What does everyone think of a tattooed bride?

s-aries8990 · November 2012

Just as PP's said- so long as the visible tattoo is in good taste (no vulgar or offensive images or script), it's up to the bride. The tattoo is a part of who she is and she shouldn't have to hide it to appease her loved-ones.

I think that more feminine tattoos are much prettier (flowers, scrolling, "feminine" colors, etc) and would work in better on a wedding day than "harsher" images (hard lines, bold script, right angles, lots of black/dark colors), but that is a completely personal preference from a girly-girl without any tattoos yet.

Just make sure your ceremony venue is good without it being covered!

[Deleted User] · November 2012

If it's no ones business but yours. As one pp said, as long as it's not vulgar, I don't mind it. I don't have any myself by one of my bridesmaid has several that were visiable with the dresses the girls picked out. I had no issues with them showing because they are a part of who she is and I love her.

If it's something you really want, get it before your wedding. But here is a question for you to think about. Are you worried about people judging you because it's showing, because of what you are getting, or are you worried you are going to regret having it showing in your pictures? Or are you having second thoughts on getting it & the wedding is a good reason to put it off or not do it?

thurmanpowell · November 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_what-does-everyone-think-of-a-tattooed-bride?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:973e7005-7d52-4133-9223-01a73eb4202dPost:7ded6222-1647-4e93-be45-eeafd978f510">Re: What does everyone think of a tattooed bride?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: What does everyone think of a tattooed bride? : People actually said that??? Funny, because my sister that wears glasses always looks ADORABLE, and she took them off being in our brother's wedding, and my wedding. I asked her why and she said she just gets paranoid about the glare in pictures but I still thought it was super weird. And no one has ever said anything to her about it. She wears them all the time.
Posted by cwaggoner07[/QUOTE]

Glare in pictures is a legitimate concern. My FI wears glasses 90 percent of the time and isn't wearing them for the wedding do to well documented glare from his glasses.

renegade gaucho · November 2012

LOL @ Kristin! How did you come up with the 20% threshold? And how would the bride and groom know what percentage of their guests have tattoos? Some people keep their ink covered all the time and don't tell others about it. Should OP ask guests to indicate how many tattoos they have on the RSVP card, right next to their meal choice?

OP, unless you're getting married in a church with a policy against visible tattoos, don't worry about it. Especially among younger generations, tattoos have become so common that I don't think anyone would really even notice. Even I have a tattoo, and I'm completely uncool.

Tandksmommy · November 2012

It's your body, and if it means something to you- go for it! The only thing that kind of bugs me is when a tattoo gets cut off by a dress...and maybe only certain ones. My cousin has a shark on her back, and you could only see part of the fin so it just looked kind of stupid.

I have a big tattoo on the middle of my back. It's flowers and my grandmothers initials, so it has very personal meaning since she passed last year. It will most definitely be out for my wedding.

My sister actually told me that I need to cover it for her wedding. Kinda hurt because she has a very similar tatoo but hers won't be visible.

s-aries8990 · November 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_what-does-everyone-think-of-a-tattooed-bride?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:973e7005-7d52-4133-9223-01a73eb4202dPost:a4172450-9d47-493c-bc58-0a3865b4ab43">Re: What does everyone think of a tattooed bride?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: What does everyone think of a tattooed bride? : Tattoos aren't really the sort of thing you coordinate with a certain outfit.
Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]

I know, I know, I know- but you can coordinate them with a wardrobe! ;)

mandi195 · November 2012

I have two half-sleeves, and at least a dozen other tattoos on top of that. I have zero intention of hiding any of them for my wedding; and I'm getting married in a Catholic church (which is one of the few places I would anticipate being potentially asked to cover them). This is my skin, and I'd never cover it to appease someone else.

Simply Fated · November 2012

In Response to Re:What does everyone think of a tattooed bride?:[QUOTE]In Response to Re: What does everyone think of a tattooed bride?:In Response to Re: Glare in pictures is a legitimate concern. My FI wears glasses 90 percent of the time and isn't wearing them for the wedding do to well documented glare from his glasses.nbsp; Posted by thurmanpowell[/QUOTE]

I haven't had a problem with glare, yet.

