Being tattooed is more than just a fashion statement—for most of us, it’s a way of life. So, when it comes to your special day, one of the most important days of your life, shouldn’t it reflect your chosen lifestyle?
Weddings have long had a traditional look—a certain way things are supposed to go. But with the influx of heavily inked couples and the wider acceptance of the industry, even weddings have begun to succumb to the tattoo trend. Today, Pinterest, Etsy, and yes, even big wedding sites are filled with concepts and ideas to help showcase your tattooed lifestyle instead of hiding it behind a barrage of tulle and confetti.
But how does one go about creating a tattoo themed wedding?
Well, it’s quite easy, actually. Having a tattooed themed wedding allows you to express yourself as an individual—free from the constraints of old customs and traditions. Sure, you can choose to incorporate some of these if you wish, but having a tattoo themed wedding grants you freedoms that you wouldn’t else be able to have with a traditional event. Don’t want to wear white? No problem. Don’t want a candle ceremony or a typical wedding singer? Not an issue. Your wedding should represent who you are as a couple—your music, your style, your likes, and dislikes.
Start with your Save the Date cards and invitations. You can make these as funky as you like. Skip the fancy doves, the scroll work, and the calligraphy. Plaster them with skulls, swallows, or hearts. Use bold colors and tattoo fonts on a darker background. There’s no need for pastels here—go as eye-catching as you want. The fun thing about a tattoo theme is that there are so many categories within the industry that you can find exactly what fits you best. Are your tattoos traditional, new age, or black and grey realism? Whatever your ink, try to work it into your event. Use similar flash art to create your Save the Dates and Invitations. Hell, you could even stop by the tattoo shop where you received your ink and see if the artist would be willing to draw up some designs for you to incorporate (Not all artists will do this, but some would be happy to help…for a price, of course. It doesn’t hurt to ask).
When it comes to the dress, rocking a tattoo themed wedding gives us inked ladies a chance to really go buck-wild. If you’re like me, and you wouldn’t be caught dead in white (or any other light color) then this wedding theme gives you the opportunity to toss that cupcake-looking dress to the trash and really get experimental. Whether you want a rockabilly look or something a little more classic, you have a wide selection of colors to choose from now. With a tattoo theme, it wouldn’t be a shock to see a bride come down the aisle dressed in red and black, hot pink, or purple. Want a short dress? Go for it. Want a pantsuit? Have at it. Your imagination—and your style—is the limit. Choose a dress that accentuates your favorite inked designs instead of one that hides them. It’s your day, and your ink is part of you—so flaunt it! Best part? You don’t have to select a dress that is specifically labeled as a wedding dress, which can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
Fellas can have fun, too. Roll up the sleeves, wear some Chuck Taylors, or wear bright, bold colors and patterns. Ink, piercings, and personalities can be shown to the max here.
Bouquets and flower arrangements can be spiced up with unusual additives. Sure, you can stick with the typical red roses, but add some black feathers, rhinestones, or lace to the mix. Throw in some skulls, spiders, hearts, spades, or whatever else your little heart desires. Mix it up and make it your own. The same goes for your overall décor—utilize and incorporate popular tattoo themes, airbrushed designs, and marquee style lighting.
When it comes to the venue, pick something that tells your story…that fits your personality. Good thing about this style of wedding is that you’re not limited to a church or community center. Use a music venue, a bar…whatever works. Same goes for your reception site if you choose to use two separate places. Select music that embraces your personality—you don’t have to walk down the aisle to the wedding march. If you want to walk to Avenged Sevenfold or Sublime, do it.
The reception is where the real fun begins. Create a playlist for your DJ that is basically your everyday jams. You don’t need to do the Cupid Shuffle or the Macarena if you don’t want to. It’s not written in stone that every wedding must endure these terrible mixes. If you want to hire a punk or metal band, go for it. You want to play Ozzy Osbourne’s Crazy Train instead of Faith Hill and Tim Mcgraw’s latest love duet as you make your first entrance as Mr. and Mrs., why the hell not?
IT’S YOUR DAY. When it comes to the cake, have your baker use an airbrush tool to create tattoo-like designs on your cake. Make it bold, bright, and scream who you are. You could even have them stencil your own inked creations onto the cake for an extra personal touch. And don’t get tied down by the typical cake toppers. There are a million ideas to use here—a 3D heart with the word ‘Love’ surrounding it on a banner, a figurine of a couple with similar tattoos, or a pair of skeletons in wedding clothes. Have a little fun and get a little inventive. This goes for any favors your guests will be taking home, as well. Leave them with some temporary tattoos, or set up a candy bar with your bold theme colors. Zippo lighters with tattoo designs, photo frames with tattoo flash art inside, or candy cigarettes are other funky options that will add to the ambiance of your day.
Regardless of how you choose to celebrate your special day, don’t ever feel like you have to hide your body art to have an elegant, respectful, or fun event. Incorporate it in a way that makes you and your partner feel comfortable and let your friends and family know that you’ll be celebrating your relationship in the way that only you two can do.
