Natural tanning in the sun has only one advantage: it's cheap. The disadvantages far outweigh that, and as an Esthetician I do not recommend tanning, but knowing that many women enjoy it, I wanted to offer you a safer way to tan in the sun.

When tanning you need to be aware of a few things. First, the amount of time you spend outside; it is so easy to burn! Start off slowly: 15 minutes a day for a week, then add 2 minutes every 3 days. Second, keeping your skin cool with a spritz of water every few minutes will help stop the heat-burn you can get from direct sunlight.

Third and most important, use a proper sunscreen that contains at least one of the following ingredients: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or avobenzone; these actually block 80% to 90% of UVA radiation. This whole process should begin at least one month before your nuptials.

But who has time for all of that? I suggest self-tanning, which has come a long way from the "QT" of our youth. There are tons of brands out there that offer similar results. If you prefer a department store brand, go to the different counters and ask for a sample. Try these in the same area -- your stomach is a great and discreet place -- to see which color is best for you.

The key to self-tanning is to exfoliate, which you should do before every application of tanner. Be sure to scrub your knees and elbows. Also, in those areas where the skin is thicker, apply lotion first and then an even coat of tanner to these hard-to-blend areas.

There are new products on the market that offer an instant tan, and are quite impressive. They last as long as a traditional self-tanner, but give you instant color, and allow you to see exactly where you are applying the cream. But again, you must shop around to see what brand works for you. Some may make you look dirty, others even have a purple tint that might make you end up looking like Violet from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory! When self tanning, a trial run 2 months before your wedding date is suggested; then reapply two days before your wedding.

Tanning beds are still very popular, especially to achieve a "base tan" before going on a tropical honeymoon. There are even new beds that guarantee you will not burn. I do not recommend certain products that cause a "tingle" and allow you to get a darker tan in a shorter amount of time. You should only go for four sessions at the most, to avoid that just-out-of-the-oven look that was ever so popular in the 80's.

Whatever choice you make, please do it wisely, do not abuse your skin, and be mindful of strap marks and if they will show or not with your wedding dress.