The good news for happy couples in England and Scotland is that there are no longer any restrictions on the number of guests who can attend a wedding. Finally, celebrations are happening again in the way you really want them to!After many couples faced the heartbreak of canceled ceremonies and celebrations, we’re delighted that the wedding season is back in full swing. This means that every bride wants their big day to be extra-special – and that includes getting a flawless spray tan before the wedding. We’re right here with you, supporting you with your pre-wedding beauty treatments!If you’re a bride who wants a sun-kissed glow on your wedding day – but the thought of streaks, orange skin, or the tan ‘bleeding’ onto your dream dress, fills you with horror – then don’t fear! Our Secret Spa wedding gurus have created a guide to the perfect wedding spray tan to ensure that you glide down the aisle looking as though you just stepped off a beach in St Tropez. You’ll look healthy, energised, and the perfect image of a radiant summer bride!

Prepare your skin before a spray tan

One of our top spray tan tips before a wedding is to spend time prepping your skin ahead of your appointment. Here’s what you need to do to ensure spray tan perfection:

• Exfoliate your skin six hours before your spray tan session. It’s crucial to slough away dead skin to leave it clean and fresh. However, don’t be tempted to exfoliate right before your tan – you need to give your pores time to close for a perfect finish. 

• Use an oil-free exfoliator and choose one that’s organic and designed for sensitive skin to minimise the risk of any skin irritation or redness.

• If you are having any waxing treatments before your wedding, get them ahead of your spray tan. We advise you to leave at least 24 hours between appointments to give the hair follicles time to settle, otherwise you could run the risk of a blotchy tan.

• On the day of your tan, do not apply any make-up, perfumes, or deodorants as these can prevent the tan from developing evenly. Pick a day when you can be completely without any commitments – even better, get your spray tan done at home to make that easier.

• Avoid moisturisers before your spray tan. Moisturising cream acts as a barrier and can stop your tan from developing to its full, rich potential.

When to get a spray tan before the wedding

We advise that you get your wedding spray tan at least two days before the big day. A spray tan is at its best a day or two after the appointment, when it has fully developed. So this is the best time to show off your bronzed body in your wedding dress at peak tan perfection! Of course, white and light dresses make your tan look even more incredible, so this way you’ll capitalise on the look.It’s also advisable to have a ‘trial’ spray tan three or four weeks before the big day. Most brides already book a trial for their wedding hair and make-up, and it makes sense to do the same with a spray tan. During this ‘practice’ session, you can chat with your tanning professional and get the colour exactly right in advance of the actual pre-wedding spray tan. You then have time to make any adjustments before the big day.

Don’t dress to impress!

We’re not talking about the big day itself of course, you’re going to shine as you say your vows. But when you attend a spray tan appointment, wear loose, dark clothing to avoid any marks and lines on your newly bronzed skin. Wear flip-flops or sliders rather than shoes or trainers too.If you’d rather not venture out in old, baggy clothes, then book one of our Secret Spa spray tans in your own home and avoid the hassle of travelling to a tanning salon altogether. You can then dry in the privacy of your own home without the stress of your tan streaking on the way home from the salon.

Post spray tan tips

It’s not just your wedding day that you want to look amazing for. If you’re jetting off on a honeymoon, you’ll want your skin to stay sun-kissed as you hit the beach or sights.With a little post spray tan care, you can keep your glow for longer:

• Keep cool. Hot water will strip away your tan faster than cool water. So to make your spray tan last longer, shower in lukewarm water. Avoid showering for at least six hours after the tan has been sprayed on so you don’t rinse away the colour.

• After your shower, dry yourself carefully by patting your skin with a towel, rather than rubbing vigorously. Your tan is more easily marked when your skin is wet, so adopt a ‘pat don’t rub’ attitude to drying off.

• Don’t work up a sweat! You might be maximising trips to the gym in a bid to look your best at the altar, but we suggest having a break from the gym on the day of your tan. Sweaty skin can cause a streaky tan, so wait until it has fully developed before your next workout.

• Finally, moisturise with an oil-free moisturiser to keep your skin smooth, supple and glowing.

Get the ‘best mobile spray tan in London’

The Evening Standard has hailed our Sienna X spray tan as ‘the best mobile spray tan in London’.  Book your Secret Spa pre-wedding spray tan with confidence and ensure a long-lasting, streak-free, perfectly bronzed finish.  Our tanning professionals arrive with a portable tanning tent, so you don’t have to worry about any mess. After your tan, you can relax in the comfort of your own home as your colour develops. Use the time you’ve saved to chill out and enjoy the run-up to your big day. PS: We love to see photos of our bronzed brides on their wedding day – tag @secretspauk on Instagram and show off your spray tan!