Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Pedicures

The week before your wedding will likely be a mix of nerves and excitement. While checking off your last-minute to-dos, squeezing in a wedding pedicure is a great way to both unwind and ensure your feet are in tip-top shape for the big day. Browsing through some wedding nail ideas in the weeks leading up to your appointment is a great way to gather inspiration for your wedding nails. Whether you opt for gel, dip or regular polish, below we've created a guide with everything you need to know about wedding pedicures. From cost to timing and everything in between, we spoke to Georgia Rae, Sofia Richie-Grainge's go-to manicurist, and Lucinda Catino, a nail technician at Polished Boston, for their expert advice.

In this article:

• Do I Need a Wedding Pedicure?
• Types of Pedicures to Consider for Your Wedding
• How Much Does a Pedicure Cost?
• When Should You Get a Pedicure Before Your Wedding
• Wedding Pedicure Colors We Love
• Where to Book a Wedding Pedicure Near You

Do I Need a Wedding Pedicure?

While you don't need to do anything—after all, it is your day—it is recommended to get a pedicure before your wedding, especially if you're wearing open-toe wedding shoes. Beyond just making your nails and feet look good for the big day, a pedicure is a great way to unwind and relax leading up to the wedding. The wedding day will involve lots of standing and dancing, so treating your feet to a spa-like treatment is a much-needed refresh.

Types of Pedicures to Consider for Your Wedding

There are quite a few types of pedicures out there to consider for your wedding. Between the various polish types and the additional treatments you can add to your pedicure, the options are seemingly endless. Below, we've broken down some of the most popular pedicure types so you can choose which one is right for you.

Regular Polish

• A pedicure using regular polish typically involves a warm foot bath, trimming and shaping of the nails, a foot scrub and the application of regular nail polish.
• Regular polish pedicures last up to two weeks
• If opting for a regular pedicure, try to get it done one or two days before the wedding so it lasts throughout the weekend.
• This is typically the least expensive type of pedicure.

Gel Pedicure

• Similar to a regular pedicure, a gel pedicure will involve a warm foot bath, trimming and shaping of the nails, a foot scrub and application of gel nail polish, typically with a UV light to set them.
• Gel pedicures can last up to four weeks.
• Gel polish is more expensive than regular nail polish.

French Pedicure

• The only difference between a French pedicure and a regular pedicure is the style of the polish. A traditional French pedicure is done with nude polish on the toes with a white strip along the top, similar to a French manicure.
• There is usually an upcharge associated with a French pedicure.
• This style is considered timeless and is a popular choice for brides.

Dip Powder Pedicure

• A dip powder pedicure is applied, as the name suggests, by dipping your nails into a powder that is then coated in an activator to harden and add shine.
• Similar to a gel manicure, dip powder is much more durable than regular nail polish.
• Dip pedicures last up to four weeks.
• Dip pedicures are more expensive than regular nail polish.

Fish Pedicure

• Many people are curious about the fish pedicure, which involves dipping the feet in a bath of Garra rufa fish, that eat away at the dead skin on the feet.
• While effective at softening the feet, there are some health concerns over the safety of fish pedicures, so they are banned in many parts of the United States.

How Much Does a Pedicure Cost?

Pedicures range in price depending on a number of factors. Location and type of pedicure are the biggest driving forces when it comes to pedicure cost. On average, pedicures cost anywhere from $20 to upwards of $100. When planning your wedding budget factor in any last-minute beauty services such as pedicures. Below, we've outlined some general price ranges for the types of pedicures. Keep in mind that this can vary greatly depending on your location as well as the experience of the nail technician.

• Basic pedicure cost: $20–$50
• Gel pedicure cost: $40–$80
• French tip pedicure cost: $45–$60
• Dip pedicure cost: $50–$60
• Fish pedicure cost: $45–$100

How Much Does a Manicure and Pedicure Cost Together?

