Brides and Tattoos: What to Do About Your Body Work on Your Big Day

OWD — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:54:19 EDT

Tattoos are more popular than ever, but on your wedding day? That’s tricky. Should you have artwork on your body that you’d like to cover up, there are better ways to go about it than calling the shop and asking for permanent removal.

Makeup, the most obvious choice to hide tattoos, has limitations. While concealer can cover a tattoo, it can also smear you dress. Despite how “perfect” a concealer product claims to be, makeup runs. Unless you have a stylist with you, be very careful about going this route, especially if you’re wearing a formal gown. Your best bet is to use makeup if the tattoo is small and in an inconspicuous place, like your foot or ankle.

Clothing is often a much wiser option. If you’re having a formal affair, and think the tattoo on your shoulder doesn’t fit the style of your ceremony, wear anything but strapless. Should you simply want the tattoo hidden for the ceremony, a shawl or wrap works wonders. If you want to hide the tattoo on your thigh, opt for a full skirt. If it’s a summer ceremony, wear a slip dress.

Other options abound: Bridal gloves can hide a tattoo on your hands or arm, and all you need to worry about is matching the length of the glove to the formality of your affair. Even a nosegay can work, if placed in the right spot. Talk to your dress-maker about other ideas, and make sure she sees the tattoo immediately.

Keeping your hair long to conceal a shoulder tattoo can work, but be careful: Even if you have tons of hairspray, styles lose their strength, and it’s quite possible the tattoo will peek out as the night continues.

On the flip side, you might want to show off your body work. There’s no law against tattoos, so it’s simply a question of how comfortable you are letting the guests see it. If the tattoo is in an extremely prominent place, it might take attention away from your outfit. However, if it’s a small, discreet design, keep it uncovered. Never make it look like you are trying to hide it. And hey, you can always have your groom get a fake one to match.

The OurWeddingDay Blog

Brides and Tattoos: What to Do About Your Body Work on Your Big Day