Wedding planning is one of the most exciting phases of your life, though it can be a little stressful given everything you have to do before walking down the aisle. Between selecting an officiant, finding a wedding dress, and landing on a song to play for your first dance, among other tasks, you might be a bit overwhelmed with all the decisions you currently have to make in such a short amount of time. Not to mention, your bridal beauty look could also be the source of some angst, especially if you're hoping to sport natural nails but aren't able to grow them to a desirable length. Sounds familiar? Don't worry, it's actually incredibly easy to get your nails in tip-top shape before saying "I do," no matter if they're currently frail, short, or just not up to par.

To help you find a solution for growing strong, healthy nails ahead of your special celebration, we asked Jan Arnold, co-founder and style director of CND, to share the best beauty tips and tricks all brides-to-be should know. Read on for her expert advice.

The Top Factors That Contribute to Healthy Nail Growth

Before beginning your bridal beauty journey, it's helpful to understand the top factors that contribute to healthy nail growth, as that will aid you in establishing an effective pre-wedding regimen.

Consistent Care

This may sound a little obvious, but the way you care for your nails greatly contributes to how fast and long they will grow. “If you’re prioritizing health and fitness for your wedding, you likely have a routine to achieve your goals—and the same can be done for your nails,” Arnold explains. “Choose a care regimen that fits into your lifestyle! Regular care keeps nail length under control and cuticles at bay—whether you’re at the salon with a trusted nail professional or at home with quality products.”

Hydration and Conditioning

Just as water hydrates our bodies, the same can be said for our nails, so make sure you’re staying extra hydrated in the days leading up to your wedding day. You should also regularly condition your nails with a cuticle oil, notes Arnold. “Keep your nails and cuticles conditioned and hydrated with cuticle oil, such as CND’s Solar Oil ($10), which can be applied on a daily basis," she explains. "The nail plate is very porous, so oil will migrate through the layers, pushing water out and filling the spaces and voids with oil. The more you use it, the deeper it drives into the nail plate so that it almost waterproofs your nails and keeps them resilient.”

Quality Nail Polish Coating

Lastly, the way you choose to coat your nails will contribute to your overall nail growth. According to Arnold, “A nail polish coating actually helps protect the nail from the elements, contrary to popular belief of nails needing a break. This can range from a coating like CND Vinylux Long Wear Polish and CND Shellac Gel Polish to Liquid and Powders or ‘builder in a bottle’ like CND Plexigel. A nail strengthening treatment such as CND’s Strengthener RXx ($21) is also a great option if you want to improve your natural nail without polish.”

Tips for Growing Your Nails Before Your Wedding

Ready to start growing long and healthy nails? Here are the top four tips Arnold recommends you follow.

Condition Your Nails and Skin Daily

As mentioned above, conditioning your nails—and the skin around your nails—is vital to growing them out for your wedding day. To effectively do this, use a cuticle oil of your choosing, and apply it daily for the best results. “After only 2 weeks, you’ll notice dry, damaged cuticles improve and your nails feeling stronger and tougher," shares Arnold. "When your natural nails are at their best, your polish and nail designs will only look that much better on your big day.”

Use a Nail-Strengthening Treatment

A nail-strengthening treatment will work wonders as you embark on your nail growth journey. Not only will it provide your nails with a layer of protection, but it will also make them incredibly strong, durable, and less susceptible to breakage. “The new CND Strengthener RXx ($21) has incredible benefits as it’s specifically formulated to increase nail thickness and strength, and with ingredients that are designed to act as a layer of protection,” shares Arnold. “For the best results, apply two coats on the first day on bare nails, and one coat every day for the following three days, before removing them and repeating the process for 14 days.”

Stay Consistent With Manicures

Since consistent care is a top factor that contributes to nail growth, getting regular manicures should be a priority when prepping for the big day. On a budget? You can easily take great care of your digits from the comfort of your home by giving yourself a weekly manicure using quality products found at a nail salon. This will also help you stay consistent with the other expert-approved tips, like conditioning your skin and regularly using a nail-strengthening treatment.

Use a Keratin Builder

Our final tip? Use a keratin builder when getting your manicures, especially if you have brittle nails. "With continued use, it can dramatically reduce peeling and white spots, as well as help rebuild broken bonds in the nail structure for a more fortified base," shares Arnold. "Apply a keratin builder twice a day on bare natural nails for one to two weeks—it’s ideal for those who are serious about nail growth.”

What to Avoid When Growing Your Nails Before Your Wedding

Now that you know what you should do, here's what you need to avoid when trying to grow your nails for your wedding.

Avoid Excessive Exposure to Water

While washing your hands is completely fine, we highly suggest avoiding excessive exposure to water when trying to grow your nails. Meaning, don’t soak them when you’re taking a bath, and please wear gloves when doing the dishes. Arnold agrees, noting, “Avoid submerging your hands in water for prolonged periods of time. This causes your nails to contract and expand which can be damaging. Wet nails are also softer and weaker which makes them more prone to breakage.”

Don't Remove Your Nails Yourself

Something else you should avoid at all costs? Removing any gel polish, dip powder, or acrylic nails yourself. “Improper removal can cause damage and be detrimental to nail health,” explains Arnold. “When a coating is properly removed, this preserves the integrity of the nail underneath.”

Avoid Harmful Situations

Lastly, avoid any situations where your nails can be damaged or compromised, like opening a package or soda can. In the wise words of Arnold, “Your nails are jewels—not tools, so avoid treating them as such!” She adds, “Wear gloves when you are cleaning or doing the dishes or handling any harsh chemicals with your hands to help avoid any damage or breakage to your natural nails.”