LiLe422 · November 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_what-does-everyone-think-of-a-tattooed-bride?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:973e7005-7d52-4133-9223-01a73eb4202dPost:53b5edab-faf0-47d5-8a5c-985e05bcaca6">Re: What does everyone think of a tattooed bride?</a>:
[QUOTE]LOL @ Kristin! How did you come up with the 20% threshold? And how would the bride and groom know what percentage of their guests have tattoos? Some people keep their ink covered all the time and don't tell others about it. Should OP ask guests to indicate how many tattoos they have on the RSVP card, right next to their meal choice? OP, unless you're getting married in a church with a policy against visible tattoos, don't worry about it. Especially among younger generations, tattoos have become so common that I don't think anyone would really even notice. Even I have a tattoo, and I'm completely uncool.
Posted by renegade gaucho[/QUOTE]

YES! Didn't you?

For real though, I think it is silly to cover your tats. I mean, they are a part of you so why hide them. Schit, I'm trying to get my shoulder tat finished before the wedding. (Not that its unfinished, but it's just 3 small stars on my shoulder and I want to extend it back to my shoulder blade.)

Peledreamsofrain · November 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_what-does-everyone-think-of-a-tattooed-bride?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:973e7005-7d52-4133-9223-01a73eb4202dPost:09d48564-c318-49dc-b7c8-4b603e3ca3d1">Re: What does everyone think of a tattooed bride?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: What does everyone think of a tattooed bride? : True story, my dad is big about getting jewelry for the women in his life, so my stepmom actually pierced her ears more when they got married so he'd have more places to get her diamonds. My dad is a big stiff about tattoos, piercings, and odd hair, but he thinks girls with piercings all they way up their ears look cool.
Posted by Harry87[/QUOTE]

Ok, your dad is officially awesome and your mother is a lucky lady :).

And as a funny side-note about the whole 'tattoos showing on brides' issue, I have a fun story about my own wedding.

As I mentioned before, I have huge wings. Most people in the family know about it, and they showed above my dress, so everyone could see them. What I didn't realize is that our officiant has never seen them and had no idea they were there (really I didn't even think about it).

During the ceremony, he was talking about marriage and love, and mentioned that "you can't expect your husband to always have a halo above his head, or your wife to have a pair of angel wings." The entire audience started to laugh because I DID. My photographer got a good picture of me smirking at my husband :P. The officiant just looked confused about how well his witty speech was going.

After the ceremony, everyone came up to him and congratulated him for how witty he was to incorporate wings, and he had NO idea what people were talking about. Apparently he had quite a laugh when it was explained to him, and he saw me from the back at the reception dinner. Good times!

arco13 · November 2012

I love the tattoo love here! I've been itching to get my first one but I'm so indecisive I refuse to get one until I've had the idea in mind for at least a year! I just love them!

Gustafson28 · November 2012

Lol you all are too funny

the tattoo love is def felt on this side too! I'm actually getting it done for not only the wedding but dress shopping as well so I can make sure it's shown off properly!!! Yay! Your story is too funny pele!

arco13 · November 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_what-does-everyone-think-of-a-tattooed-bride?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:973e7005-7d52-4133-9223-01a73eb4202dPost:d8121566-3348-4c7b-b1d6-11ad50e9b499">Re: What does everyone think of a tattooed bride?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: What does everyone think of a tattooed bride? : This is my personal rule also but I've broken it a couple times.
Posted by Edie Bee[/QUOTE]

I'm getting really close to breaking it as well. Considering I will be free from this torture I call school in about 3 weeks (EEP!), I'm thinking a celebratory tattoo may be in order. Allons-y!

itschelsea · November 2012

I'm relatively covered, 20 or so tattoo's on just my left arm alone. I specifically haven't gotten any on my right arm, so that I can get photos for my grandparents without tattoos.

