'Trash The Dress' - Why And Where?
Updated: Dec 8, 2020
Tying the knot can be a stressful event.
Although it is the start of a journey towards wedded bliss there can be no argument that the process, from wedding planning to the preparation for the day itself can cause frazzled nerves, there is just so much pressure to look great and present a serene and collected outward appearance to the wedding party and other guests.
Then there is the reception and the added pressure of making sure that everyone experiences the same joy and happiness as the bride and groom.
The correct mental state is essential to get in the mood to share that mood and dance the night away in anticipation of that honeymoon to come or simply spend some 'alone time' with the love of your life.
For many brides, the perfect way to get mentally prepared for the festivities is to simply have some fun. And one way to do this is to become part of the 'Trash the Dress' movement.
After the wedding day is over, set aside some time (usually day or two after wedding) to harness your creative talents (and those of your wedding photographer) to engage in some photography (with your partner) in settings that are wild and untamed - represent the simple happiness and freedom of the journey to come.
Sometimes this may result in the complete destruction of a wedding dress - after all, materials such as silk or the fine needlework that is usually part and parcel of a wedding ensemble will rarely survive a dip in the ocean, the spray from a cascading waterfall or a bareback ride along a beach of pure white sand.
But that is half the fun - and it can result in images that are filled to the brim with simple wonder, love and happiness.
However, it's not absolutely essential to trash that $6,000 Couture creation - after all you may want to save that for a future child's wedding.
Many brides will purchase a second dress for the express purpose of a 'Trash the Dress' photoshoot.
A perfectly acceptable second dress can be picked up for around $150 in online store like TBdress.com or even the Goodwill type stores.
After all, you will not be presenting a sculpted and traditional face to the world, rather one where simple adventure and excitement are the guiding principles of the photoshoot.
There may simply be no point in ruining a fashion item for this sort of shoot - after all a designer dress and one that costs well under 4500 are both going to look similar awesome when you are wearing it in the surf!
There is also the fact that your professional wedding photographer will make you look spectacular in any weeding dress on this type of photo shoot.
The professional wedding photographer is important for another reason.
He or she will be able to advise you on the best settings for your 'Trash the Dress' adventure, whether it be perched on the back of a snowmobile, watching the sunrise over the desert dunes or taking part in an off-road adventure.
If you want to explore the exhilaration of this increasingly popular type of photoshoot you might want to consider the following settings and experiences offered by many different countries.
They will provide images that will spark memories for a lifetime. Feel free to tailor these ideas to meet your specific wedding plans - they are, after all, meant to simply excite the imagination.
Go Deep.
The Cenotes of Mexico are the perfect settings for a 'Trash the Dress' photoshoot. These natural sinkholes are created where a cave ceiling collapses and the opening forms the entrance to a magical world of crystal clear waters.
Here the jungle intrudes and shafts of sunlight price the waters to create a world of mystery and beauty.
Cenotes provide a setting that allows for a variety of images.
Dive into the crystal clear water, share a weightless stolen kiss below the surface or simply float on crystal clear waters with your significant other or pose on boulders while the sun streams down.
The only limits are your imagination and that of your destination wedding photographer.
Beaches of the World.
Beach weddings are having a renaissance in terms of popularity as the world gradually opens up to travel (think Aruba, Hawaii, or the Costa Rica).
The infinite stretches of white or golden sands, untouched by the human hand are perfect settings for 'Trash the Dress' shoot.
They offer a variety of settings and backdrops that make the exercise so delightfully challenging. A tropical beach is one of the most exciting choices.
Here palm trees line the beach - and provide for the perfect seating for that 'island style' image, breaking waves beg to be explored - and represent freedom, movement and excitement when the bride and her significant other take to the water.
The sand itself is the perfect canvas to paint the joy and freedom of wedded bliss.
A shipwreck or even a line of beached fishing boats can lend color and vitality to the shot. Once again, the options are endless.
Jungle Fever.
This does not mean the possibility of running a literal fever (drink plenty of fluids) but the heat that a jungle setting can bring to the 'Trash the Dress' photoshoot.
The jungle is one of the most vibrant settings on the planet. It is wild and untamed - and filled to the brim with adventure.
These may be exactly the sort of themes you would like to explore for your 'Trash the Dress' photoshoot.
Dappled sunlight on broad, deep green leaves and even the power of the rain backlit by shafts of sunlight can provide exactly the sort of setting that makes this sort of photoshoot so attractive.
Icy Hot.
The slopes of a ski resort can provide the perfect setting for a 'Trash the Dress' the views can go on for miles and the pristine beauty of fresh snow provide the bridal couple (or the bride herself) with an opportunity to immortalize a feeling of calm and focus - and more than a little fun.
The elegant lines that the snow brings - and the fact that it can blur the harsh lines of rock and tree focuses the eye on the subject - and that is as it should be.
If your choice involves a winter wonderland - expand your mind.
A frozen waterfall can be a magnificent backdrop and the serenity of a forest with tree branches draped in freshly fallen snow can provide images that are both striking and memorable.
For some lighthearted shots, a snowball fight is always a fabulous way to depict energy, vitality and simple joy.
An Urban Fantasy.
It is not necessary to board a plane in order to enjoy some of the most incredible opportunities for a stunning 'Trash the Dress' experience.
A city or urban setting provides hidden wonders that are filled with the possibility of vibrant and striking photography.
There is great beauty in our urban spaces - and that beauty can be harnessed for this sort of shoot. Think of a beautiful graffiti backdrop or a hotel balcony pool overlooking the skyline as the moon rises.
Or simply head for higher ground and celebrate the buzz of car headlights while sitting on the grass or lounging against a nearby tree.
Get edgy with a floral headpiece or simply pick some roadside flowers as the traffic zooms by.
Even an old fast food outlet on a deserted road can be the perfect backdrop. Let your creativity run riot - a car lot with vintage automobiles can provide for wonderful images - and don't be afraid to get greasy.
Res, Red Wine.
If you and your partner are in a wine-producing country - and there are some 'old school' wine stomping vats at a nearby winery you have the perfect opportunity for an iconic 'Trash the Dress' photoshoot.
Get in there, stamp away and don't forget the crystal glasses that are not only great props - but are useful in imbibing in some of that great red wine that will be within easy reach.
Combine this with a walk among the vines, or some shots in an old wine cellar or a location underground where those impressive barrels used for aging wine can be found and you will have the perfect set of images.
However, this is one of those times when a second, disposable dress is vital - red wine and fine material simply do not play well together.
The 'trash the Dress' movement has become increasingly popular due to the fact that it provides the bridal couple with the perfect opportunity to enjoy each other's company undisturbed by the pressures that always accompany a wedding, as well as providing candid shots that will be a source of pride for years to come.
The key to a successful photo shoot of this type is the advice of a professional wedding photographer. In some of my package "trash the Dress" is already included, or simply can be added.
I'm a vital part of the planning for the shoot and the identification of the perfect destination or setting.
I will handle all details, scout locations and ensure that the entire process is stress-free and enjoyable for everyone concerned.
If you want to immortalize the joy of that special time at the start of a life of wedded bliss, this type of photoshoot might be simply perfect.
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