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Trendy nail designs come and go, but there will always be the classic nail colours that are forever favourites, and for good reason! Today we've compiled 17 of the most iconic wedding nail polish shades for the perfect bridal manicure. These beloved shades work for every bridal occasion from the engagement party, to the big day. From pretty pinks and sheer nudes, to bright reds and 'something blue', these are the tried-and-tested (by real brides!) shades that never go out of style.
1. Ballet Slippers by Essie
€9.99 at Boots
Over the last 40 years, this barely-there pale pink polish has remained a favourite of celebrities, royals (Queen Elizabeth and Megan Markle are rumoured to be fans), and Essie's mammoth loyal customer base. It's a feminine, soft pink shade that looks good on everyone and works for every bridal occasion from the bridal shower to the big day.
2. 999 Rouge by Christian Dior
€26.50 at Boots
999 Rouge became Dior’s iconic red hue in 1953, after Christian Dior set out to find the perfect red to compliment his designs. It's the perfect true red if you're looking for a long-wearing vintage chic manicure á la Marilyn Monroe.
3. Samoan Sand by OPI
€24.99 at Boots
A subtle, neutral-hued polish, OPI's Samoan Sand is one of the most universal nude shades on the market, flattering most skin tones from fair to dark. It's perfect if you're thinking of a sophisticated beige look for the big day.
4. Mademoiselle by Essie
€9.99 at Boots
Mademoiselle by Essie is classic blush pink which is also hugely popular among brides. The award-winning shade has a sheer pink tone with a lovely natural finish, making it perfect for the bride who is looking for a more subtle, pink wedding day nail look, or the perfect pink base for a French manicure.
5. Alpine Snow by OPI
€12.08 at Jules Hair & Beauty Supplies
Universally flattering on all skin tones, seasonally appropriate year-round, and equally pretty on nails of any length and shape, it's no wonder that Alpine Snow by OPI is one of the brand's most beloved shades. The shade is also OPI's renowned 'whitest white', perfect for a crisp, clean French tip bridal manicure.
6. Allure by Essie
€9.99 at Boots
Not too dissimilar to Ballet Slippers by Essie, the brand's popular blush-tinted Allure shade lands them another spot on the list. The shade, which already had a tradition of being a bridal favourite, also got a royal bride seal of approval after the Duchess of Cambridge chose it for her wedding day.
7. 504 Organdi by Chanel
€25.08 at Feel Unique
When you want a Pinterest-worthy nude manicure for fair to medium skin tones, 504 Organdi by Chanel is the best nail polish to give you a totally chic nail look. It's perfect for wearing alone due to its gorgeous, sheer finish and long-lasting formula or, as a base for a bridal French mani.
8. Big Apple Red by OPI
€16.10 at Boots
Is OPI's Big Apple Red the most iconic red nail polish of all time? We think so! The signature, award-winning red shade remains a firm fixture on OPI’s list of best-sellers even 19 years after it first launched, according to the brand. It's the perfect red, with such a true and highly-pigmented red shade, you can't help but feel like 1950s starlet when you wear it!
€11.99 at Boots
Sally Hansen's Color Therapy nail polish in shade 200 Powder Room is a fun play on the classic nude shade. This medium pinky-beige is elevated with a silver pearl undertone, making it perfect for bridal nails. Not only is it a gorgeous, shimmery shade for the big day, it's beloved as a polish that cares while you wear! The patented Argan oil formula fuses intensive nourishment and instant moisture for health-looking nails. It also boasts up to 10 days of fade-proof, chip-resistant wear, perfect for rocking through all the wedding festivities!
10. Rouge Noir by Chanel
€25 at Chanel counters nationwide
Ever since its debut at Paris Fashion Week in 1994, Chanel's Rouge Noir has been flying off the shelves. A vampy, black cherry shade, it's Chanel's best-selling product of all time and a perfect choice for alternative and boho brides.
11. Bubble Bath by OPI
€15.95 at Look Fantastic
More than 5 million bottles of OPI's nail lacquer in the shade Bubble Bath have been sold since its debut in 2001! This iconic shade is the perfect choice for a clean, barely-there bridal nail look.
12. 505 Particulière by Chanel
€25.31 at Sweet Care
A rich caramel shade, Particulière by Chanel serves as a gorgeously glossy, high-end nude for dark skin tones.
13. Salt Water Happy by Essie
€9.99 at Boots
For brides looking for the perfect 'something blue' nail polish shade, Salt Water Happy by Essie is a safe bet. It's a popular powder blue shade with a soft creamy finish that's both sweet and romantic.
14. Dulce de Leche by OPI
€14.49 at Boots
OPI's popular Dulce de Leche is a creamy nude shade which compliments fair to medium skin tones exceptionally well. It's an elegant nude nail choice for a wedding at any time of the year.
15. Rouge Louboutin by Christian Louboutin
€47.25 at Cult Beauty
Rouge Louboutin became an instant cult favourite when Christian Louboutin launched this red formula that matches his iconic red soles. If a pair of the designer's shoes are on your wish list, but not in your wedding budget, this is the perfect way to rock the designer look on your big day!
16. Cherries in the Snow by Revlon
€7.40 at Feel Unique
In 1932, Revlon launched Cherries in the Snow, the very first red nail varnish, ever! We're not sure it gets much more iconic than that! It's a pink-ish, red shade making it a fun, whimsical choice for the hen party, bridal shower or, the big day. Plus, Revlon's chip-resistant formula will never go out of style!
17. Topless and Barefoot by Essie
€9.75 at Beauty Bay
Of the thousands of shades in their expansive repertoire, Essie’s Topless and Barefoot is a consistent (and worldwide) bestseller—and has been for many years. It's a popular, barely there soft beige pink shade that'll never distract from your wedding day look.
Feeling Inspired? Check out our post on the Best Nail Bars in Ireland to find a nail technician who can recreate these looks for you!
