9 mins
Here comes the bride
CALLIE ILEY unveils consultation insights & trending nail designs to help clients find the perfect match for their big day
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wedding is one of the most important events of a person’s life, with many couples dedicating months or even years to planning their perfect day. Hair, make-up, the dress, venue and décor are all important factors to consider, but who wants to show off their wedding ring with unmanicured nails?
The classic French and elegant ombré are timeless looks for bridal clients, but 2024 presents twists on traditional designs as brides experiment with colour, shape and nail artistry to reflect elements of their big day. Expect requests for super skinny French tips, chrome finishes and glitter: on-trend styles that elevate classic looks.
Some brides-to-be may also explore avant-garde designs for wedding looks; perhaps seeking to replicate jewellery, their flowers or the material of their dress. Glittering gemstones and nature-inspired details will elevate many 2024 bridal designs, with blossoming floral and foliage artistry and romantic rose quartz looks for those seeking some sparkle.
Alyssa Fronce
“Bridal manicures aren’t one-size-fits-all, and that’s the fun part,” smiles Alyssa Fronce of Alyssa Nail Tech, Syracuse. “You get to meet so many wonderful and diverse clients in your role as a nail tech, and each of my bridal clients has a different idea of what their dream wedding and nails should look like. It’s exciting to be part of the decision-making process.”
“Brides want to feel pampered and special in the run-up to their wedding day, and a nail appointment is part of the overall experience,” shares Tracy Walford of Nails By Tracy, Surrey. “It’s important that you offer a clean and friendly environment in which bridal clients can relax, spill the details of their wedding preparations and sink into the excitement, while you create their perfect set of wedding nails.”
Tracy Walford
A delicate ombré nail style by Alyssa Fronce.
Featured images courtesy of: Photographer: Graham Lacdao
@glacdao
Nails: Sophie Donaldson
@sophiescosycorner
Model: Julie Impens
@julieimpens
Hair: Nicola Marshall
@bespokebridal_hairbynicola
Make up: Beverley K
@makeupologybrides
Client consultations
Before a client says ‘I do’ to their nail design, it’s important to hold an in-depth consultation several months before the wedding nail appointment to help establish the client’s expectations. This also ensures that you book the required time for the appointment and can nurture the client’s hands and nails in the run-up to their wedding; ready for the all-important photos.
Kayleigh Watkins
“I start bridal nail preparation a few months ahead of time, beginning with a thorough consultation,” shares Magpie Beauty brand partner, Kayleigh Watkins of Nails With Kails, Andover. “Asking the right questions will help establish if you need to make any adjustments to standard nail services, such as using a stronger base layer or a stain-resistant top coat.
“A set of bridal nails goes beyond the day itself. Brides love to show off their new ring with a set of nails that won’t falter. I suggest regular maintenance of nails for around six months before the day to allow time for adequate nailcare. This also ensures time for multiple trial sets, allowing for any tweaks or changes,” Kayleigh continues. After all, it’s rare to find the dress at the first try-on, so why would a nail style be any different?
Aimie Gifford-Cox
Katie Turner
Claire Howard
“I like to establish early on if the bride would prefer a plain look or the addition of nail art,” notes Aimie Gifford-Cox of AG.Nail.Lab, Rotherham. “I guide them through options for shape and length and suggest colours or styles that I think will suit their style and skin tone.”
“Following a thorough consultation, I create some initial designs on swatch sticks,” adds Glitterbels ambassador, Katie Turner of Radiant Nails, Sidmouth. “At the next appointment, I show the bride these designs and we then finalise the shades and look. This means I can ensure I have the required products ahead of the appointment.”
“Make sure your brides are aware of all the services you offer,” says Lecenté creator, Claire Howard. “Ask your bride about her day. Is she to wear open-toe shoes? If so, she may require a pedicure. Asking questions will remind your client of the services that may be needed, and that you can offer, for the big day.”
Finding bridal nail inspo
Many brides will seek a custom nail look that reflects an element of their wedding. Inspiration can present itself via the bridal party’s outfits and accessories, or in the theme or location.
“One of my bridal clients requested an alternative nail style for her big day,” shares Tracy Walford. “She loved dark shades, and her wedding featured the colour grey, so I used it as a base hue before adding an intricate white design to the ring fingernails. I finished the look with pearls and silver beads, and she loved the result.”
“Many of my bridal clients choose a nail design based around their dress or the season,” says Alyssa Fronce. “Often, they bring a picture of their dress or flowers as inspiration, and I coordinate the design, colours and theme of their wedding into the nail look.”
TREND SPOT: Florals & foliage
Embrace nail art with a touch of nature, adorning floral and foliage details over soft nude bases. Take inspiration from the wedding bouquet or venue surroundings to perfect the look.
“This nail design was inspired by my client’s wedding theme and bouquet,” shares Kayleigh Watkins. “The colour scheme was sage green, with eucalyptus and baby’s breath, which we incorporated into the design. We trialled a solid painted eucalyptus nail style, but my client and I felt it was too harsh, so opted for watercolours to create a softer nail finish.”
Light Elegance ButterCream in Love Bug
£17.95 + VAT www.lightelegance.co.uk
“This nail style was for a bride who wanted floral nail art,” explains Aimie Gifford-Cox. “We decided on this design as we thought it looked simple yet effective. It matched her wedding dress and the addition of gems gave the flowers dimension and sparkle.”
