Photos in water, mud or an abandoned factory: if you want spectacular wedding pictures that are sure to attract everyone's attention on your photo wall, a trash the dress shoot could be just the thing.
What is a trash the dress shoot? A trash the dress shoot is a post-wedding photo session where the wedding dress is often soiled or damaged. This results in unconventional photos in unusual locations or with unusual accessories. As a rule, a trash the dress photo shoot does not replace the traditional bridal couple shoot, but serves as an additional photo session.
The trend originally comes from the USA and probably emerged at the end of the 90s. Translated, "Trash the Dress" means something like "destroy the dress". In this shoot, the bride slips into the dress again after the wedding and does crazy things with it: Favorites include smearing it with dirt, shooting in water and using paint bombs.
Even though it's called Trash the Dress, in many cases it's a couple shoot where you stand in front of the camera together as a wedding couple. But of course a photo shoot with the bride as the center of attention, or even exclusively with her, is also conceivable.
Trash the dress shoots are the perfect opportunity to wear your wedding outfits again and create unconventional wedding photos. Find out everything you need to know about this unique type of after-wedding shoot and how to organize your own.
How do you choose the right photographer for a trash the dress shoot?
To make your Trash the Dress photo shoot a highlight, you should approach the choice of photographer with care. Pay particular attention to these criteria:
- Experience: The photographer should know how to set the scene for you and the wedding dress. Ideally, the professional photographer has already carried out wedding shoots in this style and knows what is important.
- Creativity: Even if you have great ideas yourself, the creative input of a professional photographer is useful and ensures that unique photos are created.
- References: Reviews from the internet can help you find the right photographer. You can rely even more on recommendations from friends who have already done a Trash the Dress shoot themselves and were satisfied with their photographer.
One of the surest signs of a good photographer is their past work. Take a look at the portfolio on the website or Instagram. If you only find a few sample photos online with trimmed wedding dresses, write to the photographer - he may simply not have published all the photos.
Ask your circle of acquaintances before you start your research on the Internet. Perhaps someone knows a good photographer who specializes in this area. You might also get some insider tips in preparation for your photo shoot.
Which locations are best suited for a trash the dress shoot?
For the choice of location you have a wide range of options for the Trash the Dress shoot. Follow your gut feeling when deciding and think about the mood you want for the pictures. Here are some examples of locations and the atmosphere they create:
- Romantic: Natural environments such as forests (mystical), fields and meadows, lakes, beaches, mountain landscapes
- Playful: Amusement parks, funfairs, playgrounds
- Cool and mysterious: "Lost places" such as abandoned factories, barns or other types of empty buildings
- Hip and modern: Cities and other urban areas
The photos get a very personal touch if the location has a special meaning for you as a couple. special meaning for you as a couple. The resulting pictures will then convey even more emotion and remind you of the unforgettable moments forever.
The perfect location is the one you want the most. Experienced Trash the Dress photographers have valuable tips at the ready and often know good locations that match your ideas.
What do you need to consider when preparing for a Trash the Dress shoot?
To avoid disappointment and stress, you should prepare for the trash the dress shoot. Keep these things in mind:
- Consider and communicate expectations: Be clear about what you want from the photo shoot. Talk about your expectations as a couple and communicate them clearly to the photographer.
- Choose your clothes: For most people, it's clear that the original wedding dress and the groom's suit will be used for the trash the dress shoot. Alternatively, you can get a second-hand wedding dress for the photo shoot. Don't forget: A change of clothes for after the shoot!
- Find suitable accessories: Anything you fancy is allowed as a photo prop. The bridal bouquet, a piece of the wedding cake or gadgets that don't fit the romantic image of weddings at all (e.g. sports equipment, clunky boots, vehicles such as motorcycles, tractors or jeeps) - choose what suits you best.
The general rule for Trash the Dress Shooting is: Everything can, nothing must. The more relaxed you are, the more fun you will have - and the more authentic and better the photos will be. Go into the photo shoot relaxed and be open to unforeseen situations, such as rainy weather.