When getting your prewedding pedicure, you'll likely also want to get a wedding manicure. Again, depending on your location and the type of manicure or pedicure you get largely affects the price. On average, you can expect to spend a minimum of $50 for a manicure and pedicure, but it will more likely cost you close to $100. You can always call your salon in advance or look up their prices to understand what to expect to pay before going in. Remember, this does not include the tip amount on top of the manicure and pedicure cost, which is typically 15% to 20% of the service cost.

When Should You Get a Pedicure Before Your Wedding

You should call your salon to secure a pedicure appointment a few weeks before the wedding. For a regular nail polish pedicure, we recommend going one or two days before the wedding to ensure your nails are fresh and don't chip. For gel or dip pedicures, go to the salon no sooner than one week before the wedding. Keep in mind that sometimes the nail polish color may look different on your nails than it does in the bottle, so it could be helpful to book a trial manicure or pedicure in advance to ensure you are happy with the color.

Wedding Pedicure Colors We Love

As the to-be-wed, the choice is yours when it comes to choosing your wedding nail colors. Whether you go the traditional route or opt for a unique pop of color, you get to choose what wedding pedicure colors make you feel your best. Below, we share a few of our favorite colors for wedding pedicures including nail polish you can shop now.

Pink

Soft shades of light pink and brighter magenta pink make for the perfect wedding day pedicure color. The feminine shade is a classic choice for nails and can be done in either whisper-soft shades or more vibrant hues, depending on your style. This is an especially fitting choice if your bouquet features any pink blooms.

• Baby Pink: OPI Nail Lacquer in Bubble Bath
• Subtle Pink Glow: The Manicurist Active Glow Raspberry
• Bold Magenta: Olive and June Gel Polish in Prom
• Barbie Pink: Londontown Nail Lakur in Berry Punch
• Whisper Pink: Essie Nail Polish in Ballet Slippers

Ivory/White

Ivory or white nails are always a good idea for a wedding pedicure color. Especially if your wedding dress style leans more classic, we love an ivory pedicure for brides. You can opt for either matte, satin finish or a sparkly polish depending on your style.

• Bright White: Olive and June Long Lasting Polish in HD
• Natural White: Boy de Chanel Nail Colour in Natural
• Creamy White: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Color Nail Polish in Amazing Grace
• Subtle Shimmer: Essie Nail Art Studio Special Effects Nail Polish in Separated Starlight
• Pearly Whites: Nails.Inc What the Shell? Pearl Effect Nail Polish

Red

Fiery red nails are a classic choice for a wedding day pedicure. The timeless shade looks good on a variety of skin tones depending on the shade you pick. From bright crimson to moody oxblood, there's a shade of red for everyone.

• Fire Engine Red: OPI Nail Lacquer in Cajun Shrimp
• Oxblood: Essie Nail Polish in Berry Naughty
• Deep Burgundy: The Manicurist Green Natural Nail Polish in Dark Pansy
• Candy Apple Red: Dior Vernis Nail Polish in 999 Rouge
• Scarlet: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color in That's A-Blazing

Blue

Looking for a subtle way to incorporate something blue into your wedding day look? A wash of blue nail polish on your pedicure is the perfect way to rock the traditional shade. Whether you choose soft baby blue or midnight blue, the options are endless! Pro tip: match your blue pedicure to your flowers if you happen to feature blue in your bouquets.

• Shimmering Aqua: OPI Nail Lacquer in Sage Simulation
• Hydrangea Blue: Olive and June Long Lasting Polish in Honest & True
• True Blue: Essie Nail Polish in Ripple Reflect
• Blue Jeans: Dior Vernis Nail Polish in 796 Denim
• Baby Blues: Essie Nail Polish in Find Me an Oasis

Where to Book a Wedding Pedicure Near You

The Knot Vendor Marketplace is a great resource to help you find top nail salons in your area, including mobile services that will come to you on the day of your wedding! Simply select your location and filter by beauty services or nails to read reviews for top-rated nail professionals in your area.