As a business owner and masters certified spray tan professional living in Riviera Maya, Mexico; I receive hundreds of emails, text messages or phone calls from future brides, wedding planners, event coordinators and travel agents inquiring on spray tan services for an upcoming wedding.

So I wanted to put my thoughts to “paper” and share with you some tips to ensure a flawless tan for your upcoming wedding or special event celebration.

Do Your Research

Find a reputable and certified spray tan technician/professional by asking for referrals or searching online. Read reviews, spend time learning about the business owner and the brand by reviewing websites and/or social media. Read Yelp and/or Google reviews to understand other client’s experiences. Don’t get caught up in the number of reviews, more doesn’t mean better!

Wherever or whomever you choose, be sure to speak with the spray tan professional before booking your appointment. Whether it be an email, phone call or text don’t be shy.. ask questions, share any events leading up to the wedding and be sure to talk about your specific needs.

It is your wedding day and you have put a lot of planning into your big day from venue, photographer, dress, bridal party apparel, hair and MUA just to name a few. Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your spray tan appointment. I strongly recommend you schedule your appointment at least 1-2 months in advance.

Schedule a Trial

There is as much science behind a spray tan as there is art and not all bodies take to a spray tan solution the exact same way. If possible, try to have a trial at least one month before the wedding. This will give enough time to make any needed adjustments.

Prepping for your appointment is very important. Ask for prep and post care instructions if they aren’t provided to you or available on the providers website. Treat your spray tan like an investment. It is an investment in YOU!

Keep in mind, things such as hormones, medications can negatively impact your tan and it’s longevity. Share this information with your spray tan professional.

Take pictures for a few days following your spray tan wearing a color similar to your dress, this will give you a sense of what day you like your color best. Color can change daily..

With any type of consulting with my brides I guide them to lean more conservative with their wedding day glow going for a lighter, sun-kissed natural glow over a deep tan. They will thank me in 5 years when they are looking at their wedding pictures and happy they didn’t look they like were on their honeymoon in the Caribbean before their wedding day!

48 Hours Before Wedding Day

It’s spray tan day!!! By now you should have completed all waxing, mani and pedi appointments. Remember to follow all prep care instructions provided by your spray tan technician. Proper before and after care is essential in ensuring your tan is flawless. Just like an artist needs to work with a clean and prepared canvas, a spray tan professional needs the same.

If you shower the day of your appointment, it is best to shower in cool water to prevent your pores from opening. Open pores may result in speckled dots most notable on legs. Use a sunless safe soap or body wash and an oil free exfoliator. NO DOVE PRODUCTS before or after your tan. These products are harsh and may strip your tan, resulting in a not so flawless tan.

Leading Up to Your Wedding Day + Honeymoon

You are rocking your gorgeous glow and your confidence is on fire! You are now in “protection” mode. Avoid saunas, excessive swimming and exercise and clothing friction. Use baby powder under your arms to avoid any underarm rubbing. Most important….keep your skin hydrated and moisturized with a quality moisturizer. Stay away from products with fragrances and high alcohol content.

My favorite words of advice, “for every margarita you drink have a bottle of water”.

Now the rest is easy, hold your pretty little head up high, smile and walk down that aisle glowing from head to toe!!!

Gone are the days of having to get your spray tan before vacation and then being unhappy when it starts to fade right in the middle of your holiday. The spray tanning business is booming across the globe; naturally in some places at a faster rate than others. Many vacation destinations now have spray tanning businesses available; either in a store-front location or via a luxury mobile service. Nothing calls out luxury more than you getting a tan in 20 minutes without leaving the comfort of your destination home or hotel room. Use Yelp, Google, Facebook, Instagram or whatever your preferred search method is and hopefully you will find a couple spray tanning companies to contact. Here are some quick guidelines on what to look for when selecting a spray tanning service provider while away from home.

Ensure the technician is trained and certified. Currently there aren't any certification requirements in the sunless tanning industry, so you want to be sure the technician has not only mastered technique but also understands the science behind sunless.
The service provider doesn't just have one solution color for all skin tones There is no such thing as one skin tone type. Truthfully, only carrying one solution for all skin tones is less expensive for the business owner but not necessarily the ultimate option for the client.
Be health conscious! You may be getting a spray tan to avoid the harmful effects of the sun or because a tan boosts your confidence level through the roof. Whatever the reason, inquire on the ingredients. Be sure that the solution uses premium and naturally derived ingredients. Pay attention to what is going onto your body.
Be comfortable with possible language barriers. You want to able to communicate with your technician; both to understand and to be understood. Sharing information such as your desired color and/or prior spray tanning experiences and being able to understand any guidance or instructions the technician provides to you are equally important to ensuring you receive the ultimate flawless tan.
Communicate with the service provider before your vacation or early into it. During busy vacation months and around holidays you will want to schedule your appointment as early as possible. Don't wait until the last minute!!

Now kick-back, relax + enjoy your vacation!