If you are thinking about getting a spray tan for a wedding, you may have seen discussions about an orange or unnatural tan. While we understand the concern, when everything is done right, a spray tan can give you a natural-looking glow on your wedding day. That said, achieving the best result requires proper preparation and choosing the right type of spray tan. Luckily, you will find all the pro tips and tricks right here.
Key Takeaways
- A spray tan can look natural and photo-ready for a wedding when done correctly
- Preparation, timing, and formula choice matter more than the tan itself
- The ideal time for a wedding spray tan is 2 to 3 days before the big day
- Trial spray tans are essential for first-timers to avoid surprises
- Orange tones usually come from poor-quality or heavily chemical formulas
Should You Get a Spray Tan for Your Wedding?
If you want a beautiful glow but do not want to use tanning beds or tan outdoors, a spray tan is a great option.
With the tips we will discuss later, you do not need to worry about an orange or unnatural result. When done correctly, a spray tan can look subtle, even, and very flattering.
If you are new to spray tanning, there is a reason why so many brides choose this option:
- After just one session, you can achieve the tone you want, even a few shades darker
- You can do multiple test runs before the big day to see exactly how your skin reacts
- With all the stress around wedding planning, you avoid multiple tanning visits or a long-term commitment
On the other hand, many photographers are not big fans of spray tans, based on discussions in forums. The concern is usually related to orange or unnatural tones. As mentioned above, this is not a rule. A spray tan does not have to look like that when it is done properly.
First Timers vs Experienced Tanners
If you have already had spray tans before, you know how your skin reacts and what results to expect. With the tips we will share, you can learn how to refine the result even more.
If you are new to spray tanning, we strongly recommend doing at least one test, ideally two to three sessions, before your wedding. This helps you understand how the color develops on your skin and avoids surprises on the big day.
Why Some Spray Tans Can Look Bad in Wedding Photos
Spray tans are not a favorite among photographers, but in most cases, this comes from bad experiences with poor-quality tans, not spray tanning itself.
Here are the biggest issues that can happen with a bad spray tan:
- Camera exaggerates warm tones: Cameras tend to amplify orange and red hues. If your tan leans too orange, it will look even stronger in photos.
- Contrast issues with bridesmaids and partners: When your tan looks unnatural, the difference between your skin tone and others can become very noticeable. This can be distracting in group photos.
- Makeup and tan mismatch: If your foundation does not match your spray tan properly, your face may look lighter or darker than your body, which stands out in close-up shots.
The good news is that all of these issues are avoidable. You can still have a beautiful, natural glow by choosing an organic spray tan instead of heavily chemical formulas.
When a Spray Tan DOES Make Sense for a Wedding
A wedding spray tan can be a great choice, but only in the right situations. Here is when it actually makes sense:
- You are not a complete first-timer: If you have already tried a spray tan before and liked the results, you know how it develops on your skin.
- You regularly use spray tans: Brides who already use spray tans and love the glow usually get the most consistent and natural-looking results.
- You choose natural formulas: Going with clean, organic solutions, like the ones used at SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa, helps avoid orange tones and uneven fading.
- You book a professional application: Professional spray tans deliver far better results than at-home self-tanners, especially if you are new. This reduces the risk of streaks, patchiness, and color mistakes.
When to Get a Spray Tan Before Your Wedding
The ideal time to get a spray tan before your wedding is 2 to 3 days before the big day.
This timing works best because:
- It gives the tan enough time to fully develop and settle
- The color looks its most natural before fading begins, usually around day 4 to 7
- You have time to make small adjustments if needed
Can You Do a Spray Tan the Day Before a Wedding
No, you should not get a spray tan that close to your wedding. The tan will not have enough time to develop properly, and the color may look lighter, uneven, or still in the developing phase on your wedding day.
Why a Trial Spray Tan Is a Must-Do for First-Timers
If you have never tried a spray tan before, we strongly recommend doing a few trial sessions.
This step is important because it allows you to:
- Find the perfect shade for your skin tone
- See how the color works with your natural undertones
- Understand how long the tan lasts on your skin
- Check how it looks in photos and different lighting
- Test how it pairs with your wedding makeup
When You Should Do Trial Spray Tanning
If you have about one month before your wedding, this timeline works well:
- Week 1: First test session
- Mid-Week 2: Second test session
- 2 to 3 days before the wedding: Final application
How to Prep for a Wedding Spray Tan
The key to a flawless spray tan is proper preparation.
What you do before your session determines:
- How long your spray tan lasts
- Whether you end up with patchy areas
- If darker spots appear on dry or uneven skin
To get the best possible results every time, check out our guide on spray tan preparation steps.
Aftercare Tips to Avoid Wedding Day Issues
What you do after your spray tan helps lock in the color and keeps it looking smooth on your wedding day. Follow these tips to avoid common issues:
- Avoid water and sweat for the first 8 to 12 hours: This includes workouts, long walks, or anything that causes sweating.
- Wear loose, dark clothing: Tight clothes can cause rubbing and uneven fading. Dark fabrics prevent staining stress.
- Moisturize daily with an oil-free lotion: Hydrated skin fades evenly and keeps the tan looking natural.
- Skip exfoliation after your tan: Exfoliating will remove the color faster and create uneven patches.
- Be careful with your wedding outfit fittings: Repeated friction from shapewear or tight dresses can affect the tan before the big day.
- Avoid long and hot showers: Short, lukewarm showers help your tan last longer and fade evenly.
Common Wedding Spray Tan Mistakes to Avoid
If you are planning a bridal spray tan, here are the mistakes you definitely want to avoid:
- Doing your first spray tan right before the wedding: A spray tan looks best when done 2 to 3 days before the wedding. First-time results are unpredictable and leave no time for adjustments.
- Choosing a shade that is too dark: Spray tanning lets you go a few shades darker in one session, but overdoing it can look unnatural, especially in photos.
- Skipping trial sessions if you are a first-timer: Without trials, you will not know which shade works best for your skin or how it reacts with your natural undertones.
- Not considering photography and lighting: Always check how your spray tan looks in photos during trial sessions. Lighting can change how warm tones appear on camera.
What Kind of Spray Tan Should You Get
To avoid the orange tones often associated with spray tans, choose organic and natural spray tan solutions.
These types of solutions offer clear benefits:
- No orange or artificial-looking color
- No strong chemical smell
- Less transfer to clothing
- A finish that looks natural and skin-like
The formula matters just as much as the application when it comes to wedding-ready results.
If you want to try an organic spray tan in the Portland and Vancouver metro area, visit one of the SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa locations.
FAQ
Is it bad to get a spray tan before your wedding?
No, it is not bad as long as you do proper preparation and choose an organic, professionally applied spray tan. When done correctly, it looks natural and photographs well.
How many days before my wedding should I get a spray tan?
Get your spray tan 2 to 3 days before the wedding. This allows the DHA in the spray tan to fully develop and settle before the big day.
Will a spray tan stain my wedding dress?
No, not if you get it 2 to 3 days before the wedding. During the first day, while the tan is still developing, some residue can transfer. Once the color has fully developed and you have showered, it is safe.
Can I spray tan my face for my wedding?
We do not recommend partial spray tanning or using self-tanners on certain areas only. This often creates visible contrast between the face and body. A professional, full-body application delivers a more even result.
Do photographers hate spray tans?
Some photographers do, usually because they have seen poor-quality spray tans with orange tones. This can be avoided by choosing an organic spray tan with a natural-looking formula.
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