40 Short Nail Styles to Inspire Your Wedding Day Look

Sometimes less is more.

Bride and bridesmaids with short wedding nails

Photo: juliachernetskaja / Shutterstock

Updated Jan 08, 2024

Deciding on your wedding day nails can be an overwhelming process. There are so many styles and colors out there that it can be difficult to know where to start. If you're planning on rocking short wedding nails on your big day, you've come to the right place. We've scoured the internet far and wide for the best of the best when it comes to short wedding nail designs. Bring these photos to the nail salon as inspiration or spend an afternoon practicing DIY nail art. Whether your vibe is classic and minimal or bold and colorful, there's a wedding nail out there to fit every bride's style. Pour yourself some bubbly and scroll through our picks for the best wedding day manicures.

The Top Wedding Nails Per Pinterest

Natural Nude

Natural nude polish is a sleek, clean look if you're opting for short classy wedding nails. Add a pearlescent finish for some slight sheen.

The Top Wedding Nails Per Pinterest

Go For the Gold

A gold french manicure is a glamorous choice for wedding nails. It's especially fitting if you wear a gold engagement ring!

Instant Iridescent Mani

Would you believe that this gorgeous iridescent mani is actually a set of press on nails? Static Nails are the perfect easy, yet glamorous, choice for your wedding day manicure.

Barbie Pink

Vibrant Barbie pink was a top color for 2023, and it's safe to say it's not going anywhere for 2024. A punchy pink polish is the pop of color for your wedding nails.

Something Blue

Light blue short wedding nails inspiration

You can't go wrong with a blue manicure for your wedding day to stand in as your something blue. This one is done in a natural, round shape, making it comfortable and stylish.

Tortoise Shell

Stray from the typical bridal colors and opt for a trendy tortoiseshell manicure for your big day. This nail art is especially fitting for a summer wedding.

Out of this World

Silver girls, this one's for you! This star studded (literally) manicure features silver swirls, celestial artwork, and pearl details.

Pink Shimmer

There's no such thing as too much sparkle. This shimmery bubblegum pink manicure is a Barbiecore dream. We can totally picture Margot Robbie rocking these nails on the big screen.

Mixed Metals

Metallic silver and gold french tip short wedding nails idea

This stunning mixed metallic French manicure is perfect for brides rocking a mixed metal engagement ring. The varied metal tones go perfectly with any jewelry.

Barely There

Brides looking for a simple, clean wedding day manicure can opt for this sheer gel manicure. It has just a touch of pearly sheen for a natural, elegant touch.

Citrus Cutie

Citrus orange short summer wedding nail inspiration

I'll refrain from an "orange you glad" pun. This sweet, citrus nail art manicure is a kitschy pick for wedding nails.

Neutral Nudes

Neutral nude tones are a welcome update to your traditional French manicure. Plus, the almond-shaped nails are a flattering, elongating shape.

Nude Sparkle

Jazz up your neutral nude manicure with a touch of sparkle. This short manicure features a dusting of sparkle along the nail bed for just enough added glamor.

Simple Press Ons

Nude white hearts short wedding nail inspiration

Glamnetic press on nails are an easy, effortless option for the bride who wants to keep it lowkey. This neutral style is adorned with mini white hearts, making it perfect for celebrating love on your big day!

Pink Sparkle

A nail art sparkle shape is a fun twist on this pink gel manicure. Finish it off with a tiny rhinestone placed in the middle of the nails.

Colorful Nail Art

Venture outside the box with this colorful nail art for your wedding. You can pick whichever colors fit your wedding color scheme for a look that's perfectly tailored to you.

Wild Side

Take a walk on the wild side with this metallic zebra print manicure. Swap out the zebra for cheetah or giraffe print for a menagerie of wedding day nail looks.

Alternating Colors

A simple manicure with alternating colors is an easy way to inject some color into your wedding day glam. The color combinations are endless!

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French Tortoise

A trendy tortoiseshell design is an easy way to spice up your wedding day french manicure. Pair it with a matching tortoise printed clutch or earrings for a fashion forward bridal style.

Ombre Tips

An ombre range of different colors is a simple, but striking manicure choice. Pick a color scheme that matches your bridesmaid dress colors for a perfectly coordinated bridal party.

Sheer Lilac

Stay in that lavender haze a la Taylor Swift with this shimmery lilac hued manicure. The sheer polish gives a watercolor effect.

Groovy Baby

Channel groovy '70's inspired style with this colorful short manicure. This nail design is perfect for anyone throwing a '70's inspired wedding.

Pastel Polish

Pastel hued nails are a surefire winner for a spring wedding. Whether you opt for lavender, mint green, or pastel yellow, there are endless options for pastel nail colors.

Neon French

A square french manicure is a fresh take on a classic. This one also features a neon pink and orange color scheme, perfect for anyone looking for a unique wedding manicure.

Metallic Hearts

A romantic heart design is a sweet wedding day manicure. Shiny silver is a welcome update to your typical red and pink hearts.

Baby Pink

Baby pink digits are a simple, elegant choice for wedding day nails. These press ons from Static Nails make it an easy, quick process.

Simple Shine

A high shine topcoat over a neutral nail polish is the perfect simple wedding manicure. This square shape adds a modern edge to a classic.

Think Pink

This short, square manicure is perfect for the girly girl bride. Half the nail is painted in a pale pink with a thin gold band.

Tutti Frutti

Starwberries and lemons short wedding nails

A kitschy fruit nail art design is a fun choice for a summer wedding. Opt for lemons, cherries, strawberries, etc. for a colorful wedding manicure.

Toasted Almond

Short almond shaped nails are a glamorous wedding day nail shape. This one features gel extensions for just enough added length and shape.

Milky White

This square shaped milky white manicure is a bridal dream. Recreate the look for yourself with Luxapolish "Third Times a Charm".

French Kiss

Soft, baby pink is a sweet twist on a french manicure. Wearing a blush toned wedding dress? This manicure is the perfect shade to match!

Mellow Yellow

Bright yellow is a fresh color for your wedding day nails. It's the perfect nail color choice if you have sunflowers, marigolds, or daffodils in your bouquet.

Rainbow Nails

Snag this Glamnetic press on set in "Vibin'" for a colorful twist on a french manicure. The best part? It's under $20 and is vegan and cruelty free.

Lava Girl

These pink hued nails are reminiscent of Lava Girl — in the best wya! The groovy pink tips add just enough color to this simple mani.

Squared Away

Chrome french metallic short wedding nails

Sleek, square nails are always in style. This modern twist on the french manicure is sure to be an instant classic.

Heart Eyes

You can't go wrong with romantic pink heart nail art for your bridal nails. Olive & June suggests using their shade "Strawberry Scone" for a milky pink color.

French Mani

A french manicure is a no brainer when it comes to simple wedding nails. This one features a sleek, square shape.

Hot Pink

Hot pink is a perfect bold nail color for the statement making bride. This polish from Dazzle Dry dries in just five minutes, so you can do your own nails with ease.

Mermaid Nails

These sparkly chrome nails are giving all of the mermaid vibes. This manicure is the perfect choice for a simple wedding day manicure that still makes a statement.