In an age of cinematic wedding films and ultra-zoom lenses, your nails are as integral a part of the frame, as your face! Whether it's the ring exchange, haldi shots, or champagne toasts at the after-party, bridal nails are getting the spotlight they deserve. And no one knows this better than Anisha Mulchandani, the go-to nail artist for brides across the country, who owns and runs Studio Nails in Mumbai and is known for her detail-driven designs and luxe aesthetic. A celebrity favourite, you’ve spotted her nails on everyone from Alia Bhat to Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra. And when it comes to brides, she’s painted on wedding logos in chrome and captured the Pink City skyline on a press-on—Mulchandani is redefining bridal nails, one function at a time.
Here, she shares everything you need to know—from the trends making waves this season to tips for brides navigating multiple events and last-minute nail emergencies.
Nail that bridal aesthetic: Clean elegance to glazed donut
Brides this season are favouring ‘clean elegance’—think soft chrome, micro French tips, ombré, and subtle custom embellishments that reflect their personal style. While the French tip remains iconic, it’s undergoing a makeover with coloured tips, chrome blends, and ombrés replacing the classic white.
Many brides are also working with their nail artist to incorporate design cues from their outfits and jewellery—pulling in lehenga embroidery, motif detailing, and even polki elements. Mulchandani’s signature? Drawing the couple’s wedding logo in metallic chrome on the ring finger.
The trend is also function-led: sleek and minimal for pheras, and bold and glam for the cocktail and reception. For those open to press-ons, brides are curating separate looks for each event.
And yes, global trends are very much in—chrome, ‘glazed donut’ finishes, and pearlised effects are being embraced. But always with a desi twist.
Colour me bride: Foil work to jewel tones
While classic nudes still dominate the bridal nail palette, jewel tones—especially wine and emerald—are having their moment at evening events. Brides are also gravitating towards luxe finishes like glazed effects, 3D pearl accents, and even velvet textures.
For those who love tradition with a modern touch, elements like polki, gota, and meenakari are being reimagined on nails through hand-painted motifs, foil work, and embedded stones.
One standout creation? Jaipur-themed nails for a destination bride at Fairmont Jaipur—complete with intricate palace motifs and Pink City details. Interestingly, the once-popular mehendi-inspired nail art is on the decline. Brides are now choosing nail colours that complement, rather than mimic, their mehendi.
All about the base: Top tips
When it comes to Indian weddings—with multiple events and outfit changes—the key is versatility. Studio Nails often reviews a bride’s entire wardrobe and creates a nail base that blends across all functions.
Ideally, brides should book a trial appointment a month in advance—especially if they haven’t decided on a salon. The final appointment should be 2–3 days before the first event to ensure fresh, flawless nails.
As for care, the pre-wedding routine starts two months before: regular clean-ups, daily cuticle hydration, and steering clear of nail biting. The shape of choice? A medium almond—elegant, functional, and far less prone to breakage through outfit changes and dancing.
And don’t wait till after the mehendi to glam up your nails. “That’s when the most close-up photos happen,” Mulchandani advises. “I always recommend full glam nails before the mehendi itself.”
Viral nails: Dos and don’ts
One of Studio Nails’ most viral looks? A chrome gold skyline of San Francisco and India, with the couple’s wedding logo—talk about global love in nail art form.
There are also deeply personal moments—like the time a bride’s nails were designed to match her mother’s heirloom polki set. “She got emotional,” Mulchandani recalls. “That memory will always stay with me.”
Of course, not all goes to plan. During one haldi ceremony, a bride’s white ombré nails turned yellow thanks to extra-strong turmeric. Studio Nails recreated the entire set in just 30 minutes before the next function.
And the biggest misconception? That it’s just about picking a colour or length. “Bridal nails are a part of the bride’s story,” she says. “They’re emotional, personal, and something you’ll see in every close-up shot.”
As for trends she’d like to retire? “Overdone 3D embellishments. Let’s replace them with nuanced textures like soft chromes and velvet finishes—they’re far more refined.”
Meet her IRL
Anisha Mulchandani will be at The Wedding Collective—so if you're looking for your perfect bridal nail moment (or just need a pro to talk textures and tips), this is your chance to meet the artist behind the magic.
