Self tanner vs spray tan vs tanning bed vs stay pale......

NO TANNING BEDS. NO NO NO.

Okay now for a real answer - I've had a spray tan before. I liked it, but I did sweat it off on my bridesmaid's dress (I didn't get one for my wedding). I had it done on Wednesday, and the wedding was on Saturday, and it still kind of came off even though I followed all the instructions, so I wasn't thrilled about that and didn't want to risk it for my actual wedding.

Personally, pale is beautiful. Embrace it! If you're self-conscious, sometimes I just use some Jergens on my legs and arms for a pinch of a glow.

I've used spray tan a couple times (both for weddings). The kind where you stand in a booth that sprays you. The experiences I've had were good. I did prior test runs to make sure I liked it (before the actual weddings), and the colour was not orangy, or overly saturated; and it did not bleed/rub-off. More than anything, whatever you decide to do, I suggest doing trial runs. Every product will be different, and will work differently for different skin types

@missy, I'm 11 days out, do I have time for a trial run? Lol

I did spray tan (do for all big events that include lots of pictures). I love the VersaSpa machine. Super even, no orange. I did it Wednesday, wedding on Saturday. Was perfect shade.

@carebear did you have any rub or sweat off?

I get airbrush tans. They are way better than anything else.

Just to clarify, the spray tan I received was an airbrush tan sprayed on by a technician, not a booth.

I still sweat it off.

I got an organic spray tan by a real person two days before my hair and make up trial and the color was great. I plan on getting the same tan the Thursday before my Saturday wedding. I'm not sure if you have enough time for a trial - because my color lasted about 10 days and it was still there in some spots for 2 weeks after (not visible spots). When I went in and she asked me what color I wanted to be I said that I'm very pale and I'm just looking to not match my white dress, and I got a very light overall color and I think it looked great.

I like spray tans- by a technician, not a machine- before I go on holiday somewhere sunny/beachy because then I do not feel any pressure to tan while there. If you're going to get a spray tan, do not wear deodorant/perfumes/lotions the day of and also EXFOLIATE like a machine before you go!

For life in general though, my vote is for staying pale. Be proud of your natural skin tone, whatever it is. It's rare imo that genetics have combined to give you one that is naturally completely unflattering. Plus, you're getting married in late fall/winter, not the middle of summer.

@missy you can go today and get one and it'll prob be gone in a week but for a wedding I'd book a professional.

As for tanning beds. I've always used them since I was 16 but they are bad of course. I've really worked on minimizing how often I use them. So I do maybe once or twice every couple months. I'm extremely self conscious of being pale. So I just like a little bit to take the edge off of my normal Casper look. But I tan easily so it doesn't take much.

Might I also just add, I do think this doritos-colored - tan thing is on its way out. Your own natural skin tone is timeless!

My friend sweat her spray tan off on her white bikini during her bachelorette party. I wouldn't risk it in a wedding dress!

I know people are very anti tanning beds and this will be an unpopular opinion, but I'd go with a few tanning sessions in a bronzing bed. However, only do this if you aren't prone to burning! I'd rather be pale than burnt or orange on my wedding day.

I prefer to self tan! I use Fake Bake flawless and it is amazing! It comes with a mitt that you use to apply with a flawless finish. I apply it at night and shower the next morning. The color guard could be a little intimidating, but it helps show where you applied it and that muddy look rinses off. If you don't want a full on self tanner, I would suggest a gradual self tanner. My favorite is Jergens Natural Glow 3 day express. I apply it once or twice and it gives me a nice glow. If you are uncomfortable applying self tanner yourself, I suggest going to a technician who is experienced in airbrush tanning. I have never had any problem with sweating/rubbing off self tanner after I have showered and rinsed off the color guard.

#TeamGothForLife

I say stay pale- but I"m partial- because- well- I am a little gothling- I much prefer being pale- all my make up/lipstick and style choices revolve around my paleness- when I get tan it really throws me for a loop.

Tanning beds are SO BAD.

Why the hell anyone would want to increase their risk of deadly skin cancer when they can 1,000% prevent it is seriously beyond me.

I am using the tanning bed for my wedding because I don't want to take the risk of the spray tan or self tan rubbing off on anyone or anything

Not trying to promote tanning beds, this is just what I'm doing and why I'm doing it

All for the natural skin tone! There was a time when pale skin was preferred because tan was low class. Don't know why things changed, I love my dewy porcelain skin. I just stay moisturized and hydrated to keep my complexion even.

Ok, totally following this. I have crazy farmer's tan currently and with a strapless dress, I feel I am going to look rediculous.

No for tanning beds! I'm 25 and just had to have my leg excised because they found melanoma! I was a huge tanning bed user in my late teen years. It's not worth it! I currently have 15 stitches in my leg and they may have to take more. It's not pretty. Spray tan all the way.