Figuring out all the fine details for your wedding day is arguably one of the most fun parts of the whole process. Picking out your something blue, something old, and something new and adding little motifs here and there like Taylor Swift designing her album teasers is so exciting. One accessory you can’t forget? Your wedding nails (yes, even if you have short nails)! Since you’ll be sporting new rings, a lot of your photos will be focused on tiny details when you exchange vows and when you have time alone with your wedding photographer.
With this, choosing a wedding manicure is key. You’ll want to complement your jewelry and wedding dress by choosing subtle nail art, a french tip, or a pearly nod. Whether you’re a minimalist or maximalist bride, we’ve gathered 12 short nail designs sure to fit your wedding glam for the big day. Let us know which wedding nail idea you’ll be choosing for the moment you say “I do.”
1. French Ombré Short Nails
If you’re wanting something that doesn’t look as stark and uniform as a traditional french manicure, opt for this ombré version. It’s light, featuring a nude base, but transitions super smoothly to the white tips.
2. Short Classic French Short Nails
Looking for a classic French mani? They look great on short nails! We’ve seen variations of the classic french tip with white swirls as well. The pale pink base looks classic but you could also choose nude.
3. Gold Metallic Tips
They say all that glitters is gold, and what better way to complement your wedding jewelry than with this gold-toned mani? Gold always complements a white wedding look, and using gold chrome powder on just the tips of your manicure makes it look more polished than ever.
4. Sweet Hearts Short Wedding Nails
Love a minimal nail but still want to have a little nail art? This one's for you. Choose to have a sweet heart design on two fingers or just your ring finger for a little accent. Add gold for an extra touch too!
5. Round-Shaped Chrome
We’re pretty sure Hailey Bieber sported this wedding manicure look on her own special day. After all, she is the queen of chrome, or what she likes to call “glazed donut nails.” Ask for chrome powder to finish off your fresh set at the nail salon. It looks great with short nails, specifically round or almond shaped.
6. Soft Pearls Wedding Nails
How cute are these tiny little pearls? Sitting on the half moons of your nail beds, they’re the perfect (and subtle) touch of sparkle to your manicure. Ask for flat-back pearls so they don’t stick out too much!
7. Pearl Gemstones Short Wedding Nails
Swap your rhinestone manicures for an allover pearl look instead. These feel abstract and will look great on matte or shiny gel-cured nails.
8. Coquette-Inspired Wedding Nails
Coquette and cottage core are still trending for manicures. If you’re a minimalist bride who loves to show off her treasure trove of trinkets, this eye-catching manicure is for you. You can also add nail charms if you’re wanting something more maximalist. Maybe your bridesmaids will want to join in on this trendy manicure too!
9. Touch of Sparkle Short Wedding Nails
A tiny bit of gold glitter or gold foil to this short nail manicure makes the perfect understated bridal nail. Better yet, we bet you could DIY this if you’re strapped for time making it into the nail salon. You can use the gold accents with almost any nail polish: pastel, white, light pink, or clear.
10. Marbled Pearl Short Wedding Nails
Here’s another pearly, milky white look fit for any bride. This one adds a touch more shimmer and you can mimic some nails in the classic French manicure style like this if you don’t want to go all in.
11. Spring Bouquets Wedding Mani for Short Nails
Garden party spring weddings are totally in! What better way to match your manicure to your bouquet than giving your nails each a bouquet of their own. Show your nail artist a photo of your colors or inspiration from your florist so they can achieve this on top of a nude manicure.
12. Signed With Love Short Wedding Nails
We love this sweet nod to your partner that only your eagle-eyed guests and photographer will get to fawn over. Try using your wedding colors here as an accent nail to add even more of a personal touch.
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