When Should You Get a Spray Tan Before a Wedding, Vacation or Special Event?

Posted on june 29, 2026

When to Schedule Your Spray Tan Before an Event: The Ultimate Timing Guide

You have the dress. The hair appointment is booked. Nails are on the calendar. Now, when should you schedule your spray tan?

For most weddings, vacations, photoshoots, birthdays, and special events, getting your spray tan about 1 to 2 days beforehand is the sweet spot.

This gives your color time to fully develop, complete your first rinse, and settle into a beautiful, natural-looking glow. However, the perfect timing can depend on exactly what you’re getting ready for.

At Designer Lashes in Scottsdale, we use professional SunFX spray tanning solutions and customize your color based on your skin tone, desired depth, and the occasion. Here’s how to time your glow perfectly.

When Should I Get a Spray Tan Before a Wedding?

For brides, we generally recommend scheduling your spray tan about 2 days before the wedding.

Example Schedule: If you’re getting married on Saturday, Thursday is often the ideal day for your spray tan.

This gives your color time to develop and allows you to complete your first rinse well before stepping into your white dress. It also provides breathing room between your tan and the whirlwind of wedding-day hair and makeup appointments.

Brides, Consider a Trial Tan

If you’ve never had a spray tan before, your wedding week is not the time to experiment! Schedule a trial tan several weeks before your wedding, ideally aligned with engagement photos, a bridal shower, or a dress fitting. A trial lets us fine-tune the shade so everyone says, "You look amazing," not, "Nice spray tan."

What About Bridesmaids?

Bridesmaids can follow the same 1 to 2 day timing. Scheduling the bridal party around the same time creates a cohesive look in group photos, though each person's formula will still be customized to their natural skin tone.

When Should I Get a Spray Tan Before Vacation?

For most trips, we recommend getting sprayed 1 to 2 days before you leave. This allows your tan to fully develop and lets you complete your initial rinse at home rather than in a hotel room.

• Flying? Having your first rinse completed before heading to the airport is essential. Travel days involve tight clothing, long periods of sitting, luggage, and sweating—all things you want to avoid during the development window.
• Going somewhere tropical? Pools, salt water, hot tubs, and frequent towel drying can make a tan fade faster. Getting sprayed right before your trip ensures you start with your freshest color. (And don't forget your SPF—a spray tan provides zero sun protection!)

When Should I Get a Spray Tan Before a Bachelorette Party?

Planning a Scottsdale bachelorette weekend? For maximum impact, 1 to 2 days before the festivities begin is ideal.

If the group arrives Friday and main events start that evening, a Wednesday or Thursday appointment works beautifully. Your tan will be fully settled before the pool parties, dinners, matching outfits, and thousands of photos begin.

When Should I Get a Spray Tan Before a Photoshoot?

For professional photos, schedule your spray tan 1 to 2 days beforehand. This keeps the color fresh while giving the shade time to even out.

For high-stakes shoots (maternity, branding, or engagement photos), a trial tan is highly recommended. You may also want to check with your photographer, as lighting and editing styles can affect how warm tones translate on camera.

When Should I Get a Spray Tan Before a Birthday or Night Out?

For birthdays, galas, reunions, or date nights, the 1 to 2 day window remains the gold standard.

If you opt for a rapid spray tan, you can rinse in just a few hours—making it easy to fit into a busy day. Just remember that rapid doesn't mean instantaneous color; your tan will continue to develop over 24 hours after that first shower.

Should I Get a Spray Tan the Same Day as My Event?

Whenever possible, no.

Getting sprayed the same day creates unnecessary stress. Juggling rinse times with hair, makeup, getting dressed, and travel risks ruining the tan before it even has a chance to set. Give your tan room to breathe so you have one less thing to worry about on event day.

How to Order Your Beauty Appointments

Think of your spray tan as one of the final steps in your beauty timeline. Complete any services that involve water, exfoliation, oils, adhesives, or rubbing before your tan.

Schedule BEFORE your spray tan:

• Waxing & shaving
• Facials & massages
• Manicures & pedicures
• Body treatments & exfoliation

Pro Tip: If you must get your nails done after your tan, ask the technician to skip heavy scrubs, lotions, and soaking on your hands, arms, feet, and legs.

How to Prep for Your Event Spray Tan

1. 24 Hours Before: Exfoliate thoroughly and finish all shaving or waxing.
2. Day of Appointment: Arrive with clean, dry skin. Avoid body lotion, oils, deodorant, makeup, or perfume.
3. What to Wear: Put on loose, dark clothing and loose sandals right after your session.
4. Keep it Simple: Avoid trying new or aggressive skincare products right before an important event.

What If You've Never Had a Spray Tan Before?

Don't be intimidated! You don't need to know which depth or formula you need before walking through the door.

Just tell us what you’re wearing, the nature of your event, and how bronzed you want to be. We'll customize your SunFX formula to complement your features perfectly.

Planning an Event in Scottsdale?

At Designer Lashes in Scottsdale, our SunFX spray tans are tailored to your unique skin tone and event goals, complete with rapid rinse options for tight schedules.

If you’re tanning for a special occasion, let us know when you book so we can help lock in the absolute best timing.

Wedding, vacation, birthday, or just because? Book your SunFX spray tan at Designer Lashes in Scottsdale today and get your glow on the calendar!