Your hands will be in a lot of your wedding photos, especially the ring shots. Bridal nails don't need to be elaborate — they need to be planned. Here's the timeline we walk our brides through, working backwards from the wedding date.
3–6 months out: start growing (if you want your own length)
If you're dreaming of long natural nails, start now. Regular BIAB or gel appointments every 3 weeks build length and strength gradually, and any breakage habits (biting, picking) take time to break. If your nails have never grown, skip the stress — extensions will get you there on schedule. Decide early so there's no panic later.
4–6 weeks out: book your trial
- Test the shape (almond photographs elegantly and flatters most hands), the length (you still have to do up buttons), and the colour against your dress and bouquet.
- Bring photos — your tech would rather see three screenshots than guess at 'natural but a bit fancy.'
- Wear the trial for a full week. Comfort over three weeks matters more than day-one wow.
- Book the wedding-day appointment before you leave the trial. Wedding-season Saturdays fill early.
2–3 weeks out: finalize everything around the nails
Confirm timing for your bridal party if they're booking with you, finalize art (keep it fine and close to the cuticle — grown-out art looks untidy fastest), and schedule lash extensions if you're having them: a full set 4–5 days before the wedding, never the day before, so any sensitivity settles and the set looks its softest.
2–4 days out: your wedding set
This is the sweet spot — fresh enough to be flawless, with a day or two of buffer if anything needs adjusting. Go slightly shorter than your boldest instinct; you'll be hugging, dancing, and handling a dress. Pack a small kit for the day: cuticle oil, a fine file, and hand cream. Oil right before photos makes any manicure look salon-fresh.
For the bridal party and groom
Simple, matching gel manicures photograph beautifully and keep the morning calm. And yes — a clean-up manicure for the groom (trim, shape, buff, no polish unless requested) is a simple extra that photographs well. Hands holding hands are in every album.
Choosing nails for your dress, ring and photos
- Colour. Soft pink, milky white, nude or a fine French tip frame a ring beautifully and suit most dresses and bouquets. Bring a swatch or a photo of your dress to your trial.
- Shape. Almond and softly squared shapes photograph well and are easy to live with. Go a little shorter than your boldest idea.
- Base. BIAB for a natural look and strong nails, Gel-X for light length that soaks off after the honeymoon, or acrylic for the strongest hold.
- Art. A little goes a long way. A few fine details or a single accent nail look elegant and grow out neatly. See our nail art page.
Bridal services and starting prices
Swipe the table to see every column →
| Service | Time | Starting price |
|---|---|---|
| BIAB builder gel | About 60 min | From $65 |
| Gel-X extensions | About 105 min | From $85 |
| Acrylic extensions | About 90 min | From $85 |
| Classic Manicure | About 45 min | From $35 |
| Classic Pedicure | About 45 min | From $45 |
| Classic lashes | About 90–135 min | From $110 |
| Eyebrow threading | About 20 min | From $25 |
Starting prices. Art, extra length and removals can change the final price.
Booking for the bridal party
Groups of 5 or more get 10% off services, and the bride receives a complimentary drink with our Bridal Toast offer. Send us your date and group size on the events and groups page and we will confirm availability and timing. Ask each guest to bring a photo of the look she likes, and to tell us if she is wearing product from another salon so we can leave time for removals. Alcohol is served to guests 18 and over. Please enjoy responsibly.
A checklist for the week of the wedding
- Do not try new products or file your nails at home.
- Moisturize your hands every day, and keep up with cuticle oil.
- Book brow shaping a few days before, not on the day, so any redness settles.
- Pack your kit: cuticle oil, a fine file and hand cream.
- Bring your trial photos and your dress swatch to your appointment.
After the wedding
Heading on a honeymoon? Book a fill or infill when you get back, or a soak-off removal if you want a fresh start. A gift card makes a lovely thank-you for your bridal party.