If you're wondering when to fake tan before your wedding, the short answer is two to three days before the big day. This gives your tan time to fully develop, allows the guide colour to wash away and reduces the chance of transfer onto your wedding dress. However, every product is different and so it's important to plan and trial in advance.
Whether you're the bride, a bridesmaid or part of the wedding party, planning your fake tan properly is just as important as choosing the right product. From booking your trial to coordinating your wedding makeup appointment and protecting your dress, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Should you get a fake tan for your wedding?
There's no right or wrong answer. Some brides love having a subtle glow on their wedding day, while others feel most confident embracing their natural skin tone.
If you do decide to wear fake tan, aim for a shade that enhances your complexion rather than dramatically changing it. Wedding photographs should still look like you, just with a healthy, even glow.
The same advice applies to bridesmaids and wedding guests. Everyone's skin tone is different, so there's no need for the whole bridal party to have identical tans.
Planning tip: If you're unsure, ask your spray tan technician which shade they would recommend for your skin tone and wedding season.
Trial your wedding fake tan well before the big day
One of the biggest mistakes people make is leaving their fake tan until the week of the wedding.
Instead, plan at least one trial several months beforehand. This gives you time to find a product or salon you trust, decide on your preferred shade and work out exactly when your tan looks its best.
Many brides use their hen party as the perfect opportunity to trial their wedding fake tan. You'll be dressing up, taking photographs and celebrating with friends, making it an ideal chance to see how your tan performs over several days.
During your trial, make a note of:
- How the colour develops after your first shower.
- Whether the shade looks natural in daylight and photographs.
- How long the tan lasts before it begins to fade.
- Whether it fades evenly or becomes patchy.
- If it transfers onto clothing or bedding.
- Whether you would prefer a lighter or darker shade.
Your trial should also help you decide exactly when to have your wedding tan. You may find your tan looks its best 48 hours after application, while another product might peak after three days.
Coordinate your fake tan with your makeup trial
If you're having your makeup professionally done, try to arrange your makeup trial while you're wearing your trial fake tan.
Your foundation, bronzer and contour should be matched to the skin tone you'll have on your wedding day. Completing both trials together allows your makeup artist to create the most accurate look and avoids surprises when your wedding day tan is a different shade from your makeup trial.
If you're doing your own makeup, this is also a good opportunity to check whether your foundation, concealer and powder still match your skin once you've applied fake tan.
Planning tip: Booking your spray tan trial before your hen party and your makeup trial means you'll learn exactly when your tan looks best, how it photographs and how your makeup works with your tanned complexion.
When should you fake tan before your wedding?
After completing your trial, you'll know exactly when your chosen tan reaches its best colour.
For most brides, the ideal time is two to three days before the wedding.
Here's a simple wedding fake tan timeline.
One week before
- Gently exfoliate every couple of days to remove dry skin.
- Moisturise daily to create an even base.
- Finish waxing at least 48 hours before tanning.
- Shave at least 24 hours before applying fake tan.
- Avoid testing any new products.
Two to three days before
- Attend your spray tan appointment or apply your self tan.
- Wear loose, dark clothing while the tan develops.
- Avoid heavy exercise until you've showered off the guide colour.
One day before
- Shower according to your tanning product's instructions.
- Moisturise to help maintain an even finish.
- Check your hands, feet, elbows and ankles for any areas that need blending.
Wedding morning
- Avoid applying instant or wash-off tan.
- Let skincare, deodorant and perfume dry completely before getting dressed.
- Apply body shimmer sparingly once you're dressed if you choose to wear it.
Can you wear fake tan wedding dress shopping?
This is one of the most common questions brides ask.
The answer is yes, but avoid wearing a fresh spray tan or any guide colour when trying on wedding dresses.
Bridal boutiques work hard to keep sample dresses in excellent condition and fresh fake tan can transfer onto delicate fabrics.
If you're visiting a bridal boutique:
- Make sure your tan has fully developed and the guide colour has been washed off.
- Avoid booking appointments within 24 hours of a spray tan.
- Wear loose, dark clothing to your appointment.
- Let your bridal stylist know if you're wearing fake tan.
It's a small courtesy that helps protect the dresses for future brides.
How do you stop fake tan transferring onto your wedding dress?
Many brides worry about fake tan marking their wedding dress.
While today's formulas are far more transfer-resistant than older products, careful preparation still makes a difference.
To reduce the risk:
- Have your fake tan two to three days before the wedding.
- Shower thoroughly to remove all guide colour.
- Moisturise regularly in the days before your wedding.
- Avoid heavy body oils immediately before getting dressed.
- Wear a button-up shirt or bridal robe while getting ready.
- Allow deodorant and perfume to dry completely.
- Ask someone to help you into your dress to reduce unnecessary rubbing.
If your dress has a high neckline or long sleeves, take extra care when applying tan around your neck, shoulders and wrists to create an even finish.
Should bridesmaids have matching fake tans?
Every member of your bridal party will have a different skin tone, so what looks natural on one person may appear much darker on someone else.
If your bridesmaids are having professional spray tans together, discuss the overall look you're aiming for, but allow everyone to choose a shade that complements their own complexion.
The most important thing is that everyone feels confident and comfortable.
Spray tan or self tan for a wedding?
Both can produce beautiful results.
Spray tan
A professional spray tan is ideal if you've never fake tanned before or want expert advice on choosing the right shade.
Pros
- Professional application
- Even coverage
- Personalised colour advice
- Great for beginners
Self tan
If you already have a favourite self tanning product and know how it develops on your skin, there's no reason not to use it.
Pros
- More affordable
- Convenient to apply at home
- Easy to top up before your honeymoon
Whichever option you choose, don't experiment with a brand you've never tried during your wedding week, start patch testing and trailing tans at least a few months in advance of your day.
What should you look for in the best fake tan for your wedding day?
The best fake tan for a wedding should:
- Develop into a natural-looking colour.
- Be transfer-resistant once fully developed.
- Fade evenly.
- Suit your skin tone.
- Be comfortable to wear all day.
If you're booking a professional spray tan, ask your technician which solution they recommend for weddings and whether they suggest a trial appointment first.
Common wedding fake tan mistakes to avoid
Avoid these common mistakes to help your tan look its best.
- Trying fake tan for the first time during wedding week.
- Applying fake tan the night before your wedding.
- Skipping exfoliation and moisturising.
- Waxing or shaving immediately before tanning.
- Wearing tight clothing while your tan develops.
- Using instant or wash-off tan on your wedding day.
- Forgetting to match your foundation to your tanned skin.
Good preparation will always give you a more natural-looking result.
Final thoughts
A successful wedding fake tan is all about planning ahead.
Trial your tan months before the wedding, use your hen party as a real-world test, coordinate your fake tan with your makeup trial and work out exactly when your skin looks its best. By the time your wedding week arrives, you'll already know your ideal shade, your perfect timing and your beauty routine.
Still ticking off your wedding checklist? Explore our Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide for expert advice on creating your wedding timeline, booking suppliers, planning your bridal beauty schedule and preparing for your big day.