By: Elesha PiperWhen Pamela Anderson said 'I do' to Tommy Lee during their whirlwind, booze-fueled wedding in 1995, Pam's infamous inked wedding band 'Tommy' received as much attention as the bikini she got married in. While things didn't turn out so well for those guys, decades later, the tattoo ring has surged in popularity with many couples opting for ink over carats.Getting hitched and wondering if a tattoo ring for you? Check out our ultimate guide to everything you need to consider before taking the plunge and committing to a wedding ring tattoo. Image CreditWhy get a wedding ring tattooGetting your wedding band inked on has swept the globe as a popular alternative to the traditional Tiffany's sparkler. So why are couples choosing ink to symbolize the biggest commitment of their lives? ● It's creative and a little edgyNot everyone is up for the Princess bride look with a huge diamond ring to boot. A tattoo is a different way to express commitment and the design options are flexible; although you're advised to keep it simple - more on this below.● It won't be lost down the drainA ring tattoo is pretty much permanent. It can't be lost or stolen. Some couples even decide to have a tattoo ring and a ring so in the times the jewels can't be worn, they still have a permanent reminder of their commitment. Pam likely regretted her permanent choice on of band. She had 'Tommy' changed to 'Mommy' when the couple divorced.● You'll save moneyWith the average wedding in the US hitting record-breaking levels in recent years of $35, 329.00 it's no wonder couples are looking to shave a little off the bill where possible. By bucking the trend of the tradition ring and getting inked instead, couples free up a swag of cash to spend on other parts of the big day or honeymoon....or just squirrel it away in savings! Image CreditDesign inspirationGetting the design right for your wedding tattoo is just as important as picking the right ring from the jeweler. Stick with simple lines and shapes as smaller, more intricate designs often won't work well with a tattoo on your finger. Trending designing include the wedding date (in Hindu-Arabic or Roman numerals), plain bands (one or 2 lines maximum is best), initials and representation of real jewels. Looking for inspiration? Check out these stunning examples of tattoo rings on Pinterest or #weddingringtattoo on Instagram. If you're wanting a really unique design, hunt out a tattoo artist that is skilled in creating their own designs based on your requirements, rather than copying an existing design. Tatt Tip: The underside of our fingers won't hold ink for too long as the skin on our hands sheds quickly. It's a good idea to opt for a tattoo on top of the finger as tattoos that wrap around the entire finger will become blurry or shed the ink. Brace for the pain No pain, no gain right? Hands and fingers can be some of the most painful places to get a tattoo as the skin is thinner and more sensitive plus our hands are bony and filled with ligaments. Don't say we didn't warn you. Select the perfect tattoo artist A tattoo isn't something you want to get wrong. Especially a wedding ring tattoo. The outcome is, literally, in the hands of your tattoo artist so take your time choosing the right one.A great wedding band tattoo artist needs to have experience working with small designs. But just because an artist has done a few tattoo rings, it doesn't make them an expert. Do your research, locate a tattoo artist that comes recommended (you can't beat word of mouth) and if you can view a 'real life' example, even better.Don't feel rushed or pressured into your decision to get the tattoo there on the spot when you first visit a parlor/artist you're considering. Take your time and let them know you need a few days to think about it.Image CreditGet inked one or two weeks before the big dayIt might seem romantic but it's definitely not a good idea to get your tattoo on the day off the wedding. You can expect to feel some discomfort for at least a week after getting the tattoo and it will be looking sore and scabby as it heals. Not a great look for wedding photos if you have it done on the day! You also need to take excellent care of a new tattoo, keeping it out of the sun and the water which will be difficult if you plan on leaving straight away for a beachside honeymoon. Which brings us to the next point...Looking after your tattoo post inkingTaking good care of your wedding ring tattoo in the weeks after getting inked is one of the most important parts of the process. Even the most stunning designs will end up less than amazing if you don't nail the post care of your new tattoo. In addition to the no water/sun warning we mentioned, here are a few key points to remember:● Keep your hands away from household chemicals such as detergent and chlorine in the first few days to avoid the tattoo drying out● Your tattoo will scab up, this is normal. Don't pick at the scabs.● Wash your tattoo with fragrance-free soap and water twice a day● After washing your tattoo, make sure it's totally dry before covering with a light coat of moisturizer. A good tattoo artist will recommend the right moisturizer for you to use. For an extensive breakdown of what you need to do to care for your tattoo, we recommend checking out Tattoo Aftercare - The Ultimate Care Instruction Guide over at Authority Tattoo.Your tattoo will fadeTattoo wedding rings are definitely a more permanent option to the regular carat ring, but finger tattoos are high maintenance. Be prepared to have your wedding ring tattoo touched up in the future to keep it looking solid and amazing. 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