nails, but really, I’m thinking something simple, but classy. Like this:
Photo from Fashion Accessory Box / French Manicure - Elegant Choice for your Nail / Blue added in Photoshop by Giraffe
It’s a little different from a normal French manicure, but just enough to give me the extra “oomph” that I’m looking for. Love it! I’m going to try and not break my own nails so I won’t have to get fake ones, but we’ll see how that goes.
Anybody else getting fancy nails for the big day? What look are you going for?
Oooooo…I really like that 3rd photo of the sparkly french tips! I hadn’t thought about how to prep my nails, yet, but these are some fun ideas!
I am in the middle of the nail debate as well! What I have decided to do is to get this thing called shellac that is a polish that is super strong and durable, last two weeks, and will help my own nails grow and get strong before the wedding and then do it again right before the wedding with the french tips. I have ruined my nails too many times with acrylics to do it again! Hopefully it works out!
If you want something more fun you can paint your entire nail one of the wedding colors or essie nail polish in ballet slipper (which is such a cult nail color) and when it chips you cant really see.
@Caitlin:
Just an fyi on the shellac. I got my nails done at two different places and the first one did not ruin my nails, but the second one did tear them up.
It still might be worth it to you b/c it’s a little cheaper than fake nails and it does look great
@miss wordowl
Thanks for the heads up! Hopefully it works out. If not, oh well my nails will recover-as long as they look good on the big day!
i can’t handle fake nails but also wanted something a little bit nicer for our engagement photos. I grew my own nails out and then had french tips painted on with gel nail polish (i think Penguin had a post about this a long while back). the gel nail polish made my nails really strong so they wouldn’t break but also looked as nice as fake nails. Plus, you don’t have to worry about them chipping that way.
Only once did I get fake nails and they forever runied my natural nails. Now I have ridges and they break so easily. I never heard about shellac but now I’m curious.
I agree that having something a little extra special is the way to go. Just be careful that it doesn’t cross over into tacky - some of these teeter into that category. My favorite is the second nail picture with the sparkly silvery french manicure.
I just had Shellac done and at exactly 14 days the color started to peel away. I didn’t like that I had to either go back to the salon or spend 10 minutes soaking them to get them off. I don’t recommend this but I ended up just slowly peeling mine off and it worked!
I don’t love long nails, and french tip is not exactly me… I’d like to do red nails, I have had that idea for a while =)
I found a photo of Mrs. Lightning, and that’s what I have in mind for my big day! 
http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/08/12/my-wedding-day-headpiece/
I don’t love the jazzy nails, but I’m kind of a purist and like classic looking plain nails. I just don’t think they should distract from the other elements of your look (dress/hair etc.) I am either going to go with plain french or a soft pink or something…
While planning my sister’s wedding, we were actually told my multiple vendors (photographer, coordinator, florist) that “whatever you do, don’t get french tips! They photograph weirdly, especially in black and white photos!” It is especially odd looking when the white tip is particularly bright white or way too thick. I imagine that blue line is going to photograph… interestingly.
They recommended doing a soft, solid color like platinum or light pink. You can still get pretty glitzy finishes…
Oh my! Those nails with the photograph of the couple… Not so good.
Classic french tips are classic for a reason! That’s what I’m going with. : )
I am not a big fan of long fake nails but I think as long as they are appropriate length it is ok to do fake. I do love how they stnad up to wear and tear!
I personally am doing simple pink or white tip nails for my wedding day, I want people to look at my rings not my nails. But I think everyone should do what is right for them!
xoxo,
Shana
Come visit me
http://whimsyweddingday.blogspot.com
I really like the the ones with the light coating of glitter on the tip. How fun!
I love those nails. I don’t know what to do because my nails are not really that great. I have my engagement shoot in two weeks and I have no idea what to do with my nails 
Personally - the french tips are just too white for my tastes. But the “American” - bring it on! And when i went to get mine done for my wedding, the nail chick suggested opalescent american tips. OMG they were perfect!! They were subtle and yet super fun - i didnt think fake nails could be both! 
The Prince William made me crack up. Quick question: Do your mades have to get french or can they sport a neutral nude, pink or beige as well (aka without the white stripe)? Also, tips (aka acrylics, gel wraps, silks) required or just a mani?
I love the french tips with the sparkly overcoat. Simple elegance.
| Visit our sister sites | eHarmony Online Dating |
eHarmony Advice Dating Advice |
Project Wedding Wedding Songs |
JustMommies Pregnancy Calendar |
Mrs. Giraffe, Chicago Age and Occupation: 23, Graphic Designer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Music Student Teacher Engagement Date: October 23, 2008 Wedding Date: May 2011 Venue: Trinity Lutheran Church & Idlewild Country Club About Me: Coming from the suburbs of the Windy City, you'll often find me with my foot in my mouth while laughing for no reason or telling bad knock knock jokes. I've been crafty for as long as I can remember, and will DIY something twice over before I have someone do it for me. I'm a semi-awkward, typeface obsessed, design junkie and have been know to break out my dance moves for no reason as well as try my best to be ridiculous at all times. My love of pop culture, wordplay, and graph paper almost rivals my love of Mr. Giraffe (who is just the bee's knees). After a 2.5 year engagement, we're planning a modern-in-disguise traditional wedding, and cannot wait!
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 30 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
| 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
| 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
Latest Gallery Pics