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K
Devoted August 2019

Tanning Before the Big Day?

Kelsie, on July 29, 2019 at 4:33 PM Posted in Hair and Makeup 0 11

I haven't really had a lot of time to naturally tan, and I'm going to try to between now and the wedding but I only have an apartment pool and can't avoid a tan line on my back or find a suit that wouldn't give me tan lines elsewhere that are in the way. I have a v-neck front and a lower back line on my dress.

I've considered going to the tanning bed some over the last few weeks that are now left, but I'm not sure yet. I've never tanned in a tanning bed, and I know a million people are going to jump on here about how bad tanning beds are, but I would appreciate suggestions from those who do use tanning beds. This is not my top choice, but I would love to get opinions/tips on it before actually considering it.

I also have a self-tanner that I use sometimes at home. I am definitely going to try to start applying that soon to start getting a base. I am mainly considering getting a spray tan before the wedding, but I'm terrified of it rubbing all off in my dress - I would really hate to stain it. My wedding is in August, somewhat outdoors so I would really love some opinions/tips on spray tanning. I've gotten a couple of booth spray tans here and there and they did kind of seem to rub off on clothes when it's hot, but I wasn't wearing white either so I didn't really notice 100%.

11 Comments

Latest activity by Kelsie, on August 16, 2019 at 8:17 AM
  • Caytlyn
    Legend November 2019
    Caytlyn ·
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    Spray tan all the way. Go to an individual that sprays you instead of a machine. It will be much more even and they're less likely to miss spots. I would recommend doing a trial run now to see how you like it. In my experience, they typically don't rub off after 8ish hours and your first shower. If you're really worried about it, wear light clothes, sweat, do normal daily activities and see if it rubs off. If you do decide to keep up with the spray tanning for your wedding, I would do it 2 days or so before the event.

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  • A
    Expert January 2020
    Abby ·
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    I hate spray tans but that’s just my personal opinion. I just have never felt right after them and it rubbed off on my clothes for days after. I’ve heard people have really good experiences I just am done trying. I think I am going to the tanning bed. I want to be just a little darker than I am now.
    Maybe try one session in a tanning bed and see how you feel!!
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  • Kelly
    Super October 2019
    Kelly ·
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    Spray tan. Do a trial run - make sure you don’t breakout or have a reaction. I would go to someone that does it via air brush (I’ve had it done both via air brush & automatic like @ Hollywood tans & the air brush always look better, more even.
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  • M
    Devoted September 2019
    McKenzie ·
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    I personally plan to use a tanning bed 3-4 times before my wedding. I don't tan regularly but feel my best when I have a little bit of a glow and I hate the idea of a spray on tan rubbing off on my wedding day or during the honeymoon.

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  • Diana
    VIP December 2019
    Diana ·
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    Ie been laying out in the sun. But I’m also going to go to the tanning bed as well. Our gym has a stand up tanning bed. I use that one instead of the laying down one.
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  • S
    Beginner October 2019
    Sharon ·
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    I just recently bought a self tanner to test for the wedding and i'm obsessed. It's Loving Tan 2 Hour Express. You should look into it! They have medium and dark color, i got medium and it looks great. It was really easy to apply, and the color looks so natural! Also, if you do end up going this route, they ALWAYS have coupons around the internet, especially for the applicator mitt so def do a quick google search before buying!

    I used to go to tanning beds years ago, and its definitely an option but honestly i feel like this self tanner turned out better (and only took a couple hours total, rather than weeks of going tanning in a bed). My skin would always be really dry and irritated when i used a tanning bed, but I do tend to have more sensitive skin so it could work better for you.

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  • S
    Dedicated October 2019
    Stephanie ·
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    I'm in the same situation and I was recommended to get a professional airbrush tan. Having a person spray you instead of the machine, it's more percise. I'm to pale to use the tanning bed in the short time I have. Plus the obvious bad side effects.
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  • M
    Dedicated October 2021
    Millicent ·
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    Spray tan for sure. And go to someone who'll do it by hand, not one of those awful machines. I know they get a bad rap, but if the spray tans are done properly, they'll make you look really good.


    Make sure you have a trial though. Get the tan 2 days before the wedding, and don't go too dark.

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  • Meagan
    Devoted October 2020
    Meagan ·
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    I am by no means a tanning expert, but I would definitely go with a spray-tan or self-tanner. Since you're concerned about it running, you could always talk with the people who do them and get their opinions on how big a risk you would run of the product staining your dress. There's also this thread (https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/sweating-off-spray-tan/c9af21751b2cfa5e.html) that talks about it as well!

    I would avoid the tanning bed if you can. It's not worth the risk of damaging your skin.

    Best of luck!! I'm sure you will be a gorgeous, glowing bride Smiley shame

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  • Nicole
    Dedicated September 2019
    Nicole ·
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    I had my fitting and the women was like you need to work on your tan lines and I have been debating the same things as you. In college, I used to go to tanning beds to get ready for Formal but I know how horrible they are. But........ What did you end up doing?

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  • K
    Devoted August 2019
    Kelsie ·
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    I didn't end up going to the tanning bed, so I'm just planning on going to get a spray tan a couple days before. I've never had an issue with them (knock on wood) and it's just the only thing I have time for right now.

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