Tattoos have become more than a metaphor for rebellion or identity. For brides, it’s all about expressing their love, says Team Viva
Make a style statement on your wedding day by embracing tattoos. Who says you have to hide them with makeup or cover with your outfit when you can proudly wear themIJ Tattoos, after all, are an illustrated story of your inner being.
More women are opting for body art to reflect their personalities, key life incidents and memories etched forever. So on their big day, they are keen to make it a part of their ceremonial look. In fact, the bridal look and outfit are being worked out on the basis of a tattoo in most cases. “Tattoos are usually symbols and geometric patterns. Inking names is not the first choice at a time when frequent break-ups are the order of the day. Some adventurous brides are asking for the name calligraphy immediately before the wedding day to surprise their partners,” says Mickey Malani of BodyCanvas Tattoos and Piercings. Others play it safe by opting for something that resembles the person they are getting married to. “We had a couple where the bride got a cupcake motif cause that’s what she called her woul husband,” adds Malani. “There is a need to start looking at any form of body art as a beautiful way to express oneself instead of dismissing it as a display of wild side or a rebellion against societal norms. Hopefully people in our country would stop worrying about tattoos or piercings as taboo and start accepting them as self-adornment.”
Another tattoo artist Vikas Malani says, “Brides today are ready for something unconventional when it comes to their wedding. They are more self-expressive and believe in flaunting even when it comes to their tattoos. Some of them feel it’s better than a ring.”
Boldness is more beautiful than the beauty. “That’s what brides today believe. They are always looking for something out of the box for their wedding. Getting a tattoo dedicated to their spouses during their marriage is something we see a lot nowadays,” says tattoo artist Sudhir Rao.
Designer Anu PD reveals the ways a bride can flaunt her ink and stay trendy at the same time, “A bride is a queen for the nuptial day. So she must tell her story. And what better way to do it than sport a tattoo. Some clever ways to show tattoos — cutouts at strategic places, wearing low-cut necks or having slits on legs or thighs. One can also try off-shoulder kurtis and fringes to showcase body art. Additionally, cold shoulders and racerbacks can be employed to tell the tattoo story.”
Busting myths, the traditional lehenga can be just as complementary. “Indian brides with a tattoo on their necks or backs can pick a lehenga or saree with a netted dupatta that shows the tattoo(s) on their backs even with a dupatta draped over their heads. If one is wearing a gown, pick a backless one, or with a sheer back to show one’s tattoos proudly. A deep neckline is a good option if you want a tattoo on your chest to be seen. A sweetheart neckline complements brides whether they choose to wear traditional or western. If you have put in a lot of effort and passion into getting a sleeve tat, pick a flowing halter gown in elegant silk,” advises Malani.
If you are one badass bride, then confidently pull off and flaunt that incredible ink and be a head-turner.