7 Tips for Tattooed Brides to Rock Their Wedding Day Look and Create Unforgettable Memories

Wedding Photography

tattoed bride and groom having a beautiful romantic moment on their wedding day

Hey, lovely people! 💍


So, you’re here because you’re a bride (or groom!) with some seriously cool ink, right? Or maybe you’re dreaming about that perfect wedding where your tattoos are as much a part of the day as your vows. Either way, you’re in the right place!

In this blog, we’re diving into how to embrace your tattoos, choose the perfect dress, and make sure your wedding photos showcase your ink in all its glory. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to rock your look, feel incredible on your wedding day, and ensure your tattoos shine in your photos. Let’s get started!

The Beauty of Tattooed Brides: Celebrate Your Art

Your wedding day should be all about celebrating YOU—your love, your journey, and your personality. If tattoos are part of your story, why hide them? Whether you’re proudly showing off your full sleeves or a subtle, delicate design, your ink tells a unique story that deserves to be part of your big day.

Why should you embrace your tattoos on your wedding day?

  • They tell a story – of your life, your journey, and your love.
  • They add a personal touch to your look that no one else can copy.
  • Your ink is a reflection of who you are—and that’s exactly what your wedding should celebrate!
tattooed brides

How to Find the Perfect Wedding Dresses for Tattooed Brides

Choosing a wedding dress is one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming!) parts of wedding planning. But when you’ve got some killer tattoos, it’s not just about finding a dress that looks good—it’s about finding one that showcases your body art in the best way.

Wedding Dress Tips for Brides with Tattoos:

  1. Backless Dresses for Back Tattoos
    Have a stunning back piece? A backless dress will frame it perfectly, giving your ink the spotlight it deserves.
  2. Short Sleeves or Sleeveless Gowns for Arm Tattoos
    If your arms are where the magic happens, choose a gown that lets those tattoos shine. Think sleeveless or cap sleeves for a modern, cool look.
  3. Lace or Sheer Fabric for a Peek of Ink
    Want a mix of traditional and edgy? Lace or sheer fabrics give a subtle peek of your tattoos without fully showing them off, creating an elegant, mysterious vibe.
  4. Classic vs. Bold
    Whether you want a classic bridal look or something a little bolder, there’s a dress that can complement your ink. Remember, your tattoos are an accessory in themselves!
alternative wedding couple portrait with a tattooed couple
tattooed couple looking at each other in an abandoned factory near Budapest

Accessorizing with Ink: How to Highlight Your Bride Tattoo Designs

Accessories can either elevate or hide your tattoos, so it’s essential to choose pieces that enhance your look without overshadowing your ink.

Top Tips for Accessorizing a Tattooed Bride:

  • Jewellery: Go for minimalist jewellery that won’t compete with your tattoos. A delicate necklace or simple earrings can add elegance without taking away from your ink.
  • Veils & Hairpieces: A birdcage veil or delicate hair comb can add a touch of vintage charm without covering up your tattoos. Want to go bold? A statement headpiece can add drama to your look without overshadowing your body art.
  • Bouquets: Keep your bouquet simple and elegant if you want your tattoos to be the focus. Bold, colourful flowers can compete with intricate designs, so choose wisely!
romantic moments between a tattooed bride and groom
tattooed bride and groom holding each other

How to Pose for Wedding Photos That Show Off Your Ink

Your wedding day is going to fly by, but your photos will last forever! So, it’s crucial to capture every beautiful detail—including your tattoos.

Posing Tips for the Heavily Tattooed Brides:

  • Angles are everything: Your photographer (that’s me! 😉) will guide you through poses that highlight your tattoos in the best light. Side profiles, over-the-shoulder shots, and close-ups can all help show off your ink beautifully.
  • Show off your favourite pieces: Let your photographer know which tattoos are most important to you. Whether it’s a meaningful design or something that represents your love story, we’ll make sure it gets featured!
  • Don’t be afraid to move: Poses don’t have to be stiff and formal. Movement can bring your tattoos to life, so feel free to twirl, dance, or even show off your wedding day ink in motion.
wedding portrait with railway at the background

Real Bride Stories: Tattooed Brides Who Nailed Their Wedding Look

Let me introduce you to Kata and Ricsi—one of the coolest couples I’ve ever had the pleasure of photographing. Kata is a stunning, heavily tattooed bride, and her ink was such a beautiful part of her wedding day.

