Photos in water, mud, or an abandoned factory: If you want spectacular wedding pictures that will definitely catch everyone’s eye on your photo wall, a Trash the Dress shoot might be just the thing.
What is a Trash the Dress shoot? A Trash the Dress shoot is a photo session after the wedding, during which the wedding dress often gets dirty or damaged. This results in unconventional photos in extraordinary locations or with unusual accessories. Usually, a Trash the Dress photo shoot does not replace the traditional couple’s shoot, but serves as an additional photo session.
The trend originally comes from the USA and probably started in the late 90s. Translated, “Trash the Dress” means something like “ruin the dress.” In this shoot, the bride puts on her dress again after the wedding and does crazy things in it: favorites include smearing it with dirt, shoots in water, and using color bombs.
Even though it’s called Trash the Dress, in many cases it’s a couple’s shoot where you, as the wedding couple, are in front of the camera together. Of course, a photo shoot with just the bride as the focus, or even exclusively with her, is also possible.
Trash the Dress shoots are the perfect opportunity to wear your wedding outfits again and create unconventional wedding photos. Here you’ll find out everything 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 choose your photographer carefully. Pay particular attention to these criteria:
- Experience: The photographer should know how to showcase you and the wedding dress. Ideally, the professional has already done wedding shoots in this style and knows what’s 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: Online reviews can help you find the right photographer. Even more reliable are recommendations from friends who have already done a Trash the Dress shoot and were happy with their photographer.
One of the surest signs of a good photographer is their past work. For this, look at the portfolio on their website or Instagram. If you only find a few sample photos with trashed wedding dresses online, contact the photographer—maybe they just haven’t published all the photos.
Ask around in your circle of friends before you start your online research. Maybe someone knows a good photographer who specializes in this area. You might also get some insider tips to prepare for your photo shoot.
Which locations are best suited for a Trash the Dress shoot?
When it comes to choosing a location for a Trash the Dress shoot, you have all sorts of options. Go with your gut feeling and think about what kind of mood you want for the pictures. Here are some examples of locations and the atmosphere they create:
- Romantic: natural settings like forests (mystical), fields and meadows, lakes, beaches, mountain landscapes
- Playful: amusement parks, fairs, Code Playgrounds
- Cool and mysterious: “lost places” like 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. The resulting pictures then convey even more emotion and will always remind you of those unforgettable moments.
The perfect location is the one you want most. Experienced Trash the Dress photographers have valuable tips and often know good places that match your ideas.
What should you keep in mind 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 hope to get out of the photo shoot. As a couple, talk about your expectations and communicate them clearly to the photographer.
- Choose clothing: For most people, it’s obvious 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 session. Don’t forget: bring a change of clothes for after the shoot!
- Find suitable accessories: Anything you feel like can be used 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 (for example, sports equipment, chunky boots, vehicles like motorcycles, tractors, or jeeps)—choose whatever suits you best.
In general, the rule for a Trash the Dress shoot is: Anything goes, nothing is a must.. The more relaxed you are, the more fun you’ll have—and the more authentic and better the photos will be. Go into the shoot with a relaxed attitude and be open to unexpected situations, such as rainy weather.
What creative ideas are there for a Trash the Dress shoot?
A Trash the Dress shoot is the perfect opportunity to let your creativity run wild. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
A riot of color
Color accents create a striking contrast to the white wedding dress and look especially good in photos. The dress can be dusted with Holi colors, and color bombs or colorful smoke in the background can create a majestic image
Alternatively, you can paint or splatter the wedding dress with acrylic paints.
The element of water
Many people want water shots as part of their Trash the Dress shoot.. There are various possibilities for this:
- Romantic by a lake or beach
- Wild and natural under a waterfall
- Crazy in a fountain
- Underwater shots in a swimming pool
In these cases, the wedding dresses are often not completely destroyed and can be reused after professional cleaning.
Extraordinary at a lost place
Lost places are all the rage for Trash the Dress shoots. Abandoned barns, empty factories, or half-collapsed houses create a unique atmosphere. There are no limits to creativity—some even set their dress on fire. In any case, remember: Safety comes first. Always get the owner’s permission and be careful in old buildings, as there may be a risk of collapse.
How do you care for the dress after a Trash the Dress shoot?
For a typical Trash the Dress shoot, you should be prepared to say goodbye to your wedding dress. Depending on how the photo session is designed, these types of damage can occur to the dress:
- Dirt: mud, earth, dust, sand
- Stains of all kinds: paint, grass stains
- Water: from lakes, the sea, or snow
- Damage: holes, cuts, burnt material
But none of this is a must. It’s absolutely possible to have a Trash the Dress shoot where the wedding dress isn’t completely ruined afterward. 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 cleaners.
If you can’t part with your trashed wedding dress, you can of course keep it as a memento.. Even better, instead of just hanging it in the closet: start an art project! You can cut out a piece of the dress and use it in a collage on a canvas.
Why is a Trash the Dress shoot worthwhile for adventurous couples?
With your wedding, you’ve 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 experience for couples.. After the wedding, you get to put on your outfits again and have a lot of fun together. The wedding dress and suit get a second life, instead of hanging unnoticed in the closet after the big day.
In contrast to traditional wedding shoots Trash the Dress shoots are often more relaxed than traditional ones. There’s a lot of laughter, and natural-looking and authentic wedding photos. are created. At the same time, the pictures are unique, unconventional, and are sure to earn you admiring looks from your friends.
Conclusion: Is a Trash the Dress shoot worth it?
A Trash the Dress shoot is a wonderful and creative way to do an after-wedding shoot. Not only do you get extraordinary and unconventional pictures, but most couples also have a lot of fun putting on their outfits again after the wedding and doing crazy things in them. This way, you get unique photos that are guaranteed to stand out in your photo collection.
Whether in a mystical, foggy forest, romantically by a lake, or super cool in an abandoned factory: at your Trash the Dress photo shoot, anything you feel like is allowed.. Let yourself be inspired and give your creativity free rein!
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 ideas for the photo session. A professional photographer will certainly charge a bit more if they have to travel a long way or if you want a particularly large number of pictures. Expect to pay a bit more than for a normal after-wedding photo session.
How long does a Trash the Dress shoot take?
How long a Trash the Dress shoot takes depends a bit on the circumstances and the number of photos you want. As a rule, you should plan for at least two hours, often more.
What should you bring to a Trash the Dress shoot?
An important point is the outfit: For your Trash the Dress shoot, you’ll need your wedding dress and, if the groom is joining, his suit. Also, take care of the accessories you want to have at your photo shoot: from the bridal bouquet to crazy shoes to vehicles like motorcycles—anything goes. Don’t forget a change of clothes for afterward!