What creative ideas are there for a trash the dress shoot?
With a trash the dress shoot, you can let your creativity run wild. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
A riot of color
Color accents create a rich contrast to the white wedding dress and look particularly good in photos. The dress can be combined with Holi colors and color bombs and colorful smoke in the background create a majestic picture.
Alternatively, it is possible to paint or spray the wedding dress with acrylic paints.
Element water
As part of their Trash the Dress shoot, many people want water shots. There are various options for this:
- Romantic by the lake or beach
- Wild and natural under a waterfall
- Crazy in a well
- Underwater shots in the swimming pool
The wedding dresses are often not completely destroyed and can be used again after professional cleaning.
Extraordinary in a lost place
Lost places are all the rage at Trash the Dress shootings. Abandoned barns, empty factories or half-demolished houses create a unique atmosphere. There are no limits to creativity - some even have their dresses set on fire. In any case: Safety first. Always get the owner's permission and be careful with old buildings, as there may be a risk of collapse.
How do you care for the dress after a Trash the Dress shoot?
At a typical trash the dress shoot, you should be prepared to say goodbye to your wedding dress. Depending on the design of the photo shoot, this can Damage to the dress occur:
- Dirt: mud, earth, dust, sand
- Stains of all kinds: paint, grass stains
- Water: from the lake, sea or snow
- Damage: holes, cuts, burnt material
But that doesn't have to be the case. It is perfectly possible to organize a trash the dress shoot where the wedding dress is not completely trashed afterwards. The decision is entirely up to you. If you want to save the dress after the shoot, it's best to take it to the dry cleaner.
If you can't part with your trashed wedding dress, you can of course keep it as a memento. Even better, instead of hanging it in the closet: Start an art project! You can cut out part of the dress and use it in a collage on a canvas.
Why is a Trash the Dress shoot worthwhile for courageous couples?
With your wedding ceremony, you have taken the step into married life. For many, destroying the wedding dress symbolizes the start of a new life.
A Trash the Dress shoot is a unique unique experience for couples. You can slip into your outfits again after the wedding and have a lot of fun together. Wedding dress and suit get a second life instead of hanging unnoticed in the closet after the wedding day.
In In contrast to traditional wedding shoots trash the dress shoots are often more relaxed. There is a lot of laughter and the result is natural-looking and authentic wedding photos. At the same time, the pictures are unique, unconventional and are sure to elicit appreciative glances from your friends.
Conclusion: Is a trash the dress shoot worthwhile?
A Trash the Dress Shooting is a wonderful and creative option for an after wedding shoot. It not only produces unusual and unconventional pictures: Most bridal couples also really enjoy slipping into their outfits again after the wedding and doing crazy things with them. So you get unique photosthat are guaranteed to cause a stir in your photo collection.
Whether in a mystical, foggy atmosphere in the forest, romantic by the lake or very cool in a dilapidated factory: at your Trash the Dress photo shoot, anything is allowed. anything you feel like is allowed. Let yourself be inspired and give free rein to your creativity!
FAQs: Frequently asked questions
Is a Trash the Dress shoot expensive?
How much a Trash the Dress shoot costs depends on the photographer and your expectations of the photo session. A professional photographer will certainly charge a little more if they have a long journey ahead of them or if you want a particularly large number of pictures. Expect to pay a little more than for a normal after wedding appointment.
How long does a Trash the Dress shoot take?
How long a Trash the Dress shoot takes depends somewhat on the circumstances and the desired number of photos. As a rule, however, you should allow at least two hours, often more.
What should you bring to a Trash the Dress shoot day?
One important point is the outfit: for your trash the dress shoot, you will need your wedding dress and, if the groom is to be there, his suit. Also take care of the accessories you want to have with you at your photo shoot: everything is allowed, from the bridal bouquet to crazy shoes and vehicles such as motorcycles. Don't forget a change of clothes for afterwards!
