It used to be that after a wedding brides would dry clean their dress and stow it away for all eternity. Sometimes it was simply kept as a keepsake and other times brides hoped that their future daughters would use it in some way. Then came the idea of turning a portion of the dress into a keepsake, like a throw pillow.
For a long time I was a fan of the keepsake idea. A few of my aunts did it when they got married and the results were gorgeous. The problem? It still just end up stowed away, even if it was on display.
I’m a much bigger fan of the new trend – a Trash the Dress photo session. Photos of the big day are beautiful, but to be honest they’re a pain. Don’t let the hem drag, don’t snag the dress, don’t smudge, don’t wipe your hands – the list goes on and on. In these trash the dress wedding photos, brides (and grooms!) get to loosen up and have some FUN.
Not only is getting dirty allowed, it’s encouraged. Aside from the ones involving paint, most of these trashing sessions actually don’t hard the dress at all. The majority of these brides still get to keep a beautiful dress as a keepsake too.
Using paint to trash your dress is a relatively new concept. This particular photo reminds me a piece of artwork, but if it’s a little bit formal.
Planning a Trash the Dress Photo Shoot? Read This First!
So, the big day has come and gone. You’ve said “I do,” danced until your feet hurt, and eaten more cake than you thought humanly possible. Your beautiful wedding dress, once the star of the show, is now hanging in your closet. What’s next for this glorious gown? You could get it dry-cleaned and preserve it in a box, hoping a future daughter might want it. Or… you could give it one last, epic encore.
Enter the “Trash the Dress” photo session. This isn’t about destroying your dress (unless you want to!); it’s about liberation. It’s a chance to get stunning, artistic photos without the stress of the wedding day. Think of it as a creative victory lap for you and your gown. From rolling in the sand to splashing in a waterfall, this is your opportunity to create truly unforgettable memories.
Let’s dive into the why, who, and how of planning the perfect trash the dress shoot.
“Taking the plunge” literally and figuratively. And what about your bridesmaids too? I love this shot of all the girls having fun.
The Awesome Benefits of a Trash the Dress Session
Why would anyone want to get their pricey wedding dress dirty on purpose? Oh, let us count the ways! This trend is about so much more than just mud and water.
Unleash Your Inner Creative Genius
Your wedding day is beautiful, but it’s often a whirlwind of structured poses and tight schedules. “Don’t smudge your makeup! Watch the hem! Smile for Aunt Carol!” A trash the dress session throws all that out the window. It’s your chance to be authentically, messily, and creatively you.
Want to have a paint fight with your new spouse? Go for it. Fancy a dramatic shot of you standing on a windswept cliff, dress billowing behind you? Let’s make it happen. You can create images that look like they belong on the cover of a romance novel or in a modern art gallery. It’s a collaboration between you, your partner, and your photographer to make something truly unique.
As a horse lover this was a photograph I always wanted to duplicate. This on in particular makes me regret skipping out on a Trash the Dress session.
Kiss Post-Wedding Stress Goodbye
Let’s be real: planning a wedding can be stressful. Even with the most amazing planner, there are countless details to manage. After months of tension, a trash the dress session is the ultimate release. There’s something incredibly freeing about letting go of all the rules.
Running into the ocean, laughing as a wave soaks your dress, is pure, unadulterated joy. It’s a moment to let your hair down (literally) and just have fun with the person you love. Think of it as a celebratory, stress-busting activity that also happens to produce incredible photos.
More paint – but looks like So. Much. Fun!
Create One-of-a-Kind Memories
Your official wedding photos capture the story of your wedding day. Your trash the dress photos capture the story of your adventurous spirit. These are the pictures that will make your friends say, “Whoa, you guys are so cool!” a decade from now.
These sessions capture raw emotion and spontaneous moments. The laughter, the surprise, the shared look as you both get covered in sand—these are the memories that stick. Instead of just another set of posed portraits, you get a collection of images that tell a story of fun, freedom, and the start of a new adventure together.
As fun as the paint sessions are, I think the beach setting is absolutely stunning.
How to Choose the Perfect Trash the Dress Photographer
Not all photographers are created equal, especially when it comes to trashing a dress. You need someone with a specific skill set and a shared vision. It’s like hiring a stunt coordinator for your dress—you want a pro.
Hunt for Experience and Check Portfolios
Start by looking for photographers who specifically advertise “trash the dress” or “adventure sessions.” This isn’t a job for a traditional portrait photographer who’s never shot outside a studio. You need someone who understands dynamic lighting, works well in unpredictable environments, and isn’t afraid to get a little dirty themselves.
When you find a potential photographer, dive deep into their portfolio. Are the images sharp and well-composed? Do they capture genuine emotion, or do the poses look forced? Look for variety in their work. Have they shot in water, with paint, in a forest? This shows they have the technical skills to handle different scenarios.
Talk About Your Creative Vision
This is a creative partnership. Before you book, schedule a call or meeting to discuss your ideas. Don’t be shy! If you have a wild idea involving a horse and a sunset, tell them. A great adventure photographer will get excited by your vision and start brainstorming ways to make it even better.
Pay attention to how they respond. Do they seem genuinely enthusiastic, or are they trying to steer you toward something easier? You want a photographer who says, “That sounds amazing, and what if we added…?” They should be a collaborator who helps you bring your dream to life, not just a button-pusher. Also, be sure to discuss safety and logistics to ensure your epic idea is also a safe one.
How to Prepare for Your Trash the Dress Shoot
A little planning goes a long way in making your session fun, safe, and successful. Once you have your photographer booked, it’s time to iron out the details.
Pick the Perfect Location
The location sets the tone for your entire shoot. Where do you feel most alive as a couple?
- The Beach: A classic for a reason. You can get romantic shots walking along the shore or dramatic photos of waves crashing around you.
- A Forest or Field: Perfect for an ethereal, fairytale vibe. Think sunbeams filtering through trees or running through a field of wildflowers.
- An Urban Setting: Graffiti-covered walls, abandoned buildings, or even a city fountain can create a cool, edgy contrast with your formal wear.
- A Waterfall or Lake: If you’re ready to get fully submerged, the results can be breathtakingly beautiful.
When choosing, consider accessibility and privacy. You might feel more comfortable letting loose if you aren’t in a crowded public park. Your photographer can be a great resource for location scouting!
It looked like this couple had so much fun during their shoot. Having the session around sunset allowed them to capture the differences between night and day.
Pack a “Go-Bag”
You’re going on an adventure, so pack accordingly! Think beyond just your wedding attire. Here’s a checklist to get you started:
- Backup Outfits: A change of comfortable clothes and shoes for after the shoot is a must. No one wants to drive home soaking wet.
- Towels: Bring several. You’ll thank yourself later.
- Snacks and Water: Modeling is hard work! Keep your energy up.
- A Safety Person: It’s a good idea to have a friend tag along to help carry things, assist with wardrobe changes, and be an extra set of eyes, especially near water.
- Props: Thinking of using paint, powder, or smoke bombs? Make sure you bring them and have a plan for cleanup.
These underwater photos by Pierre Visual Studio’s are absolutely stunning. You pay a little extra for the underwater camera or housing, but the results are something truly unique!!
Prioritize Safety Above All Else
Getting that perfect shot is exciting, but your well-being comes first. A wet wedding dress can become incredibly heavy and dangerous, especially in open water. