Our Editors' Favorite Nail Polish Colors For Wedding Season

As much as women in the South like to try new things, there are certain times when we trust what we already know. One of those times is when selecting a nail polish color for a special event such as a christening, baby shower, or wedding. These forever, well-documented events—you know, the ones where you'll have family pictures taken at and photo albums made afterwards—call for a nail polish color that is tried and true.

When choosing what nail polish color at the salon for such occasions, especially weddings, pink is (and will forever be) the universal favorite. At least that was the consensus amongst Southern Living editors when I polled the group recently. However, while we all seem to be thinking pink, the exact shade can depend on a number of factors such as personal preference, skin tone, and the wedding dress code and location. Here, our editors share their go-to nail polish colors for the summer wedding season. 

Hollywood & Vibe 

Editorial Producer Ivy Odom is a nail polish enthusiast (thanks to her on-camera job) and newlywed. She opts for OPI gel no matter the occasion, and often chooses Hollywood Vibe, a neutral light pink, for special events.

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Mod About You 

Another favorite neutral pink? Mod About You, which Odom describes as a “little brighter pink.” 

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Fiji 

“My mom, sister, and I are all obsessed with Essie’s Fiji,” adds Commerce Editor Lily Gray. “It’s a brighter pastel pink with a little more opacity, so it really pops yet works well with every color dress!”

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Put It In Neutral

To no surprise, several editors look to their mothers when selecting polish. “At my wedding, my mama wore two coats of Put It In Neutral followed by one coat of Bubble Bath. For mine and her skin tone, it's the best neutral combo!” Odom says. “Some people experiment with combinations of Bubble Bath and Funny Bunny, but, for us, we love Put It In Neutral.”

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Funny Bunny

And I am one of those people! OPI's Funny Bunny is my favorite polish, especially when layered with Bubble Bath. The most white pink of the bunch, this is the color to choose if you’re looking for a neutral that pops. To tone it down, do one coat of Bubble Bath followed by a coat of Funny Bunny. If you want a look that's more pink than white, do Bubble Bath on top.

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Bubble Bath 

“Bubble Bath is a staple in my family for occasions big and small,” says Senior Home & Features Editor Betsy Cribb. “It’s the only color I ever remember my grandmother wearing—and she had a standing manicure appointment every other week!” 

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Ballet Slippers 

Senior News Editor Rebecca Baer’s mom also has a go-to color. “My mother always, always wears Ballet Slippers,” she reveals. “I want to say she currently has it from Essie sitting on her dressing room counter!”

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Eternal Optimist 

For fall or winter weddings, Cribb recommends this deeper shade of pink. “It’s an earthier, more grounded pink that feels timeless and seasonally appropriate,” she says. 

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Lady Like 

If you have a special role as a mother of the bride or groom, here's another suggestion: Lady Like by Essie. “It’s got a tinge of lavender in it, so it reads more mauve than baby pink,” she says. 

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