The Secret to a Flawless Wedding Glow

Wedding photos live forever and so do the little choices that shape how you look and feel that day. One of the most powerful (and underrated) moves? A professional spray tan made just for you.

The goal isn’t to look different. It’s to look finished, camera-ready skin that feels healthy, even, and luminous in any light.

In today’s conversation of The Tipsy Guest Podcast with Shawna “The Bridal Bronzer” Jackson of Tans2You, a mobile spray tan studio in Central Texas, we talk all things timing, prep, and undertones. Shawna shares how to create a believable glow that flatters every body and skin tone.

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Prep Is Everything

Getting a great spray tan starts before the solution even touches your skin.

Exfoliate gently but thoroughly. You want color to bind to fresh, smooth skin, not dry patches. Skip deodorant, perfume, and lotion the day of your tan; they can block absorption or cause discoloration.

Think of your skin as a clean canvas. The more even it is, the smoother your final result.

After your appointment and rinse, keep skin hydrated with an unscented moisturizer or cocoa butter. And drink plenty of water, hydrated skin holds color longer, glows brighter, and photographs beautifully.

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Perfect Timing

Timing makes all the difference.

A trial tan three to four weeks before the wedding helps you test the shade, rinse time, and fade pattern. Then, schedule your final tan three to four days before the big day.

This window allows your color to settle naturally and prevents it from rubbing off on your dress. Avoid day-of tanning, even “rapid” solutions need time to develop evenly.

Grooms are getting in on it too, opting for subtle color that makes them look refreshed and polished. The right shade doesn’t scream “tan” — it just looks like great skin.

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Customization Counts

Customization is what separates a believable tan from an obvious one.

Modern formulas use violet or olive undertones to neutralize orange tones. Fair skin looks best with a soft glow, while deeper tones can add dimension and warmth.

A professional knows how to handle tricky spots, wrists, knees, and ankles, and how to blend tan lines for strapless gowns. Booths can’t do that. A skilled artist can.

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Keeping It Dress-Friendly

Every bride worries about the white dress. The good news: with the right prep and patience, you’re safe.

Sweat and friction cause most marks, so plan ahead. Use a gentle rinse and wear breathable fabrics while your tan develops.

If you’re curious about tips like hairspray as a sweat barrier, test it well before the wedding. Clear deodorant and a setting powder are safer bets.

Season matters too. Winter weddings call for soft bronze tones. Summer celebrations can go deeper, especially outdoors.

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Tan Parties and Touch-Ups

Spray tan parties make prep fun! All you need is a small corner and a few friends rotating through quick sessions.

Add-ons like hydration boosters, vitamins, or DHA enhancers extend your glow and keep skin silky.

If you tan often, exfoliate fully between sessions, no layering. A fresh start every time keeps your color even and radiant.

And for moms-to-be, a pH-balanced prep helps ensure smooth, consistent results.

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Episode Sponsor: MBP Photo Booth

MBP Photo Booth, San Antonio and Austin’s leading Photo Booth company since 2015, is proud to sponsor this episode! Whether you’re looking for a fun, interactive experience or a customized photo activation, MBP has you covered. Let’s make your wedding unforgettable!