In a growing trend, a surprising number of marrying couples are eschewing traditional engagement and wedding rings in favor of tattooed bands.  

Websites such as Weddingomania and Offbeat Bride both list wedding ring tattoos among their most popular bridal trends. This rising fad follows hot on the heels of major celebrities with tattooed rings such as Jay-Z and Beyoncé.

“[Tattooed wedding rings] tells your partner, ‘This marriage is forever,’” educator Myrna Armstrong told the Chicago Tribune. “It tells the world, ‘We’re not materialistic. We don’t need a diamond. We’re unique.’”

On the other side of the needle are the couples who don’t last through the long haul. Chris Brown and Rihanna are among celebrity couples who inked their commitment to each other, only to have their relationship sour. 

While anyone who has ever been around a bride knows that they are all the most unique creatures on the planet, most would be wise to rethink jumping on the bandwagon, lest they need a painful and expensive laser removal treatment should the relationship take a turn.  

JCK