Their Story:

Their creative wedding photo session was set in an abandoned urban space, with graffiti on the walls. The artwork? Done by the same tattoo artist who worked on both of them. It made their wedding photos feel deeply personal, and the contrast of their elegant attire against the edgy backdrop told a story of love that was timeless and adventurous all at once.

couple kissing on their wedding portrait session in front of a graffiti wall
detailed tattooed couple's arms with a black wedding ring

To Show or Not to Show?

I often get asked, “Should I cover my tattoos for my wedding?” There’s no right or wrong answer, but here’s my take:

Why You Shouldn’t Cover Your Tattoos:

  • They’re part of you! Your tattoos tell your story—why hide that on one of the most important days of your life?
  • They make your wedding look unique. No one else will have the same ink as you, making your wedding photos even more personal and special.

But if you still feel like you want to cover them, there are easy ways to do so:

  • Makeup: High-quality, full-coverage makeup can temporarily hide your ink.
  • Long sleeves or high-neck dresses: These can be a beautiful and stylish option for brides who want to keep their tattoos a little more subtle.
beautiful artistic light coming through the windows in an abandoned factory

What Wedding Dresses for Tattooed Brides Work Best?

Finding the best wedding dress for tattooed brides comes down to what makes you feel incredible. Here’s what works best, depending on your ink:

  • Back tattoos: Backless or low-back gowns.
  • Arm tattoos: Sleeveless or off-the-shoulder dresses.
  • Chest tattoos: V-neck or sweetheart necklines.
  • Leg tattoos: High slits or tea-length dresses.

Don’t forget to choose a gown that feels true to your style. Whether that’s boho chic or classic elegance, the key is finding a dress that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.

How to Cover My Tattoo for My Wedding
(If You Really Want To)

If you’re still thinking about covering your tattoos, don’t worry! There are some pretty clever ways to keep your ink hidden if that’s what you want:

  1. Tattoo Cover Makeup: There are amazing full-coverage products designed specifically for tattoo cover-ups. Brands like Dermablend are pros at helping you temporarily cover your ink without smudging.
  2. Tattoo Sleeves or Cover-Ups: If you’ve got arm tattoos but want a long-sleeve look, you can go for elegant lace sleeves or cover-ups that keep things classy and conceal your ink.
  3. Dress Placement: If you’re choosing a dress and want to keep certain tattoos out of sight, consider the neckline and sleeve length that works best for coverage.

Tattooed Brides and Groom Tattoos: A Love Story in Ink

Let’s not forget the grooms out there! Bride and groom tattoos can be a fantastic way to share your love story. Whether you both have matching ink or simply want to show off your tattoos together, there are so many creative ways to feature your body art in your wedding photos.

tattooed wedding couple poses next to an abandoned building on their wedding portrait session

So, there you have it—a guide for all my tattooed brides (and grooms) out there. Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and your tattoos are part of your story. Whether you want to show them off or keep them subtle, the most important thing is that you feel beautiful and comfortable in your own skin.

Do you have some questions?

Let me answer them!


To make your tattoos a standout feature, choose poses that highlight your ink and ensure your dress shows off your favorite pieces. Communicate with your photographer about the tattoos you want to emphasize so they can use the best lighting and angles to make them pop.

Dress styles that work best for showing off tattoos include backless gowns, sleeveless or short-sleeve dresses, and high-low hemlines. These styles allow your ink to be on full display, making it an integral part of your bridal look.

Yes! Opt for a balanced look by choosing softer makeup tones if your tattoos are bold. This creates harmony and ensures your tattoos remain the focal point. Use a good primer and setting spray to keep your makeup fresh all day.

Venues with unique backgrounds like urban settings, art galleries, or natural landscapes can enhance the artistic vibe of your tattoos. These locations provide contrasting and visually interesting backdrops that make your ink stand out.

Consider incorporating elements like graffiti art, personalized tattoo-inspired decor, or having a tattoo artist at your reception for guests to get small, meaningful tattoos. These touches make your wedding uniquely yours and celebrate your love for ink.

Choose minimalist accessories that enhance your tattoos rather than overshadow them. Delicate jewelry, simple hairpieces, and a coordinated bouquet can all complement your ink beautifully.

Keep your skin moisturized in the weeks leading up to your wedding to ensure your tattoos look their best. Avoid new tattoos right before the wedding to allow time for healing. On the day, a light layer of moisturizer can make your ink pop in photos.

full armed tattooed bride and groom with alternative black wedding rings

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