Here’s the thing about nude nails — it’s a wedding manicure classic.

The romantic allure of a new bride’s hand, adorned with radiant rings symbolic of forever, is irresistible in the eyes of enamoured wedding attendees. Through pampering and preparation, an elegantly manicured set of nuptial nails must be presented, too.

Though nude polish is tried-and-true for blushing brides, its neutral canvas leaves room for elevation.

Earlier this month, aristo-couple Nicola Peltz and Brooklyn Beckham tied the knot in a dreamlike Palm Beach wedding. Days later, celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik revealed the custom 90s supermodel mani he created for the bombshell bride on Instagram. Beneath her French lace opera gloves, the American mani (a take on the classic French manicure with a now nude tip and neutral base) shone through, setting the trend for the new wedding season.

Majesty’s Pleasure (the uber Instagram worthy Toronto nail salon) may serve up cutesy cocktails fresh out of a Sex and The City scene, but when visiting brides-to-be request a ‘Grace Cocktail’ — its not alcohol they’re after. It’s the manicure.

Courtesy of nail technician Grace Kim, the ‘Grace Cocktail’ is a trendy custom concoction of dreamy nudes and pinks shellac polishes.

It’s been six years since Kim came to Canada to pursue her manicurist passions after training professionally in Korea. Upon her arrival, she brought along a few of her favourite Korean polishes — one of which being a neutral shade she wore daily. “Clean and classic,” she says. With an influx of clients requesting the same Korean exclusive lacquer worn on her own nails, she began experimenting with the shellac polishes carried at the salon to formulate a new colour here in Canada.

“I found the perfect shades from two different brands and then tried mixing, building layers, and figuring out which one to put on top or on the bottom, and then I made my own recipe,” says Kim.

Behold, the ‘Grace Cocktail’.

Appropriately named by her own clients, this custom blend of subdued nudes has become a bridal mani staple at Majesty’s Pleasure, and Kim has developed a deep love for working with brides to create manicured magic for their big day.

In September, Kim was the manicurist behind Canadian influencer Nitsan Raiter’s timeless wedding nails — using her signature blend of course.

“I’m always really happy to create something classic and dainty for my clients for one of the happiest moments in their life,” says Kim. “After that, they send me their wedding nail photos with my colour on and that’s very special to me too.”

This universally gorgeous milky mani shade lends itself perfectly to any soon-to-be-bride, as it goes with virtually any wedding gown, says Kim. Its barely-there base suits a multitude of designs, add-ons and accents sure to amplify any nude nail for that extra elegance on your wedding day.

With all the bridal buzz surrounding the Peltz Beckham newlyweds, Bridgerton, and Bennifer, consider this year wedding season well underway. If you’re looking to create a next level nude bridal mani this year, scroll on for inspiration.

FEELING EUPHORIC

Euphoria fans, this one’s for you. If you want to extend your wedding ring bling down to your fingertips, give eye-catching gems and jewels a try. “Based with a neutral nail, adding tiny gems on top will look super cute and dainty,” says Kim.

ONLY OMBRE

 

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If you can’t decide between pink or white, then why not do both? This colour combo is Kim’s personal recommendation for a wedding day ombre. This gradient style will give you a gorgeous nude fusion and the best of both worlds — for the indecisive bride.

A SIGNATURE STAMP

Up the ante with your accent nail by adding a meaningful and personal touch. “For this look, the bride got her husband’s initial on her ring finger,” Kim, who hand drew each letter, tells me. “And on the other hand she had her initial.”  Simple, yet special.

THE MORE, THE MINIMAL

Drawing inspo from Nicola Peltz and an overall popular trend, reinvent the classic French mani with this minimal makeover. “I recommend an oval or almond shaped nail to elongate the hand, and keep the tip thin with a deep smile line,” says Kim.

BRIDE IN BLOOM

A perfect match for any bridal bouquet, fanciful floral designs could be the way to go. “Not only does it work for weddings, but it’ll also look good all spring,” says Kim. Taking it a step further, she also tells ELLE Canada that this design pairs well with a trendy coloured French tip (if you’re considering brightening things up). What’s the saying? Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue…

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