Get your nails in top shape!

For your wedding-day manicure, choose a classic shade that complements the rest of your wedding details and ensemble – a soft pink if you’re carrying a pastel bouquet, for example, or a deep red for a wedding with a bolder colour palette.

To start getting your nails in their best form, begin to schedule regular manicures at least six months before your wedding. During this time, you can also start to test different shades so you have an idea of what will and won’t work on your wedding day.

A neutral shade looks great on long nails and will last longer, since chips won’t be as visible. Whereas dark, sultry reds or browns are perfect on shorter, square-shaped tips. For a fun take on the classic French manicure, choose a reverse French (the darker hue goes on the tip, while the base of the nail is neutral).

Remember to protect your hands by wearing rubber gloves while cleaning or washing dishes, to prevent your nails from chipping and your skin from the chapping that detergents cause. Keeping your hands well moisturised is also a must, so stash hand lotion in your desk at work, near your kitchen sink and in your purse, and apply it periodically to keep your hands feeling soft.

And the last piece of advice: Apply a fortifying, clear top coat a few times a week to help your nails stay strong and your manicure look fresh.