What color should I paint my nails for engagement photos?

Engagement photos are forever, so we suggest going with a nail color that will stand the test of time. While pale pink and barely there nudes are an obvious choice, you don't have to forgo color altogether. Deep jewel tones like rich reds, saturated blues, and moody taupes and grays can be just as classic.

Can I wear my engagement ring to the nail salon?

While there's no specific rule to abide by, we recommend taking your ring off before a manicure to avoid any possible damage from the tools and lotions used. Plus, it would get in the way of that much-anticipated hand massage. If you're likely to forget your new sparkler at the salon, it might be best to leave it at home until after the mani.

25 Engagement Manicure Ideas

What goes better with a new engagement ring than a gorgeous manicure? Not a whole lot! This is the time when everyone fawns over your hands to get a peep at that sparkly new addition, so you'd better make sure those hands and nails (and cuticles) are up to the task. That's why we searched high and low for fun engagement manicure ideas that'll set your ring selfie apart from all the others on your Instagram feed.

The manicure ideas ahead will look stunning next to your new sparkler without overshadowing it (as if anything could). And don't worry—they are all totally doable at home, even if you're not an expert with the nail polish brush.

Scroll through to discover 25 engagement manicure ideas for picture-perfect nails.

01 of 25

Talk the Talk

Let 'em know, without a shadow of a doubt, that you said "yes!" Or in this case "oui." But we'll leave it to you to tailor the expression to your very own language of love.

02 of 25

A Reverse French

Put a sparkly spin on the traditional French mani and turn it on its head. Who needs to accentuate the tips when you can frame healthy cuticles like these?

03 of 25

Chic As Can Be

Ring selfie–ready nails just got a whole lot easier with a DIY option. These taupe and metallic silver stick-on gels are chic and bridal-appropriate.

04 of 25

Ombré Effect

A gradient pretty-in-pink manicure is perfect for any bride-to-be. We'll take this modern spin on the perennial classic any day (and season, for that matter!).

05 of 25

Spirit Finger

Give that all-star finger a little extra love when its time has finally come to shine. If you're not into nail jewels—or want one very specific jewel to take center stage—you can simply brush a bold hue on your ring finger to really put the spotlight on your engagement ring.

06 of 25

All That Glitters

Similarly, you can add some nail art to your ring finger to make that bauble really pop. Have a gold band? Use flecks of gold nail foils.

07 of 25

Geometric Sparkle

Don't want to commit to a full-on glitter manicure? Add a touch of sparkle by painting it vertically along the sides of your nails, achieving a half-on, half-off look.

08 of 25

Modern Minimalism

Nail art doesn't have to be distracting. With the right design, it can look inarguably chic and become the finishing touch to your new ring-finger bling.

09 of 25

Monochromatic Madness

Utilize negative space, so all the more attention will be on your engagement ring. This art-inspired mani takes a monochromatic approach but adds depth and visual interest by mixing different textures and finishes.

10 of 25

A Futuristic Touch

Do you crave some sparkle but are searching for something more unique than the average glitter polish? Try a holographic nail powder.

11 of 25

Pearlescent Pursuits

If you're a pearly kind of girl, incorporate elegant and demure accents to your mani, such as craft pearl beads. With some supplies and a steady hand, this is a super-simple DIY that serves an ultra-professional look.

12 of 25

Consult the Cosmos

The stars aligned the day you met your partner, so why not let your nails tell the tale? Nail Inc.'s Crystals Made Me Do It nail polish duo is infused with mood-enhancing crystals like amethyst to ward off any negative vibes and keep your engagement as happy as can be.

SHOP NOW: Nails Inc., $15

13 of 25

Get Personal

What better way to give your spouse-to-be a little shoutout than by emblazoning your nails with their initials—in solid gold, no less. Or, artfully place the decals to create a custom monogram of your future initials.

14 of 25

Double French

If you loved the reverse French manicure we showed earlier but want a fresh twist, you'll love this double French. Twice as nice, right?

15 of 25

A Blossoming Engagement

How sweet is this springtime nail look? All you need are tiny dried flowers and a good topcoat (the itty-bitty buds are placed on the natural nail with no base color). Et voilà!

16 of 25

Show Your Heart

Don't be afraid to wear your heart on your sleeve, or your nails for that matter. Slap on a heart decal, and your nails will be instantly ring selfie–ready. These bridal-appropriate stickers are available at Olive & June.

SHOP NOW: Olivia & June, $7.50

17 of 25

The Gold Standard

Is there anything more opulent than a mani completely wrapped in gold? We didn't think so. These statement nails are jaw-droppingly gorge with just about anything, but especially if you're sporting a yellow-gold engagement ring. You can always tailor the foil to your ring's metal for uniformity.

18 of 25

Perfect Posies

What can we say? We love a floral mani. These peonies are sweet as can be, but you can always customize the look to showcase your favorite flower or your future wedding blooms if you've got a head start on planning.

19 of 25

Spell It Out

"'L', is for the way you look tonight . . ." If you sang that in your head, this may just be the manicure for you. Love is in the air, so why not put it on your nails, too?

20 of 25

Love Is Love

Love always wins. Show off your pride and your engagement ring with these full-spectrum tips.

21 of 25

Nail Bling

You've got the ring. Now, bring on the bling. With an infinity band decal and pear-shaped stone in the mix, this couldn't be more bridal. Feel free to customize and match the stones and shade of gold to your own future ring stack.

22 of 25

Amulets of Protection

Positive vibes only! Your new bauble will get tons of attention, so take precautions and protect your energy with some evil-eye nail art. Gold-leaf paper and cerulean give this otherwise clear mani an elevated finish.

23 of 25

Language of Love

Well, this certainly gives new meaning to "French tips." Say it loud and say it proud by emphasizing your tips with your very own love language.

24 of 25

Tears of Joy

Lots of happy tears will be shed from the very first "yes!" to the final "I do!" We can't think of anything more poetic than wiping those tears away with some fitting 3D nail art that totally looks the part.

25 of 25

Pastel Pretties

Be still, our retro-loving hearts. These pastel nails are unquestionably cool and set the vibe for spring and summer fêtes.

FAQ

What color should I paint my nails for engagement photos?

Engagement photos are forever, so we suggest going with a nail color that will stand the test of time. While pale pink and barely there nudes are an obvious choice, you don't have to forgo color altogether. Deep jewel tones like rich reds, saturated blues, and moody taupes and grays can be just as classic.
Can I wear my engagement ring to the nail salon?

While there's no specific rule to abide by, we recommend taking your ring off before a manicure to avoid any possible damage from the tools and lotions used. Plus, it would get in the way of that much-anticipated hand massage. If you're likely to forget your new sparkler at the salon, it might be best to leave it at home until after the mani.