From the makeup to the hair, the lipstick to the perfume, a bride’s wedding day beauty is marked by a million little details, with not one more important than the other. In recent years, however, brides have put more emphasis on their nails, intentionally selecting hues, designs and shapes that not only complement their desired aesthetic but speak to their one-of-a-kind relationship.

“What excites me most is that brides use their nails as a way to tell their story,” celebrity manicurist Alexandra Jachno told WWD. “Whether it’s a finish that reflects their style, a detail that ties into their wedding theme, or just choosing healthier, longer-lasting products, nails have become another meaningful part of the day.”

According to Jachno, 2025 brides were influenced by the all-natural, “clean-girl” movement, first popularized toward the tail-end of 2020. More specifically, they were drawn to subtle yet modern aesthetics with timeless undertones. “Soft blushes, milky nudes and those sheer, glazed finishes were huge because they photograph beautifully and don’t compete with the ring,” she explained. Wearable shapes such as almond, square and squoval made it big, too, as the classic French tip simultaneously staged a comeback.

This avidness for natural, organic beauty isn’t going anywhere in 2026, Jachno said. In fact, the trend will prosper under a new nickname, the “no-mani, mani,” a made-to-look bare aesthetic. “Brides will still be reaching for the classics like sheer nudes and pale blushes, but we’ll also see sheer translucent washes of color that enhance rather than cover the nail,” she explained. Manicurist Sylvie Macmillan pioneered the sheer-translucent aesthetic in Phoebe Philo’s Collection C campaign, modeled by Mati Diop, painting see-through neutrals and earthy tones on elongated square-tip extensions.

Almond and square nails will continue as the main shapes at hand, only this time they’ll be softer, painted in vibrant red hues and muted tones such as sage green, terracotta and mauves with a jelly-like finish. For a personal touch, both Jachno and award-winning artist Annabel Maginnis agree, chrome and pearl will be the embellishments of choice. On Pinterest, a simple search for “wedding nail accents” will generate pictures of milky French tips dotted with tiny pearls and crystals and brimmed with white lace.

Jachno warned 2026 brides to stay away from “sharp square nails” as they’re not practical. Meanwhile, Maginnis suggested women keep their nails on the shorter side. More importantly, each bride should prep their nail beds properly just as they would their skin and hair. “To make sure their nails are healthy, the right length that they desire and ready for up-close pics, they should use ePhD bonding treatment. It helps strengthen and grow your nails and will help your manicure to look flawless. The last thing you want is a broken nail when your ready for your gorgeous ring photos,” Jachno explained.

For the non-brides, there’s a lot to look forward to as the temperature drops. Darker, moodier bases comprised of midnight blue and red wine hues will give way to a burgeoning gothic 1990s beauty revival making its way through the wider beauty community now, while tortoise tips and polka dots add a touch of playfulness to an otherwise dulled aesthetic.