When I was trying on dresses, one of the consultants mentioned that she was glad I wasn't trying to hide them, the idea hadn't even crossed my mind. Once you get a tattoo, it becomes part of you. It would be like trying to cover your eye, or leg, or something. Your wedding is a representation of you and your FI. Covering any of that up is just silly.

SachaBee · November 2012

I LOVE tattoos, as long as they are meaningful to the person. (But I'm terrified of needles, so I probably won't be getting any, at least for a while.) My best friend has a bunch (I think seven, with a few being really large pieces), and my now-fi and I were with her when she got some of them done. Most of them are not in places that are usually shown off because of work. I love them on her, and can't imagine her without them! She will most likely be a bridesmaid (haven't officially asked yet because I don't have a date set

) and I would love it if some of them were showing! Basically what I am saying is I am an untattooed bride, but even I want some ink at my wedding

ha!

One thing I would recommend, however, is to not surprise anyone with it at the wedding. Make sure you have lots of photos of the design/final product on Facebook and maybe have it showing in your STDs (if you do picture STDs) or engagement photos. You probably don't want to shock older relatives, for instance, while you're walking down the aisle.

mandi195 · November 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_what-does-everyone-think-of-a-tattooed-bride?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:973e7005-7d52-4133-9223-01a73eb4202dPost:7fb321a6-bace-4dc8-9601-f35cd7e308bf">Re: What does everyone think of a </a><a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_what-does-everyone-think-of-a-tattooed-bride?plckForumPage=ForumImage&plckPhotoId=1698e63b-8bbf-4b3a-838a-342b98498ca5&plckRedirectUrl=http%3a%2f%2fforums.theknot.com%2fSites%2ftheknot%2fPages%2fMain.aspx%2fwedding-boards_etiquette_what-does-everyone-think-of-a-tattooed-bride" title="Click to view a larger photo"></a><a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_what-does-everyone-think-of-a-tattooed-bride?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:973e7005-7d52-4133-9223-01a73eb4202dPost:7fb321a6-bace-4dc8-9601-f35cd7e308bf">tattooed bride?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: What does everyone think of a tattooed bride? : The first thing I thought of when you posted this was that I want to see pictures! Different tattoos are offending to different people. I have shamrocks and recently found out that shamrocks are considered a gang tattoo in prision. I had no clue, but me having that tattoo could offend someone.
Posted by snippet17[/QUOTE]
You can mostly see them here. This is a pic of my fiance and I at my brother's wedding last month. <3 my tattoos!
<a href="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/6/3/1698e63b-8bbf-4b3a-838a-342b98498ca5.large.jpg" title="Click to view a larger photo" class="PhotoLink"> <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/6/3/1698e63b-8bbf-4b3a-838a-342b98498ca5.medium.jpg" alt="" /></a>
:edit: my right arm is a Wizard of Oz half sleeve (deep sentimental value/meaning) and my left is a Japanese phoenix and lotus flower

Jen4948 · November 2012

For me it just depends on what the tattoo is and what part of the body it's on. I can't make any judgment without that information. Some are very beautiful, others are very crass.

StephJean83 · November 2012

I have a tattoo at the base of my neck. I purposely got the tattoo there because I wanted to be able to wear clothes to expose it when I want but also cover it up when need be like at work. I plan on having my hair up, no veil and my tattoo out for all to see. I have pictures all over FB of my tattoo and most people know that I have it.

One day I was at work and was really close to my HR manager. She knew I was getting the tattoo and she actually had a similar one on her upper thigh(hers is more bigger and more detailed than mine). One day I was standing at the cash registers and she came up and pulled my shirt back so she could see it and right as she "exposed" the tattoo an asst. store manager came by. He didn't like me and was always looking for excuses to write me up and he called me into the office with the store manager to state that I was exposing my tattoo at work when it is clearly stated that all tattoos are to be covered in the company manual. I told them to review the tape and than get back to me because I didn't expose the tattoo, HR manager had looked at the tattoo. I've often wondered what they would have done/said to me when the HR manager showed me her tattoos(she has a triquentra on her upper thigh and 2 dolphins that circle her belly button---each represents one of her daughters) in the break room.

