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Just Said Yes May 2020

Bridesmaid Tattoos

Alivia, on February 21, 2019 at 3:46 PM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 43

Newly engaged and trying to finalize who my bridesmaids will be. I have a very close friend, whom I have known since high school, but she is covered (literally from head to toe) in tattoos. She has always been there for us as a couple, and I really want her to be there for all the fun celebrations in the coming months. But I'm worried.

My issue isn't the tattoos themselves, per se, but rather the sheer amount of them. I'm afraid that they will be extremely distracting during the ceremony and in photos, to the point where that's the first thing your eye will go to. Not going to lie, since this is the only wedding I plan to have, I'd really like all eyes to be on me and my fiancé. This is the one day in our lives where it really gets to be all about us, and I'm worried that my friend's tattoos will take away from that.

I realize this all sounds selfish, but that's why I'm asking your opinions here first. I haven't asked her yet, and would never think about saying something to her about it or asking her to cover them up. So my question is: do I just suck it up and ask her because she's my friend and I want her there? Or do I go with my gut and honor her in a different way for the wedding in order to keep the focus where I want it?

(Please be kind.)

43 Comments

Latest activity by Alivia, on February 11, 2021 at 5:05 PM
  • Caytlyn
    Legend November 2019
    Caytlyn ·
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    I literally cannot imagine excluding one of my closest friends from my bridal party because of their appearance. I don't think this "sounds" selfish, I think it is selfish. It's your wedding, of course all eyes would be on you. This sounds like an insecurity issue, not a tattoo issue.

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  • M
    VIP January 2019
    Maggie ·
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    Only you can decide if your close friend being by your side is more important than how she looks. No one here can answer this for you.

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  • Abby
    VIP March 2019
    Abby ·
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    You're going to be the bride so no matter what any of your bridesmaids look like, all eyes will still be on you! If she's that close of a friend then you shouldn't let her tattoos get in the way!
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  • Danielle
    Master June 2019
    Danielle ·
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    I get wanting all eyes to be on you. And they will be! Despite her appearance. Sure, people may look at her, but the focus will always be on you at your wedding. Personally, I'd choose friendship over outshining any day.

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  • Brae
    VIP September 2019
    Brae ·
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    Do you want her up there more than you worry about the focus being on her? Or opposite? That is the only way to decide this.

    Also, it will be extremely difficult for guests to not focus on you and your future spouse because they are literally there because of you two. I know its difficult to believe that, and she might catch immediate glances, but it won't distract completely from you.
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  • Formerbride
    VIP June 2019
    Formerbride ·
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    This is a difficult issue. Some people may not understand because they do not have the same feelings about tattoos as you. However, I think you should do what you feel is best for your day. There are so many beautiful dresses out there with flowy caped sleeves,etc. that could distract from or minimize the sight of tattoos. Through my planning process, I've realized that sometimes being direct is just the best way to go about it. If you do decide to have her as a bridesmaid you could tell her that you want the wedding to reflect your style and that may mean wearing a dress that has sleeves, and see how she feels. Good luck.

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  • Porterpoppin
    VIP March 2019
    Porterpoppin ·
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    If it was my bestfriend (or close friend..), I'd suck it up. You don't worry about her tattoos any other time you guys are together or out and about I'm sure? Everyone will be there for YOU so though guests may notice her tattoos, they are there for you and the day is all about you! Would her feelings be hurt if you didn't ask her to be a bridesmaid??

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  • Mandy
    VIP May 2019
    Mandy ·
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    One of my bridesmaids has a few tattoos on her back. She asked me if she'd like me to cover them up or if she could leave them out. I told her it was up to her but she's chosen to wear her hair half down to cover the majority of them as she regrets one of the two anyway. They may look at her as she walks down the aisle, but after that, I doubt anyone is going to notice or care. It's not that uncommon for people to have visible tattoos. An option would be for her to wear a more-so sheer cover up and a long dress if you think she'd go for it. Maybe she'd be willing to cover them on her own. Touchy subject for sure..

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  • Nisa
    Super March 2019
    Nisa ·
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    This.

    I think you'll get a lot of heat for being concerned about her tattoos, but I get where you're coming from. Even if we don't admit it, I'm sure all of us have thought about either not being "good enough" for our wedding or not being the center of attention. It's okay to have these thoughts, but you should recognize that you are the bride, people WILL be drawn to you. Your photographer will know exactly how to position you so that you capture the spotlight. The day is temporary, but friendships should last longer.

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  • Kelsey
    VIP September 2020
    Kelsey ·
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    I agree with the above this is a difficult issue. One my bridesmaids is in the process of getting a half sleeve and has various other tattoos. She actually sent me pics of the half sleeve last night. While I am not the biggest fan of tattoos either, she is my friend and I really want her in my bridal party. Again though not to happy about the half sleeve but it is what it is, not my body and not my choice.

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  • Sherry
    Master September 2019
    Sherry ·
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    I don't think you should exclude someone just based solely on their appearance.

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  • Tammy
    Super October 2018
    Tammy ·
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    I'm not sure why you would exclude someone cause of there looks. If she's such a good friend would she ask you why you excluded her? Would you tell her it's for her appearance? Are you willing to lose a friend over this?

    Tattoos are very common these days it wouldn't distract from you or your FH.

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  • MrsV1027
    Master October 2018
    MrsV1027 ·
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    The only way the attention will be all on her is if she busts out dancing and singing and acting a fool.

    You are the bride. Everyone will be staring at you. Trust me. Don't let some tattoos limit who you have in your BP

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  • Danielle K
    VIP June 2019
    Danielle K ·
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    Were you exaggerating or does she actually have her face covered in tattoos? I understand your worry but trust no one will be distracted from your and your FH. If she is your friend then her looks shouldn't matter.

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  • LB
    Champion November 2016
    LB ·
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    100% you suck it up. I can't even imagine thinking this about someone I love. BM are not props.

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  • MrsD
    Legend July 2019
    MrsD ·
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    Can you pick long length dresses, maybe even with sleeves? Then you won't see them very much. Honestly, guests are focused on the bride and groom regardless though. I'd suck it up because she will probably be hurt if you don't ask her.

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  • Alicia
    VIP August 2019
    Alicia ·
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    I second this. You have to make the choice: do you care more about having her by your side or do you care more about her appearance? Only you can decide what is more important to you.

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  • Officiallymrs
    Super May 2010
    Officiallymrs ·
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    I don’t think that’s a good reason for you to not want to have her in the bridal party, personally. I actually think that’s a terrible reason.. if you’re close enough to her to even consider putting her in your bridal party then the way she looks shouldn’t be a deciding factor. I I were your friend and I found out or you told me why this was why I was excluded I would end the friendship
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  • MD
    Super July 2019
    MD ·
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    I really don't see how this is a difficult situation. A friend is a friend no matter what they look like. She obviously likes them and it is now who she is. People who don't know her might look and think "wow, she has a lot of tattoos" but I don't think it's something they'd get so wrapped up in that they'd forget that you are the bride and your wedding is the reason they're there.

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  • Crisa
    Expert January 2020
    Crisa ·
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    One of my bridesmaids has a lot of tattoos too and I love her anyway. I understand your thoughts on it being distracting but she will be a part of my day no matter what. I know this doesnt necessarily help your decision because in the end it's up to you.
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