Stupid question, I know. I'm getting married in about a year and would like to know if my shoulder tattoo is likely to distract anyone from my dress and whatnot. My family's super-conservative and they don't know I have it (I'm 21, and didn't see much of a point in telling them). I have long hair, which I am planning to wear down for the wedding.

The tattoo (sorry for the grainy-ass quality): Click.

I don't think it'll be too much of a bother.

It's a nice tattoo and it isn't something too stupid like a chibi stormtrooper (glad its hidden haha).

I think its rather tasteful as tattoos go ^^

Also- its /your/ day, right? (Well, thats what i keep hearing from my friends that're engaged. *shrug*)

So as long as your fine with it- wouldn't it be rude for your uber conservative family to interrupt your wedding over a patch of skin thats a different colour?

Well, it doesn't seem to be too noticeable to me. And since you're going to be wearing your hair down, I'd imagine people would be too busy admiring your face, hair, and dress to bother paying any mind to a certain tattoo.

But if you feel your family isn't going to be very tolerant, and just to avoid the stress, you could always buy makeup foundation that's designed to make tattoos more discrete for occasions such as this.

I think it's a beautiful tattoo. It's not going to look tacky, but if your parents are as conservative as you say they are, they probably won't like it.

I'm going to move this on over to life issues, as I believe it's more appropriate there.

As for the tattoo, I think you should just keep it visible. You're old enough to get married, so you're old enough to get a tattoo. Who cares what your relatives think. :yes:

If you're that concerned about it, I also suggest finding some makeup that will cover it up. :yes:

I have a large tattoo on my back that I definitely do not plan on covering during my wedding. It's beautiful, and I want other people to see it. I haven't really thought much about how my more conservative relatives would react...

I don't think you should cover your tattoo either :D It's quite elegant in my opinion. It's not as if it's a great bloody skull with a snake or something =3

Your family is unlikely to ruin your special day just because of a thing like that. Just make sure to stand your ground should they want you to cover it XD You'll also seem more independent that way!

Like said, show it off. It's a part of you, who cares. It's not like you're 18 living under your parents roof. If you want it showing, show it.

You should show it, it wouldn't ruin the dress. It's pretty, not something stupid, so it shouldn't be too much of a problem.

It's a pity you want to cover that up. You'd be better off telling your parents about it and showing it off! They're not there to cover!

It's your big day. Show it if you want. It's not a tacky tattoo anyhow.

Originally Posted by JennaDoll

It's your big day. Show it if you want.

Agreed. :yes:

Your wedding is the day for you and your fiance to shine. Don't worry about what you're relatives think - If you like the way that it looks with your dress, then let it show. If not, visit a makeup artist or salon to talk about possible ways of covering it up. But no matter, what, it should be your own decision.

I wouldn't show it. If your superconservative family doesn't know about the tattoo, I can bet your wedding days going to be ruined with all of their questions and comments. You'll just be thinking about the tattoo and their reaction and not on whats important.

It's a beautiful tattoo. I doubt anyone will notice it because they will be too busy focusing on other things. Also if your hair is going to be down it will probably not be that noticable. My conservative father didn't notice my semi-large tattoo on my back. I actually had to show it to him in order for him to see it. XP It is your wedding and you should do what YOU want.

I think it's a beautiful tattoo, and I have no reason to believe that it would take away from the dress.

If you're worried about what your family will think of it, just tell them that you have it. My family is super-conservative, too; I was the first one to get a tattoo (let alone four), and they've all just gotten used to it. It's nothing obscene or vulgar. If they have a problem with it, that's their fault.

Like many others I say you shouldn't cover it up. You don't have to cover it and if family has a problem with that then it's something they have to deal with. Don't let their super conservativeness (don't even know if that is a word or not) bother you. I think its a very unique tattoo that deserves to be shown off. That and the tattoo was your decision not your family's. In the end it is up to you if you wish to show it or not but like I stated before I think you should show it off. :D It's a unique part of you! Plus I don't believe it will make the dress look tacky.

It's your wedding and your day. If you like your tattoo, don't worry about it!
I don't think it'll take attention away from you.

I don't see a problem with it. I mean, it's not going to be seen in photographs or anything, so I think you're safe :)
Does the tattoo have a meaning? (If you don't mind my asking :P)

To be honest, I agree that your tattoo is elegant and I think it would look good with adress.
but yeh your hair will probably cover it if you want it to.

I think it's lovely.
If you intend to wear your hair down, I wouldn't worry about it too much.
But even if you were to wear it up, I doubt it would take away from the dress.
At least it's not a crucified penis [yes I have seen people with that tattoo...]
^.^

I dont think itll be a distraction, I think itll be fine. It's cute.

I think it's a very nice tattoo. I've seen way worse tattoos that I almost wish people would cover up..but then again..they're proud of what they have. So why shouldn't you be? You got a tattoo for a reason, right? Be proud of that. Whatever reason you picked that tattoo, it's something you should be proud of. If you're worried about your parents, let them know a day or two in advance so they can get over the shock factor. Just let them know. Don't let them tell you what to do with it. You're a big girl now and don't need mommy or daddy to tell you what you can or can not wear. But, at least if you tell them ahead of time, it isn't some huge shock factor at the wedding and all of you can be happy and have a good day focusing on the actual event instead of "Wait. What is that on her shoulder!? Why didn't she tell us about that!? I'll have to have a good word with her after this is all done and over with."

Best of luck to you, too! I love weddings. haha I hope yours goes wonderfully!

That's a nice tattoo and not really tasteless IMO. But what you could do is probably tell your parents about it for hand rather than them find out at the wedding where the kinds of things you'll be wanting is not shock and resentment but support. So getting the load off before hand so they can get shocked over it before hand (which will most likely cause a ruckus, but would you rather tell them right on your wedding day?)

Originally Posted by Clockwork Lime

Stupid question, I know. I'm getting married in about a year and would like to know if my shoulder tattoo is likely to distract anyone from my dress and whatnot. My family's super-conservative and they don't know I have it (I'm 21, and didn't see much of a point in telling them). I have long hair, which I am planning to wear down for the wedding.

The tattoo (sorry for the grainy-ass quality): Click.

A tattoo will only distract judgmental people. I cannot give a great example on my own personal self. However, I was looking through facebook tonight and ran across some pictures of a guy I went through job training with. Saw a wedding picture from when he got married. Here His wife has tattoos, but when I see that picture I notice the happiness in them both. I ignore the tattoo. But, I have 9 of my own so I could just be null to the matter.

Originally Posted by Tijdon

A tattoo will only distract judgmental people. I cannot give a great example on my own personal self. However, I was looking through facebook tonight and ran across some pictures of a guy I went through job training with. Saw a wedding picture from when he got married. Here His wife has tattoos, but when I see that picture I notice the happiness in them both. I ignore the tattoo. But, I have 9 of my own so I could just be null to the matter.

That's such a beautiful photograph!
9 tattoos? Hot shit :-P