
Many brides want to look bronzed and glowing on their wedding day, but is it a good idea to wear fake tan to your wedding dress fitting? The general consensus is that it's best to avoid tanning before trying on dresses, as you risk staining the gown. However, some brides opt for a subtle spray tan to highlight their neckline and add depth to their skin tone. If you do decide to tan before your fitting, it's recommended to have a professional technician apply a light, natural-looking tan a few days before, so the colour has time to settle and fade. A trial run a few months before the wedding is also advised, to ensure you're happy with the results and to practise the prep process, which includes shaving or waxing at least 24 hours before and exfoliating the skin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Advantages of fake tan | Can highlight your gown, even out your skin tone, brighten your eyes, and make your bridal makeup pop |
| Can cover up tan lines | |
| Can make your skin tone look warmer | |
| Can make your skin tone look more even | |
| Disadvantages of fake tan | Risk of staining your wedding dress |
| Risk of looking orange | |
| Risk of streaks | |
| Risk of an unsightly colour | |
| Recommendations | Do a trial run a month or two before to make sure you like the results |
| Use a brush to apply the fake tan to avoid streaks | |
| Get your tan a few days before the fitting so that the colour has had a chance to settle in and potentially fade |
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What You'll Learn

Fake tan can highlight your wedding dress and make your makeup pop
A sunless glow from a fake tan can be a great way to highlight your wedding dress and make your makeup pop. It can also help to even out your skin tone, brighten your eyes, and give you a healthy glow. If you're thinking of getting a spray tan before your wedding, here are some things to keep in mind:
Prepping your skin is essential
Exfoliating your skin before getting a spray tan is crucial for achieving an even and natural-looking tan. Exfoliation creates an even surface for the tan, ensuring that the final result is streak-free and natural. Shaving or waxing should be done at least 24 hours before the tanning session to avoid any skin irritation.
Do a trial run
It is highly recommended to do a trial run of your spray tan a few months before your wedding. This will allow you to test different colours and find the perfect shade that complements your wedding dress and skin tone. The trial run will also give you an idea of how long the tan lasts and whether you need to do touch-ups.
Choose the right type of tan
There are different types of tans available, such as airbrush tans, self-tanners, and spray tans. Airbrush tans are applied by a technician and provide a natural-looking glow. Self-tanners can be a good option if you want more control over the shade, allowing you to gradually build up the colour. Spray tans, on the other hand, can be done professionally or using a machine, but they carry a higher risk of streaks and an unnatural orange hue.
Avoid tanning beds and excessive sun exposure
Tanning beds and excessive sun exposure before your wedding should be avoided. Tanning beds can often result in uneven tan lines and increase the risk of skin damage and premature ageing. Instead, opt for a spray tan or self-tanner to achieve a safe and controlled glow. Additionally, continue to protect your skin with sunscreen, even after getting a spray tan.
Consider your dress style and colour
The style and colour of your wedding dress should be considered when deciding on a fake tan. If your dress is strapless or has spaghetti straps, an airbrush tan can help to minimize the appearance of tan lines. If your dress is backless, be sure to use a tanning mitt or brush to reach those areas. Additionally, if your dress is white, off-white, or cream, a subtle tan or even skipping the tan altogether might be more flattering.
In conclusion, a fake tan can be a beautiful way to enhance your wedding look, but it's important to plan and test beforehand. By following these tips, you can achieve a flawless glow that highlights your wedding dress and makes your makeup pop on your special day.
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Avoid tanning machines, they can miss areas and look streaky
If you're considering a spray tan before trying on wedding dresses, it's important to do your research and decide what's best for you. While some people prefer to embrace their natural skin tone, others may want to add a bit of colour to highlight their gown and brighten their eyes. If you're thinking of getting a spray tan, it's recommended to opt for a professional technician over a tanning machine.
Tanning machines tend to be less reliable and can often miss areas, resulting in an uneven tan. They may also leave you with streaks, especially on areas like your elbows and hands. To avoid these issues, it's best to avoid tanning machines altogether.
Airbrush spray tans, on the other hand, are applied by a technician and can provide a full-body, even tan. This option is ideal if you want to ensure that all areas are covered, reducing the risk of missed spots or streaks. A professional technician will be able to help you achieve the desired colour and ensure an even application.
If you decide to go for a spray tan, it's important to do a trial run beforehand to ensure you're happy with the results. This will also allow you to test how the tan looks against your wedding dress. It's recommended to start testing colours a few months before the wedding and to time your trial with a dress fitting. That way, you can see how the tan complements your dress and make any necessary adjustments.
Additionally, prepping your skin is crucial for achieving a flawless tan. Exfoliating your skin before the tan application will create an even surface, resulting in an even tan that fades evenly like a natural tan. Following the necessary preparation steps will help ensure a smooth and streak-free tan that enhances your glow on your special day.
