Tattoos are a form of self-expression. In the modern age that we live in, more and more women want to get inked. So you’re either sporting an edgy sleeve on one arm or you have a small tat etched on your wrist. Either way, your tattoos are probably unique and significant to you.
However, here comes a special occasion such as your wedding and you find yourself going through the anxiety of thinking whether your tattoo compliments your wedding dress. Will you choose to rock it on your wedding day and pick a bold dress to highlight your ink? Or will you opt for a more conservative long-sleeve look for full coverage?
Here are tips on how to make your wedding dress compliment your tattoos:
The Sweetheart Cut
Opting for a sweetheart cut can be a great way to perfectly complement a chest tattoo. This design has just the right amount of cut, and it creates just the right amount of space to show off your stunning design yet the cut is not so low as to make you feel uncomfortable. Overall, these kinds of necklines can be equally flattering for both small-chested and busty brides-to-be.
A Stunning Low-Back
You can go for a low-back gown if your back is the canvas for your beautiful inked art. There are varying styles of this, but usually, as a rule of thumb, you need higher necklines if you wind up with a dress that goes beyond mid-back to create an illusion of balance to the look.
Short Sleeves
Short sleeves to three-quarter sleeves is a great option that has a big impact if you have lower-arm tattoos. Usually, sleeves with a scalloped edge or sleeves made out of sheer fabric can blend perfectly with your inked skin.
Bold and Strapless
Strapless dresses could be the ultimate choice if you want to go for a bold and edgier look on your wedding day. Without the sleeves or straps, this type of gown shows an unobscured view of your tattoo. It’s also an excellent option for designs that are making their way up and across the shoulder.
Accentuate Your Design
If you want your tattoo to stand out, then you can go for the option of covering parts of your skin that are un-inked to accentuate the decorated parts further. This choice ultimately draws attention to inked parts of your body and highlights them.
Wraps, Gloves and Boleros
If you’re deciding to cover up your inked skin for the occasion, there are still stylish ways that you can do so without compromising your overall look. Accessories such as wraps, gloves and boleros can hide your ink yet create a stylish and completely classy look.
Wraps can conceal large sleeve tattoos on your shoulders and upper arms and can give coverage to areas you don’t want to highlight. Gloves made of sheer or lace can give your look a more vintage-feel and can smaller ones on your wrist and hands go unnoticed. Finally, going for a bolero can cover your back, the majority of the sleeve on your arms and can come with different fabrics such as silk, satin or lace, depending what fits your taste.
An elegant high-neck, full-back or long sleeved dress will be an excellent choice if you want to cover your tattooed areas without making it too obvious.
Talk to Your Make-Up Artist
There are times that tattoos can be carefully concealed by a makeup artist, creating the illusion of un-inked skin. However, the downside to this is that the makeup can rub off. Therefore, it is not practical if the parts you want to be covered will continuously be in contact with the material of your dress.
The Bottom Line
These are important tips on how to make your wedding dress compliment your tattoos. If you’re going for a bold, edgier look, then consider flaunting your beautiful inked skin in a short-sleeved or strapless dress that accentuates it. However, if you prefer showing less skin to tone down your ink or hide it, you can opt for accessories like a bolero, wrap, or gloves or go full-cover on a long-sleeved dress.
If you’re thinking of getting inked to mark the special occasion of your wedding, make sure to do it at least two or three weeks before the special date so that it will have enough time heal fully. I If you’re thinking about a tattoo that will compliment your wedding dress perfectly, The Black Hat Tattoo believes that tattooing is an art and has to be done carefully with respect to the customer and the artist. How much ink you want to show on your wedding day is entirely up to you. The important thing is knowing what works for you and what doesn’t.
May Peters: May Peters is a writer contributing for The Black Hat Tattoo. Her personal philosophy as a writer involves making sure readers aren’t just informed with her pieces, but are also entertained with them as well. As such she strives to add creative, imaginative, and unique takes on the articles she writes. May is a huge geek about photography, and loves trying out all sorts of techniques from time to time.
