Complete Guide for Getting the Perfect Wedding Spray Tan

Achieve the Perfect Glow on Your Wedding Day

Your wedding is undeniably one of the most pivotal moments in your life. It's a time when all eyes will be on you, and naturally, you want to look your absolute best. One surefire way to ensure you are picture-perfect on your special day is to achieve that "just back from vacation" glow with a Bridal Spray Tan. Let's explore further.

Is Getting a Spray Tan a Good Idea For My Wedding?

A spray tan for your wedding day can be a game-changer. This is not just an ordinary tan, but an airbrush tan fine-tuned to enhance your natural skin tone, leaving you with a radiant natural glow that complements your stunning wedding dress perfectly. But let's delve deeper into why this could be an excellent addition to your wedding prep.

Benefits of Spray Tanning for a Wedding

The glow from a professional spray tan can make your skin look healthier, more youthful, and as radiant as your smile on your big day. The airbrush tan not only highlights your natural beauty but also acts as a great base for your wedding makeup, by creating a more even and polished canvas for your makeup artist to work on. Unlike other businesses that offer “cookie cutter” spray tans (only 3 levels or shades to choose from), the color customization that comes with a professional spray tan from Glamour Girl Airbrush Tan means it can be tailored to match your skin tone and wedding look effortlessly. You will look sun-kissed and radiant, never orange or fake. But that's not all; getting a spray tan can also help disguise blemishes, even out your skin tone, and make you look slimmer. It's no surprise that this beauty treatment is rapidly becoming a staple in pre-wedding pampering!

Will The Spray Tan Ruin My Dress?

A common concern among brides-to-be is whether the bronzer from the spray tan will stain their wedding dress. Luckily, once your sunless tanning session is over, the tan has dried completely (which usually takes around 8-12 hours), and you’ve taken your first post-tan shower, there's minimal risk of the color transferring onto your dress/gown. However, for peace of mind, it's advisable to schedule your tan a couple of days before your big day just to be on the safe side. To learn more about how spray tanning works and what exactly to expect from your session, refer to our Beginner’s Guide to Spray Tanning: Dos and Don’ts article.

Pre-Tan Preparation

After deciding to get a Bridal Spray Tan, preparation is crucial to ensure you achieve the most natural, long-lasting results. Here are some steps to guide you along the way:

Will A Spray Tan Work With My Wedding Makeup?

Yes! Moreover, the tan can enhance your wedding makeup, making your foundation look richer, your eyes pop, and your teeth look brighter. Pretty incredible, right?

Should I Do A Spray Tan Trial Run?

Absolutely! As with every aspect of your wedding, trial runs are fundamental, and your tan should be no exception. Scheduling a trial run weeks before your wedding allows you and your Airbrush Artist to determine the perfect color for your skin tone. Pro Tip: Schedule your trial spray tan 2 days before your makeup trial appointment. Pairing them together gives you an excellent opportunity to see if your wedding makeup harmonizes well with your new tan and gives you (and your makeup artist) a realistic idea of what your skin tone will be on the day of.

Exfoliating Before a Spray Tan

Your skin needs to be in its best state to get the most even and long-lasting tan. This is where exfoliation plays a crucial role. Exfoliating a day before getting a spray tan helps remove dead skin cells and gives a smoother surface for the tanning solution to adhere to. The result is a more natural-looking tan that fades evenly. We suggest not exfoliating on the day of your appointment or getting any services done that remove skin or hair (waxing for example) or add moisture to the skin (facials, massages, etc.). Newly exfoliated or waxed skin is too slick for your tan to grab onto and will leave you with uneven results. Make sure to plan to exfoliate the day before and avoid putting on any lotion or oil when you get out. You want your skin to be clean, and dry (even a little dehydrated) the next day when you arrive for your spray tan appointment.

What to Wear During the Appointment

You will want to wear loose, dark clothing to your appointment as the tanning solution might slightly transfer to your clothes (don’t worry, it will wash out) and sandals or loose shoes with no socks. During the appointment itself, women have the option of wearing their bathing suits, bottoms only, or going nude for the appointment so that no tans lines are left behind. For a more detailed guide on what to wear during and after your spray tan appointment, you can check out our article on What To Wear During and After Your Spray Tan Appointment.

How to Prepare Skin for Optimal Results

After exfoliating your skin the day before, you will want to avoid applying moisturizer or oil, as it can act as a barrier to the tanning solution. Don’t worry, you can go back to moisturizing after your first post-tan shower once the solution has had a chance to set and develop properly.

Do All Of Your Other Beauty Treatments Before Getting A Spray Tan

Any other pre-wedding beauty treatment like nails, waxing, facials, or hair color treatments should be performed before the tanning session and that means in the days leading up to your tan. Reserve a day for your spray tan only - no beauty treatments on the same day as your tan to avoid any adverse interactions. These can strip your skin, which might affect the longevity of your tan, or worse, turn it patchy. To explore more on preparing your skin for the absolute best spray tan experience, you can view the detailed guide Spray Tanning Preparation and Care Guide.

Post-Tan Care

After achieving that beautiful glow, it's important to care for your new tan properly to extend its life and keep it looking gorgeous for as long as possible.

Bring a post-tan outfit.

After your tan, it's important to wear loose clothing to avoid streaks or unevenness. Your tan will be delicate while it is developing over the next 8-12 hours, and tight clothing may rub off the tan on certain parts of your body, causing a patchy look.