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Prep your skin by shaving/waxing and exfoliating for an even tan
Shaving, waxing, and exfoliating are all important steps to take before getting a spray tan to ensure that your skin is prepped for an even tan.
Firstly, it is recommended to shave or wax at least 24 hours before your spray tan appointment. This is because shaving and waxing can leave a film on the skin, which can make it difficult for the spray tan solution to adhere properly, resulting in an uneven tan. If you wait at least 24 hours, it gives your skin time to recover and your pores time to close, ensuring a smooth surface for the spray tan solution to adhere to. It is also important to note that shaving too soon after a spray tan can also affect the longevity of your tan, as it may remove the top layer of colour along with the hair, causing the tan to fade faster.
When it comes to shaving, it is recommended to use a new razor and to shave gently, as shaving can also exfoliate the skin. An oil-free moisturising body wash is preferable to traditional shaving cream, as most shaving creams contain alcohol and heavy detergents that can strip your tan.
Exfoliating before a spray tan is crucial as it creates an even skin surface for the tan to be applied uniformly. This results in an even final colour that fades evenly, like a natural tan. It is best to exfoliate gently, as overexfoliating can cause skin irritation, little scratches, and excessive dryness, which can result in an uneven tan. The ideal time to exfoliate is one day before your spray tan appointment, and it is recommended to use a non-oil-based scrub.
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Avoid tanning if wearing white, off-white, cream, etc
If you're trying on wedding dresses, it's best to skip the tan if the dress is white, off-white, cream, or any other light shade. Light-coloured wedding gowns are usually so pale that they give the wearer a glow, regardless of their skin tone. Plus, if you look at any designer gowns in advertising, the models are typically pale.
If you want to wear a tan with your wedding dress, it's recommended to opt for a subtle spray tan. A spray tan can help to warm up your skin tone and highlight the neckline of your dress. It can also even out your skin tone, brighten your eyes, and make your bridal makeup pop.
If you decide to get a spray tan, it's best to have it done by a professional technician rather than using a machine. A trained technician will be able to ensure that your tan is not overdone and help you achieve a streak-free, natural-looking glow. It's also a good idea to do a trial run a month or two before your wedding to ensure you like the results and that the colour complements your dress.
If you're wearing a strapless or backless dress, it's especially important to be cautious with tanning. Tan lines can be challenging to cover up and can be very noticeable in photographs. If you do choose to tan, consider using an airbrush tan or a tinted body lotion or cosmetic bronzer on the areas of skin that will be exposed.
Ultimately, the decision to tan or not to tan is a personal one. Some people may feel more confident with a tan, while others may prefer to embrace their natural skin tone. The most important thing is to feel comfortable and beautiful on your wedding day.
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Do a trial run a few months before the wedding
Doing a trial run a few months before the wedding is a must. This will give you time to test out colours and see how you feel about the results. It's important to remember that a wedding spray tan is not the same as a vacation tan—a pretty, subtle glow is the goal here. You don't want to go too dark and risk the tan not complementing your dress.
If you're a tanning novice, it's best to book a professional spray tan for your trial. This way, you can ensure it's not overdone and that you get an even, all-over glow. Airbrush tans are also a good option, as they can cover your whole body and are just surface makeup, so there are no risks associated with tanning beds. If you decide to go the DIY route, there are plenty of self-tanning products that can help you achieve a flawless glow at home. Just be sure to prep your skin by shaving or waxing at least 24 hours before and exfoliating with a dry brush, scrub, or acid.
Doing a trial will also help you avoid any tanning disasters on your wedding day. Streaks, orange hues, and staining on your gown are all potential risks of tanning. By doing a trial, you can figure out the right formula and technique for you and ensure that your tan looks natural and complements your dress.
It's also a good idea to time your trial with a wedding dress fitting. This will allow you to see how the tan looks against your dress and decide if you need to go lighter or darker. Just be sure to get your tan a few days before the fitting, so the colour has had a chance to settle and fade.
Remember, the most important thing is to feel confident and like yourself on your wedding day. So, whether you decide to tan or not, make sure it's a decision that makes you happy.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can wear fake tan to try on wedding dresses. However, it is recommended to do a trial run of your tan a month or two before your fitting, so you can see if your colouring looks right against your dress.
It is recommended to get a professional spray tan rather than using a machine. Airbrush tans are also a good option as they are surface makeup with none of the risks associated with tanning beds.
To avoid staining, get your tan a few days before your fitting so the colour has a chance to settle and fade. This will also give you time to touch up with an at-home self-tanner.
A fake tan can highlight your gown, even out your skin tone, brighten your eyes and make your makeup pop. It is also a safer option than spending hours in the sun, which can lead to sunburn, skin damage and premature ageing.
Common mistakes include going too dark for your natural skin tone, not prepping your skin properly, and getting a spray tan too close to your wedding day, which can lead to staining.










