cwaggoner07 · November 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_what-does-everyone-think-of-a-tattooed-bride?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:973e7005-7d52-4133-9223-01a73eb4202dPost:874461e6-9f0d-4bbb-b604-6391d4865923">Re: What does everyone think of a tattooed bride?</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm relatively covered, 20 or so tattoo's on just my left arm alone. I specifically haven't gotten any on my right arm, so that I can get photos for my grandparents without tattoos. When I was trying on dresses, one of the consultants mentioned that she was glad I wasn't trying to hide them, the idea hadn't even crossed my mind. Once you get a tattoo, it becomes part of you. It would be like trying to cover your eye, or leg, or something. Your wedding is a representation of you and your FI. Covering any of that up is just silly.
Posted by itschelsea[/QUOTE]

That's really sweet of you, if you know your grandparents will be more comfortable with that.

I love your sleeve! Tattoos really aren't my thing, but H thinks sleeves are so hot! I can't disagree with him, it's just NMS. :)

jemmini6 · November 2012

I don't see what having tattoos and being a bride have to do with one another. You are only a bride for one day, however, tats are permanent.

So really the only thing I think of is the actual tattoo itself (if it's well done, what meaning is behind it, etc), but I never thought to make the comparison of a tattoo to 'OMG, she's a bride, how can she show her tattoo'? It just is what it is and has nothing to do with the occassion.

mandi195 · November 2012

Thank you! I know tattoos aren't for everyone, but I just realistically coudn't imagine myself without them. That said, I honestly do have moments where I do envy ladies without any tattoos. I know sometimes there are certain things that just look odd with all of my tattoos, and living where I do I often get side-eyed for them from other parents at my sons school. That said, I'm one of those tattooed folks that knows there are times when they need to be covered. I almost never have them visible at work, and often will throw on a blazer or sweater when going to events at my sons school (simply because I don't want other parents to judge him because of my tattoos i.e. not wanting their kids to be friends with him,etc.)

bunni727 · November 2012

I don't have much to add. the only thing I would think about a tattoo on a bride, or anyone else, really, is "Oh, that's nifty" or "duude, kitchen wizard." Nothing would be affected by it being in the context of a wedding.

Mandi, your tats look beautiful! I really like the look of colorful sleeves.

mandi195 · November 2012

Thanks bunni!

Gustafson28 · November 2012

Everyone's pics are so beautiful! I'll post in two weeks! (Eeek!)

arco13 · November 2012

Mandi I love your sleeves!

Anyone have advice/experiences to share on best/worst (re: pain) places to get tatted? I have a tattoo in mind, but just can't decide where to put it. I'm also a bit of a baby about pain. =(

KellyBrian2013 · November 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_what-does-everyone-think-of-a-tattooed-bride?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:973e7005-7d52-4133-9223-01a73eb4202dPost:f804d5d5-0bde-4e16-9c31-aa79330eeba1">Re: What does everyone think of a tattooed bride?</a>:
[QUOTE]Mandi I love your sleeves! Anyone have advice/experiences to share on best/worst (re: pain) places to get tatted? I have a tattoo in mind, but just can't decide where to put it. I'm also a bit of a baby about pain. =(
Posted by arco13[/QUOTE]

A lot depends on your personal pain tolerance. I'm a wuss, but have a tattoo on the inside of one foot, on my back/shoulder blade, and on my side/hip. The one on my foot by far hurt the worse, and it also has the thinnest skin (and most nerve endings) of any of my tattoos. You couldn't PAY ME enough money to get another there or to get mine touched up, which it sorely needs.

The one on my side was mostly okay, except where it got to close to my hip bone and then it wasn't terribly pleasant. The one on my back near my shoulder blade, I barely felt.

Basically, the closer to bone and/or the thinner the skin (feet and hands, especially), the more painful it will be. Also, the more needles, the less painful. Outlines tend to hurt the most, as they are typically only one or two needles, while color varies (but is generally more). The best way I can describe what I felt as I was getting mine done was that it felt like a bad sunburn. It doesn't hurt so much as it stings as it is being done.

