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The best manicures for wedding guests – 12 elegant designs that suit every nail shape and skin tone
I'd say 'I do' to all of these designs
If you're a nail girl like me, you take your plotting and planning of appointments very seriously. I hate having too much grow out between appointments to the point where I really should just do my own manis at home, but my non-dominant hand is nowhere near dextrous enough – it's giving my 7-year-old nephew was on duty. So, when it comes to big events I really do try to plan back wards so I know when exactly I need to book in for the freshest talons. However, then comes wedding season. There's a point in your life when your annual leave will be dominated by weddings (just ask our entertainment director Dusty who has nine weddings on the horizon this summer), which makes for a logistical nightmare for planning nails. So you need something that isn't OTT, that'll grow out well, that'll match your outfit(s) but also work for everyday wear until you remove them? Don't worry, we've got you!
Best nail designs for wedding guests
Chrome pink
Chrome is the perfect understated way to add a little intrigued to an otherwise super safe manicure colour. Biosculpture Candy Colour Builder Gel is the perfect base for this as it's light and milky, allowing the chrome to really pop.
Nude heart
A cute and teeny ode to love is beyond sweet. If you already have a your mani done, you can this art at home, no skill required, just pick up a nail stick sheet from Amazon.
Micro French
A thin tip is so simple and chic. If you are worried about noticeable grow out, go for an opaque nude-coloured base.
Marble nude
A lil swirl adds intrigue to a nude-y tone. You can also try this with more of a chocolate nude for latte art vibes.
Grape jelly nails
If you want to veer away from nude colours but equally don't want anything too 'out there' may we introduce you to jelly nails, specifically in this grape purple hue.
Daisy nails
Spring wedding are made for whimsical floral vibes and these daisies are so cute and dainty – perfect for wedding vibes!
Polka dots
Polka dots are SO in for summer 2026, so why not add them to your mani for wedding season...?
Satin sparkle
From a far, this set looks like the satin of a bridesmaid dress or wedding gown but close up the sparkle is sublime and gives cute party vibes.
Oyster nails
Seaside wedding? How could you not consider these fun oyster nails by Cosmo's contributing nails expert Giorgia Cappella.
Milky ombre
Ombre nails are especially perfect for wedding nails. when they take the form of this milky pink hue.
French tip cat eye
Cat eye is other way to add a subtle zhuzh to a nude gel manicure. This design, with the cat eye effect on the nail tips only is so clever and leaves the rest of the mani to grow out in a gentle way.
Confetti nails
Weddings are ultimately a big old celebration and what screams celebration more than confetti. The pop of colour on top of a nude base gives a fun vs understated hybrid.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
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