Your hands will show up in more wedding photos than almost any other detail. The ring shot, the bouquet, signing the license, the first dance, the champagne toast. Marisol has done nails for more than 600 Austin weddings, and she has a simple timeline that takes the guesswork out of it.
3 months out: decide on your look
Start a board of nail inspiration alongside your dress, florals and jewelry. Pay attention to ring metal, because it changes which shades look best. Warm gold loves peachy nudes and creamy whites. Platinum and white gold pair beautifully with sheer pinks and soft milky shades.
- Save 5 to 10 inspiration photos
- Note your ring metal and stone
- Decide whether you want length or natural nails
- Book your trial and final appointment dates
Spring and fall Saturdays book up fast in Austin. Reserve your final appointment and any bridal party tables two to three months ahead.
4 to 6 weeks out: book your trial
A nail trial is a 30 minute appointment where we test shape, length and shade. It is especially important if you are trying extensions for the first time, since it lets you learn how long nails feel when you are buttoning, typing or holding a bouquet.
Take photos of your trial in daylight, indoor warm light and with flash. Some shades look completely different in reception lighting. At Velour, the cost of your trial is credited toward your final bridal set.
2 weeks out: prep your hands
Start using cuticle oil every night if you are not already. Skip at-home cuticle cutting, which can leave ragged skin right before your photos. If you get a spray tan, schedule it before your nails so the tan does not stain fresh polish or your cuticles.
1 to 3 days before: your final set
Book your final appointment one to three days before the wedding. Gel and Gel-X look their freshest in the first few days, with no visible regrowth at the cuticle. Avoid the morning of the wedding if you can, since timelines slip and hair and makeup often run long.
- Gel manicure: 1 to 3 days before
- Gel-X extensions: 2 to 3 days before
- Pedicure: 2 to 4 days before
- Brow shaping: 3 to 5 days before to let any redness fade
Coordinating the bridal party
You do not need everyone to match. Many of our brides choose one color family and let each bridesmaid pick a shade within it, or keep the party in a soft neutral while the maid of honor gets a single accent nail. For groups of four or more, we reserve our front tables and serve mimosas and snacks.
The day of: a tiny touch-up kit
Put a cuticle oil pen, a glass nail file and a travel top coat in your getting-ready bag. A quick swipe of oil right before the ring shot makes cuticles glow in close-up photos. If a nail chips, a clear top coat over the area hides it on camera.
Congratulations. We cannot wait to see your ring shot.
This article is general information from a demo website, not medical advice. See a doctor or podiatrist about nail or skin conditions.
