Summer is the time for bold vibrant colour, so don’t be afraid to look beyond the classic French manicure for your wedding day. Here are our 11 favourite shades for every kind of summer bride:
Classic with a twist
Nudes are a bridal staple and there is a shade for every skin tone. If you are fair-skinned, choose a peachy nude to help create a summer glow. We love Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Arm Candy (R89.95 at selected Clicks and Edgars stores nationwide.)
Darker skin tones should choose a pale pink nude to create a rosy, radiant look. Our favourite is Essie Nail Polish in Ballet Slippers (R 119.00 at selected salons and retailers).
A deep red polish rather than a true pillar box red brings out the richness of all skin tones and contrasts beautifully against a white dress. Our favourite is Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Red Zin (R 89.95 at selected Clicks and Edgars stores).
Understated elegance
Powder blue is sophisticated and quirky without being in-your-face. Our favourite shade is Essie Nail Polish in Rock the Boat (R 119.00 at selected salons and retailers), a powder blue with a hint of magical silver glitter.
Grey is a quietly dramatic and versatile shade. We love Essie Nail Varnish in Chinchilly (R 119.00 at selected salons and retailers). The dove grey polish works with every skin tone, with darker skins picking up the lavender undertones and fair skins looking creamy and radiant.
Boho chic
Ensure all eyes are on you during your big day with unconventional yet sophisticated metallic nails. Our favourite is Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Pedal to the Metal (R89.95 at selected Clicks and Edgars stores nationwide), a metallic lilac grey.
Teal is a laid back but vibrant option for a wedding mani. Our favourite is Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy in Dealer’s Choice (R110 at selected Clicks stores and leading retailers nationwide), as it contains tiny silver glitter particles to add texture.
Edgy glamour
Black nail polish isn’t only for goths and is as versatile as the LBD. Choose a textured polish rather than a flat black for added drama. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Midnight in NY (R89.95 at selected Clicks and Edgars stores) contains bronze glitter to bring out your natural glow.
Who says glitter has to be tacky? Wet n wild Mega Rocks in Waiting For My Solo (R 59.95 at selected Clicks)is the perfect glitter polish for a summer wedding. The large, off-gold glitter particles will perfectly mirror your tan.
Bright and bold
A warm fuchsia is perfect for a Summer weddingas it will add to your bridal glow. We love L’Oreal Infallible Nail Colour in Fuschia for Life (R99.95 at selected Clicks and major retailers nationwide), as it comes with a tinted top coat to keep the colour is as vibrant as possible.
Make a splash with cobalt blue nails on your wedding day. We love this slightly shimmery shade from Wet n Wild Fastdry called Saved By the Blue (R23.95 at selected Clicks).
By Shannon Holcroft
BB beauties, which of these colours would you wear on your special day?