Also, if you are ever planning to have children or gain/lose weight, keep that in mind when selecting a place for your tattoo(s). Anything that stretches (stomach, hips, boobs, etc.) are generally frowned upon because t can stretch and distort your ink.

arco13 · November 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_what-does-everyone-think-of-a-tattooed-bride?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:973e7005-7d52-4133-9223-01a73eb4202dPost:3dce175b-16ff-43d0-9db8-5352090e18a7">Re: What does everyone think of a tattooed bride?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: What does everyone think of a tattooed bride? : A lot depends on your personal pain tolerance. I'm a wuss, but have a tattoo on the inside of one foot, on my back/shoulder blade, and on my side/hip. The one on my foot by far hurt the worse, and it also has the thinnest skin (and most nerve endings) of any of my tattoos. You couldn't PAY ME enough money to get another there or to get mine touched up, which it sorely needs. The one on my side was mostly okay, except where it got to close to my hip bone and then it wasn't terribly pleasant. The one on my back near my shoulder blade, I barely felt. Basically, the closer to bone and/or the thinner the skin (feet and hands, especially), the more painful it will be. Also, the more needles, the less painful. Outlines tend to hurt the most, as they are typically only one or two needles, while color varies (but is generally more). The best way I can describe what I felt as I was getting mine done was that it felt like a bad sunburn. It doesn't hurt so much as it stings as it is being done. Also, if you are ever planning to have children or gain/lose weight, keep that in mind when selecting a place for your tattoo(s). Anything that stretches (stomach, hips, boobs, etc.) are generally frowned upon because t can stretch and distort your ink.
Posted by KellyBrian2013[/QUOTE]

<div>Yes, this is definitely something I've thought about. I have a friend with a tattoo above her hip, but it's out of the way enough that it didn't stretch much at all when she was preggers. I really love the way tattoos on the side, like over the ribs look, but like you said...it would hurt so much over the bone. I'm currently really obsessed with forearm tattoos, I think they're so great! Just worried that working in an office I'll never be able to show my forearms again.</div>

reisnersr · November 2012

First off, your body, your day. Only piece of advice I have for you- ask your FI. He may have an opinion, not that you necessarily have to listen but it is partially his day. Maybe he will suggest getting the tats on your honeymoon as a way to celebrate. Maybe he gives you that push to go get it! But don't worry about your guests opinion, they will just be happy to be there for you

mandi195 · November 2012

Thanks for the compliments on my sleeves! I'm very happy with them.

I disagree with the issue of placement and pregnancy. I got a tattoo under my navel that is about 6"x6" when I was 19, and then one on either side of that (far edges just touch my hip bones) a few years later. 2 years after that I got pregnant with my son. My ink all looks exactly the same now as it did then. however, I may be a rare exception somehow.

mandi195 · November 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_what-does-everyone-think-of-a-tattooed-bride?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:973e7005-7d52-4133-9223-01a73eb4202dPost:f804d5d5-0bde-4e16-9c31-aa79330eeba1">Re: What does everyone think of a tattooed bride?</a>:
[QUOTE]Mandi I love your sleeves! Anyone have advice/experiences to share on best/worst (re: pain) places to get tatted? I have a tattoo in mind, but just can't decide where to put it. I'm also a bit of a baby about pain. =(
Posted by arco13[/QUOTE]

For me, the back of my calves was the worst. Close second is a tie between my sternum and the top of my foot. However, it was never so bad that I couldn't handle it. My calves took almost 4 hours, and though sometimes it was intense, I knew it would be over soon enough. Least painful I would say was either my arms or my outer thigh. Stomach and hips weren't bad either.
That said, everyone is different when it comes to pain. I'm the type that can "zone out" and tough through it. I have a friend who is a self-proclaimed "pain sissy" and almost cries through getting tattooed, but she still does it. I promise you it's not as bad as you imagine. Put your tattoo where you think it will fit well and is also in a position that fits your needs. (I have to cover mine for meetings and such at work, so I always keep that in mind when getting new ink). Good luck!

What does everyone think of a tattooed bride?

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