Tattoos on bridesmaids: What should I do?

Another thread on this just got hidden by the author.

if you hire a pro makeup artist that has experience with tattoo covering makeup that can help, but it takes a lot of skill and time and can be uncomfortable to wear and expensive.

you could provide them with shawls or wraps to wear to cover them.

or you could accept them for who they are and what they look like.

you asked them to stand up and support you, accept them, all of them.

EDIT: for a January wedding a wrap might be welcomed because it may be chilly.

I don't think there is anything you can do other than get long sleeved dresses or not ask them at all.

@Nicoletta- I had the same issue. I didn't know two of my bridesmaids had huge tattoos until the actual dress fitting as well. I purchased make up tattoo for them and will have the MUA do a trial run with them at their next bridesmaids meeting. No, I don't mind tattoos because I have one on my ankle; however, it is my wedding day and I'm going to do my best to make it occur exactly how I want it to. Some things I can't control but I refuse to have the tattoos in my pictures. That's just my opinion...

That's true, I am not going to ask them to step down just because they have a tatoo, that would be mean. I think the wrap idea sounds very cute, I don't mind if they show them during the reception, just maybe not for the ceremony.

You asked someone to be your bridesmaid and you didn't even know they had a tattoo? That's odd IMO.

Anyway, find them a bolero/shrug.

I think its rude to ask them to cover their tattoos. Extremely.

@ FutureMrsCab Yeah, for me people can have tattoos, I don't care, I just wanted a certain look for the ceremony ( the dresses we picked are very sweet, lady like and vintage looking so tatoos just don't go), but for the party, they can wear whatever they want and show as many tattoos as they like) my family is also extremely conservative, so I don't want to ruffle them the wrong way.

@Kayla, why do you say that?

I also think it's rude to ask them to cover up their tattoos. Bridesmaids aren't props who are there to fit in your ideal image--they're people you are choosing to honor because they have stood by you and you want them there with you on your big day.

If it really bothers you, then it's fine to have ALL of your BM's wear a shawl or a dress that covers them up. But please don't single them out just because they have tattoos.

@ A&J, one of the ladies is a friend of my fiance's so I didn't know she had a tattoo, the other girl just got hers.

I agree...rude.

My tattoo is part of me. If I was asked by a bride to cover it up, I'd feel like she was trying make me look perfect and not like myself. It won't reflect bad on you if they have tattoos. Its their body not yours.

*Edit to add-

If you have them all wear shawls or a different dress, please don't mention it is because they have a tattoo. I'd step down if that was mentioned to me. Mines literally a heart and S for FH on my wrist and if I were asked to cover that up, I wouldn't.

Tattoos and lady like vintage totally go together....I love the look and there are whole sites from fashion to fetish supporting this....but ...that's not the point =)

If you are paying for the cover up work...you can give them that option. I personally would just step down as a bridesmaid and maybe as a friend. Depends on the situation. I wish you had known before all this and if you cared ...you should have asked or done some detective work before selecting your bridal party if the look is what's important.

I realize this sounds snarky...I am trying to word it well...but I don't think its working =\

I don't think tattoos are too big of a deal. Assuming they aren't a giant obscene piece of ink, Try to get them to wear a wrap. You like the idea, and might blend well into your theme. But please make it across the board. my sis/moh and a bm have tattoos. Neither will have to cover them. I actually love my bm's tattoo on her back. and my sis has my niece's footprint on her foot.

Tattoos are a big part of today's society. Its hardly a shock to see someone with one.

@ Lori, I am not trying to be rude, and I certainly don't think my bridesmaids are props for heaven's sake, I just happen to be more conservative, and it's really the only thing that I take issue with, and I know if they walk down the aisle with tattoos, my family who is very, very conservative is going to be unhappy. Like I said, they can do whatever they please during the reception, and I would never single any of them out.

These posts baffle me. If they are important enough to be bridesmaids then it shouldn't matter. IMO it's no different than not having someone because they are fat or unattractive or pregnant (seen and heard of that before too). In 2014, everyone has seen a tattoo.

Sounds like you've found your answer: use a wrap

I don't mean to sound harsh, but I am tired of these posts...

As many have said before. Your BMs aren't props...

There is a "look" you are going for and then there is a reality. I don't mean that to be mean, but if the tattoos are on their back the pictures won't show since I'm sure they'll be of the BM's face. And the one with the tat on her arm...I'd offer to buy a shawl. Don't make her pay for the look you are going for.

My theme is Edwardian, so not a lot of ladies had tattoos in those days. Amber, could you please tell me why you think this?

I would never expect them to pay for a shawl, I can provide them, it's Jan so it will be chilly here anyway.

Nicoletta if you wanting them to conform to your theme completely and your family beliefs by asking them to cover up something that means a lot to them, its rude. And not fair to them. Your family wouldn't look down on you (at least they shouldn't its not your tattoo) If they have an issue it'd be with the BM's. If your letting them show for the reception what's the difference of showing at the ceremony?