Wedding Nails - Nail place or just do my own press ons?

My MIL did press on nails for her daughter's wedding this past summer and they looked great and lasted for 2 days (rehearsal and wedding) and then she took them off after that, so they may have lasted for longer. Next time I need my nails done, I plan on trying those. What I would suggest is maybe get a pair of those press on nails as a trial and see how you like them and how long they last.

One option to look into; see if anyone in your area does Gel X nails. They are kind of like an acrylic meets press on nails. It's what I wear everyday. It's an entire nail that is put on (like a press on) by your stylist and set with a UV light. It can then be painted to be any color/design etc. They don't pop off easily and don't break (the way an acrylic nail can). Also - they are WAY LESS HARSH! They are taken off the same way a gel manicure is, by having it soaked off, and then the entire nail just comes off smoothly! I switched over from acrylic to gel x during the last few years after over 10 years of wearing acrylics every single day and it is a huge difference.

They last a few weeks too. They grow out the same way acrylics do, but I think they don't look as obvious when they grow out.

Here's what they look like in action; I just got mine done last Friday so they're fresh. I do a stiletto nails and chose a matte black look this time, but its a completely clear nail underneath, perfect for any kind of style you want! And they come in multiple shapes!

I would buy two sets of press ons you like and wear one set for a few days to see how they last. If they survive a few days of sleeping, eating, cleaning, driving, etc. then it’s a good chance they’ll last on your wedding day. And since you bought two of the identical set you know the second set will work like the first. I know quality and longevity of press ons varies between brands so this is a safe way to know what to expect. If you do choose to go to a nail salon I’d recommend gel nails

View Quoted Comment Okay I haven't heard of these! I'll definitely look into these as an option! Thanks!

I did press on nails from Static Nails for my engagement shoot and was really happy with how they turned out. I started using press ons after getting engaged because I didn't want to go to a nail salon during the pandemic so I've done a little trial and error. I would definitely recommend Static Nails' glue that comes in a nail polish bottle with brush. In my experience it keeps the nails on for 5-7 days, is easy to use because of the brush, and is the one glue I've found that hasn't done damage to my real nails (my nails are super weak and are always breaking). Static has a lot of cute nails but you can also buy the glue and use it with other brands of press ons. One thing with the Static that I noticed is that their long coffin style is thinner than a salon quality nail so the thumb nails bent after a couple days of use, but other than that all the other nails I've worn with them have been durable for everyday activities.


Here are the press ons in my engagement photos, they were a medium length.

I have done press ons with nail glue, they lasted for a week.

I love press on nails and rather do my own then pay $80-$100 at the nail shop. I have already found soo many on Amazon and Esty. Mine have lasted for about 2 weeks depending on how rough I was. You can find techniques on how to apply them so they last on YouTube or TikTok. These are the ones I love so far...

View Quoted Comment They look lovely! I only need them to last like 3 days...and having longer nails at work isn't going to be good for me so that's perfect!

View Quoted Comment Those are gorgeous! I'm checking out etsy now!!! Thanks!

Press on's have really gotten a lot better lately. Thing is with the ones I've used, getting them off is the same as removing gel nails. Soak in acetone for a long time.

Let me start by saying, I LOVE press-on nails! I never have time to actually go get them done, I'm too aggressive with my hands, and as a nursing student, I'm not actually allowed to have my nails done anyways. I use press-ons all the time during school breaks or when going on dates & whatnot. I get complimented on my nails all the time. If you put them on correctly, you can't even tell they're fake. I would recommend using imPRESS nails. You can get them at drugstores and larger retail stores. If you look on Amazon, they have a wider selection than what you would find in the stores though. They have a wide range of styles, designs, and colors, and they are not expensive at all either. Although the nails already come with adhesive on them, I sometimes use brush-on nail glue (by KISS) to give them a stronger hold. To make them look salon-quality, you really just have to prep your nails (trim cuticles, buff, file, etc.) and take your time going through the pack to find the perfect fit for each of your nails. It makes the process easier if you have them laid out ahead of time. I would definitely go this route if you have concerns about going to a salon! If applied properly (and with extra glue if you're worried), they should hold for longer than just your wedding day. Hope this helps!

I have used press on nails and had them done in a salon and I always prefer a reputable salon. I have purchased many press on nails over the years when I don’t want to spend money at a salon, and the glue is very subpar. These are the Kiss/Impress nails found at Walmart/CVS/Target which is the only brand I have seen available to buy. At best I was able to keep them on a couple hours at most before they popped off so I didn’t feel like it was worth the cost compared to having it done professionally.


If you get them done at a salon, ask for gel nails which are less damaging than acrylics. They last the same time and are also less expensive generally.

I'm a sucker for getting my nails done so I will always vote that option. But I completely understand your concerns! I have several friends that have worn press ons and have had really good luck with them!!!! I've used them in the past and usually they will stay on for a few days before falling off. So if you put them on the morning of or night before I'm sure you'll be fine

View Quoted Comment I was even thinking a few of us ladies could do nails together the night before as a fun thing to do. Makes the press on nails a little more fun and an activity to do too!

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That would be such a fun way to spend time together!!

View Quoted Comment Yes I thought so too! I just got a few press on nails by Kiss and come of those strips by Color Street so we can all pick which we want to do and do them together.