Post-Tan Maintenance Tips

Regular moisturizing is vital to keep your tan looking fresh for as long as possible. You can resume moisturizing your skin after your first post-tan shower. Basic moisturizers without too many additives or harsh ingredients are best. Remember to keep your skin hydrated from within by drinking plenty of water too.

Don't use soap.

Soap can be a spray tan's worst enemy as it can strip the tan off your skin. Instead, we suggest using a mild body wash that is gentle on your skin and opting for a quick “bird bath” (freshening up only the main body parts at your bathroom sink with a washcloth) instead of a full shower whenever possible. Also, minimize shaving as it can also cause your tan to fade faster.

Wait to shower.

You should wait at least 8-12 hours before showering after your tan. Showering too soon can stop the DHA development process, which is what turns your skin a lovely bronze shade.

Booking Your Wedding Spray Tan

Schedule Your Spray Tan Appointment 2 Or 3 Days Before The Wedding Festivities Begin

Booking your spray tan a few days in advance gives it time to fully develop and allows any initial bronzer to rinse off. To book your appointment online, visit our Appointment Booking page.

My bridesmaids/fiancé want to get a spray tan, too. Should they get one?

While this is totally up to personal preference, tans can not only boost confidence but also ensure that your wedding party looks glowy and healthy in the photos.

Is there anything special I need to do on my wedding day?

On the actual wedding day, try to avoid any contact with water until after the party. We also suggest keeping tissues handy to blot off any sweat instead of wiping it off.

Will my spray tan last on the honeymoon?

Yes, with proper care, your spray tan can last up to 7-10 days, perfect for showing off that golden glow on your honeymoon! Keep in mind that interactions with chlorine and salt water can cause your tan to fade faster so if you plan to swim just know that your tan won’t last quite as long.

Conclusion

There's no doubt that a Bridal Spray Tan can be an excellent addition to your wedding beauty preparation. With thorough planning, some trials, and attention to pre and post-tan care, you can achieve a radiant, natural glow that accentuates your beauty on your special day. Just remember, every bride's ultimate goal should be to feel comfortable and confident, and if a spray tan helps to achieve that, why not? For more in-depth information about spray tanning, you can check out our extensive Spray Tan FAQ. Happy tanning!

Bridal Spray Tan Frequently Asked Questions

How can I ensure my spray tan is not streaky or orange?

Ensuring a natural-looking spray tan that’s not streaky involves the right skin preparation and adherence to aftercare instructions. Start by exfoliating your skin the day before your appointment, skip the moisturizer, wear loose clothing, and avoid water and any activities that cause excessive sweating for 8-12 hours post your session. For the best results, it is recommended to have a trial session and discuss your skin type and desired color with a professional spray tan artist. Keep in mind that a customizable spray tan color is not offered just anywhere so book your tan with Glamour Girl to ensure you get the perfect color for you.

Can I get my nails and waxing done after a spray tan?

It's recommended that you get your waxing, manicures, pedicures, and other beauty treatments done a day or more before your spray tan appointment. These treatments can potentially remove or streak your spray tan, thereby it is best to have them done before.

Is it safe to spray tan before my wedding if I have sensitive skin?

If you have sensitive skin or any skin concerns, it is advisable to have a trial session before the actual spray tan for your wedding. This will allow you to see if you have any adverse reactions to the tanning solution. Please Note: We cannot tan anyone who has a nut or berry allergy as these are both used in our solutions.

What activities should I avoid after a spray tan to ensure its longevity?

After a spray tan, it is recommended to avoid excessive sweating, workouts, swimming, and long exposure to water. It is also advised to avoid exfoliating products and hot showers that can dry out your skin and cause the tan to fade fast. Regularly moisturize your skin to ensure its hydrated to prolong the tan.

Can I work out after a spray tan?

You can return to your regular workout routine once your tan is fully developed and you’ve taken your first post-tan shower. We suggest skipping any exercise that involves excessive sweating (like hot yoga) to avoid your tan fading prematurely.

How should I care for my skin following a spray tan?

To care for your skin after a spray tan, moisturize your skin daily, avoid long showers and hot tubs, and avoid products that dry out your skin or contain harsh chemicals that can strip the tan.

Can I use self-tanning products after a spray tan?

It's not recommended to use other self-tanning products after your spray tan appointment as they may affect the results of the professional spray tan that you received. We sell a Touch-Up Spray that can be used at home to add color anytime after your first post-tan shower.

Is a spray tan and an airbrush tan the same thing?

It can be but they are different. An airbrushed tan is a type of spray tan. A spray tan is what it’s called when the color is applied to the skin from a machine/automatic booth and there is no technician involved. An airbrush tan is what it’s called when a technician or artist applies the color to your skin with an airbrush gun although this can also be called a spray tan because it’s being sprayed onto the skin. So an airbrush tan is a spray tan but a spray tan is not necessarily an airbrush tan. Hope that makes sense!

I’m going on vacation a few months before my wedding. If I get tan lines, can a spray tan even them out?

No. While a spray tan can help to disguise very subtle tan lines, it won’t erase them by any means. The application for a spray tan is very lightweight and does not give the same coverage that makeup does when you’re evening out discoloration on the face for example. Our Advice - Avoid getting any tan lines in the first place to spare yourself the stress leading up to your wedding. If you already have the tan lines, come to us and we’ll do what we can to help camouflage the unevenness but have realistic expectations that we can only do so much.