Trash the dress is a trend that has been around for a good amount of time and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere as of right now. It has been used both to celebrate and to gain closure and has added the one part in wedding photography where you don’t have to look impeccable.
With so many options and locations available it’s easy to pick randomly and then, as you are posing for the picture, you start to regret your choice.
What to consider when deciding
You’ll have to look at yourself and your partner. What do you like? What do you dislike? Are you more drawn to nature than to the busy city life? If you have children or pets – do you want to include them? Inside or outside, sunrise or sunset, warm weather or cold, and so on. These are all aspects that can influence your decision. Write them down and have an open conversation with your spouse.
Feeling stuck? We have some suggestions
We have divided them into 3 categories, one for the dress to serve as a memento, one to have it easily go back with a wash, and one where there’s no turning back.
All in all, here are 7 ideas for your post-wedding photoshoot:
For water lovers
Favorable forecast: Granted the weather channel gives a good prediction for the day of your shoot, you can go for a romantic dance in the rain or you can use puddles to your advantage. Let out your inner ballerina and have your partner swirl you for a great water droplet dress effect. Be sure to wear waterproof make-up.
Under the sea: Maybe water droplets and puddles just won’t do it for you. Maybe you want that, but x10. You can choose the beach of your dreams, a lake, or even a pool, and submerge yourself for an ethereal look. And if your photographer is skilled in this domain you will have the best underwater drone shots to show to everyone.
The best part about water is the variety of poses you’ll be also to make with minimal effort.
For the artists
Marker perm: This one you can play out a few different ways. The romantic way: where it’s just you and your partner, the family way: where you can include your children, or the more the merrier: where you can include as many of the wedding guests as you’d like. Bring colored markers for everyone (or black, if that’s your style) and ask them to write messages for you on your gown. This way the dress is not only a reminder of your big day but also of exactly how you and your guests felt.
Paint your heart out: With this route, you can let your imagination run wild. Paint a scenery, paint with your hands, have your spouse or children paint for you, bring in a professional artist, or even have your pet put his paw prints on (make sure you’re using child and pet safe paint). The pristine white dress will serve as a gorgeous canvas and can further be used as a centerpiece in your home.
Tie it and dye it: If you want an artsy look, but you’re not that confident in your skills, just go with a tie-dye method. It’s a safe alternative and it also shows a different pattern each time. It can be a nice surprise and if you adjust the dress by cutting it or changing its style – it can even be worn again!
For animal lovers
A little birdy told me: For bird enthusiasts, the option of having a photoshoot in which you resemble Jane when Tarzan took her to see the parrots in the treetops is just marvelous. You can choose to go to a common bird feeding place in your town and scatter bird seeds all over your dress – while sitting down, or you can ask your local zoo if they can help you. Keep in mind that birds tend to be messy while eating.
Elbow grease: For a sure way to truly wreck your dress, go for farm work. Gathering hay, riding through mud, feeding the stock. All guarantee a good trashing and also provide great views for your photographer. If you’re not afraid to mess it up, this could be the best option for you.
Second thoughts?
If you’re not sure you can go through with destroying it, you can still make something of your dress that can be just as enjoyed:
- Adjust the style or length and still have the option of wearing it
- Encase it in a glass display case and use it as decor
- Pass it on to a family member
- Sell it or donate it to someone who needs it
In the end
Whatever you choose to do, make sure it is the right way to go for you and that you make the best memories with the dress while it lasts. You might forget the price you paid, but the memories you make together with your loved ones will stay with you forever.
Have a safe photoshoot and don’t forget to have fun!
