How Far In Advance Should You Get Your Wedding Pedicure?

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

When it comes to your wedding, you want every detail to be perfect — from your romantic bridal updo to the beautifully painted tips of your toes. Whether you're planning the blow-out wedding party of the decade or looking for tips for a low-cost elopement, your feet are one thing you don't want to be worried about. If you're planning on saying "I do" barefoot on the beach or wearing peep-toe platforms in a church, the key to ensuring your toenail polish is flawless is getting them painted one to two days before the event.

"A lot of people try to squeeze in their pedicure the day of for that extra-fresh look, but honestly, that's risky," explains manicurist Chidi Udeh. "There's not much time for touch-ups if something chips or smudges, especially with more intricate designs." Instead, she recommends treating yourself to a pedicure ahead of the wedding. Bonus? You'll have more time to relax and enjoy your salon time — maybe even indulge in a deluxe treatment like a paraffin wax pedicure.

More importantly, it leaves you time to troubleshoot any problems. "Giving yourself at least a full day allows polish to set completely and gives you a little breathing room in case anything needs adjusting," explains Udeh. "When it comes to major events like weddings, I like to leave room for the unexpected. It's often a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and you want every detail to be just as you imagined, if not better." Plus, with a little targeted care, you can prevent damage so that your toes look freshly painted for your big day.

There are a few handy tricks to protect your pedicure and keep it looking fresh for days. Whether you opt for regular polish or choose something more durable like gel, these tips are particularly handy if you're traveling for your wedding. "The key to keeping your pedicure intact while traveling comes down to prep and protection," says Chidi Udeh.

"You want to start with a clean, buffed, and dry nail surface before applying polish — that's your foundation," she explains. Taking care to prepare your nails and apply the polish correctly will help extend the life of the pedicure. "A quality base and top coat go a long way here," she adds. Udeh recommends the Young Nails Protein Bond Primer and Young Nails Top Coat for at-home gel manicures.

Immediately after your pedicure, be mindful of anything that could damage the polish. "Avoid soaking your feet or hot showers right away; heat can weaken the polish," says Udeh. "Skip closed-toe shoes for as long as you can post-pedi, especially anything tight or structured. Slides or open sandals are your best friend." Be particularly careful of your toes, and try to avoid bumping or stubbing the polish. Finally, applying a daily moisturizer like OPI ProSpa Cuticle Oil will help keep your toes moisturized and looking salon fresh. You'll walk down the aisle with elegant-looking feet that are ready to dance the night away.