Tattoos and tulle: Styling your wedding dress with tattoos

Have you spent your life collecting tattoos? From moments that meant something, to supporting local artists, to just loving the overall vibe, tattoos have become a part of the status quo. We explore styling your wedding dress with tattoos.

Who says you have to cover up your ink on your wedding day? Whether you’ve got a delicate constellation trailing down your spine, a fierce full sleeve of florals, or a patchwork of playful pieces scattered across your skin, your tattoos are a part of your story. Your ink deserves a seat at the wedding table (or, at the very least, a moment in the spotlight).

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Gone are the days when brides felt pressured to “cover up” their tattoos. These days, it’s all about wearing them with pride. Work your ink into your bridal look like the ultimate accessory. From strapless gowns that show off those shoulder pieces to high-slit skirts that let your leg ink shine, there’s a dress out there that’ll make both you and your artwork feel like the main character.

One Reddit user, greenGdds, summed it up beautifully: “Your tattoos are a part of you. You likely got them for a reason. If it’s not something you’d cover up on a regular day, I don’t see why you would cover them for your wedding. I love the look of a person being “unapologetically themselves.” Therefore, I love when people show their tattoos in their wedding outfits.”

If you’re a bride with tattoos wondering how to highlight (not hide) your ink on your big day, we’ve covered you literally and figuratively.

Don’t lose yourself on your wedding day! Embrace being you. We explore some alternative looks.

Short, sweet, cute (and a little rockabilly)

Tattoos on your thighs, calves, or ankles? Don’t let them hide behind layers of tulle if you don’t want to. A tea-length gown can show off your leg art in a fun and flirty way. Bonus points if you go for a bridal shoe or style that complements the ink, and a short veil to suit the short hemline.

Backless or low back

If you’ve used your back as the canvas, lean into this and use your ink as part of the dress design. There’s something undeniably elegant about a silk slip dress—and when it’s backless, it’s pure magic for showcasing your ink. Whether you’ve got a single delicate design or a full back piece, a backless slip dress lets your body art shine in the most effortlessly chic way. Add in a low bun or swept-up hair to keep the focus on your back, and you’ve got a look that’s both timeless and unapologetically you.

 

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Couture corsets

If your vibe is vintage glamour, we are obsessed with the playfulness of blending couture corsets and vintage glamour with modern, punky and edgy tattoos. The structured, often boned bodices will add instant drama to a look, and pair perfectly with sleeve or chest tattoos. 

The contrast between soft tulle skirts, lace overlays, and bold ink, is a match made in bridal heaven. Whether you’re channelling Marie Antoinette meets modern rebel, or just love the idea of a romantic, vintage-inspired look with a bit of edge, a couture corset gown lets your tattoos peek through while still feeling timeless.

 

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Flowy sleeves

Ethereal, boho brides can look to flowy sleeves and fairy style dresses. The softness of these gowns, with soft billowing fabrics of chiffon and organza, will lend beautifully to chest or sleeve tattoos, particularly ones with bold black ink or geometric style. Like a secret little art show happening with every turn and twirl.

 

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Jumpsuit

Who says you need a dress to make a statement? A bridal jumpsuit is effortlessly cool, modern, and perfect for the bride who wants to break tradition while showing off her ink. Whether you’re rocking chest tattoos, arm pieces, or leg ink, a well-tailored jumpsuit frames your tattoos in a way that feels bold and fashion-forward. Look for styles with plunging necklines, open backs, or cropped pants to let your tattoos do the talking.

 

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Vintage strapless with bold shoes

Do you want to look back at your wedding photos and think, “We really did it our way”? Then let it be completely you. If you don’t tend to wear all white, or delicate shoes, play with the colour palettes. A vintage-inspired strapless gown with a layered skirt might already be ‘extremely bridal’ for your taste, so adding a pair of colourful heels, embellished boots or something sparkly and unexpected could be the ideal way to make sure that your bridal look is still ‘bride’ but with a bit of surprise.

 

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Simple, silk

Sometimes, less really is more, especially when you’re rocking a full sleeve of tattoos. A simple, layered silk gown is effortlessly elegant, letting your ink become the standout detail without overwhelming your look. The clean lines and soft silk drape bring a quiet luxury to your bridal style, while the subtle layers add movement and dimension. Paired with a tattooed arm, the contrast between the minimal dress and detailed artwork creates something truly breathtaking.

 

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Short and feminine

Sweet and simple with a touch of sass. A feminine gown with a silk bow at the back is the perfect way to soften your bridal look while letting your tattoos shine. Whether you’ve got ink across your shoulders or arms, the open back and delicate bow create a gorgeous contrast, adding charm without taking the spotlight. It’s effortlessly romantic with just the right amount of edge, perfect for a second look or party dress – so you can dance the night away, your tattoos as part of your overall look.

 

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Celebrity style inspo: Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato is the perfect example of how to blend edgy and elegant when it comes to bridal style. With her bold tattoos and fearless fashion sense, Demi proves you can have both romance and rockstar energy on your wedding day. Picture her in a structured, fashion-forward gown, maybe something sleek and tailored with sculptural details or a dramatic train, paired with her signature ink peeking through on her arms and hands. Her tattoos aren’t hidden. They’re part of the story, part of the look.

 

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Whether they’re bold and colourful, soft and minimal, or scattered like a scrapbook across your skin, they’re part of your personal tapestry. So don’t hide your art, wear it with pride.

Start your search for your dream dress today, browse our suppliers. Find your dream dress.