HD Pro Nails Design It! Colour Gel in Pastel Green
£12.49 + VAT www.hazeldixonnails.com
Jessica Phenom -Nail Polish in Enchanted Ivy
£7.50 + VAT/RRP £14.50 www.gerrardinternational.com
Halo Hema-free EasiBuild in French Fancy
£8.75 + VAT www.purenails.co.uk
This French finish by @amournailsbyair is elevated by hand-painted leaf details.
The GelBottle Inc Studio Effects Gold Metallic Leaf
£9 + VAT www.thegelbottle.com
How to market bridal nail treatments
“Instagram is the social media platform I use most to showcase my work,” shares Karuna Bilimoria Halai of Karuna Bilimoria Henna & Nails, London. “It’s important to share your portfolio of work, so that clients can gain inspiration prior to their nail appointment. Instagram is the most accessible platform to them.”
Karuna Bilimoria Halai
Alyssa Fronce agrees that Instagram is effective in attracting clientele. “By using hashtags on wedding nail designs, such as my local area and wedding-related terms, I’ve gained so many bridal clients,” she reveals. “Social media is a free way to advertise your services, so encourage brides to post their wedding nails on their feeds and tag your page. In doing this, future brides and their friends may see the recommendation and consider booking an appointment with you.”
“Offer wedding packages, such as group discounts for bridal parties,” suggests Katie Turner. “This can incentivise brides who seek to save money, and means they’ll enjoy a special experience with their loved ones in the run-up to their wedding.” Don’t neglect services for grooms; promote the importance of a manicure, as the hands and rings will likely be photographed, and market bridal pedis within a nail treatment package.
Paiwa Drew of Sussex business, Paiwa Loves, adds a cool chrome finish to this bridal pedicure.
“Building relationships with clients is the best marketing strategy,” recommends Tracy Walford. “Clients may know a family member, friend or acquaintance who seeks nail services for a wedding. Word of mouth is a powerful tool.”
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Chantelle Johnson, co-founder of the Clawgasmic nail art community, called on Paiwa Drew of Paiwa Loves, East Sussex, to create the nail look for her wedding day.
Paiwa Drew
Chantelle Johnson
“I’ve worked with a number of brides, each with different nail preferences,” Paiwa shares. “Chantelle has become a good friend over the years, and has always championed my style of nail art. She’s widely loved and hugely inspiring, so when she asked me to create her wedding nails, I was honoured.
“Chantelle’s personal style is timeless and feminine, so her bridal nails incorporated elegance and simplicity. She was inspired by some floral designs I had created, and I applied a sheer milky base to suit her skin tone, before adding pearly white details and glimmering gold leaf.”
“Deciding on a nail technician for my wedding was easy,” shares Chantelle. “I’ve always admired Paiwa. She’s a phenomenal nail artist, a lovely person and good friend. She creates detailed, intricate designs that are so elegant. I was over the moon when she agreed to do my nails for my wedding day.
“I gave Paiwa a sneak peek of my dress so that she could see the style. I knew I wanted a nail design with a milky base, and a signature Paiwa design. The wedding theme was black and white, and we decided on white petals and gold foil to match my gold jewellery,” Chantelle reveals. “I’m so grateful to Paiwa for creating my dream wedding nails.”
Photography by Paige Mary @paigemaryphotography.makeup
SHAPE SPOTLIGHT
“My bridal clients favour short, squoval, oval and almond nail shapes.”
@_gelsbyjodie_ adds white floral details and gold foil atop a nude base for an elegant nail finish.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Henna by Karuna Billimoria Halai.
Henna
Bridal henna, also known as Mehndi, is a cultural tradition among some brides, representing blessings for the bride-to-be. The intricate designs across the hands and feet are a focal point, so a nail service to complement is an easy sell to complete the look.
London’s Karuna Billimoria Halai works with her team to offer henna to bridal parties, and prides herself on creating bespoke designs for clients. “I love designing patterns for brides so they have unique henna for their weddings,” she explains. “Before I begin the process, I ask each bride about their likes and dislikes in terms of patterns, and request to hear their love story and whether they have a theme for their wedding. Often, brides want to incorporate elements that represent something to them, their partner or family.”
Initial nail art
Creating a truly bespoke look for a wedding can be as simple as adding the initials of the couple to the nails, or the date of the wedding. “When friends of mine got married, I painted their initials onto their nails, and some of the other guests and I decided to surprise them by also wearing their initials and wedding date on nails,” remembers Aimie Gifford-Cox. “I opted for an old English font as it’s my favourite style to create.”
Something blue
Some brides like to incorporate ‘something blue’ into their wedding mani: a symbol of good luck. There are various ways to add blue to a nail style: in a subtle way, with crystals and swirls, or as an alternative French or all-over hue.
Tracy Walford created a subtle ombré style on fingertips for a bridal client, featuring a soft blue hue. The same client chose to wear a bold blue, sparkly shade on toenails. Tracy shares: “My client loved the simplicity of the manicure, and I added delicate opal flakes feathered up from the free edge on the ring finger. We finished with some blue rhinestones that had a hint of blue shimmer to complement the bride’s bold blue pedicure.”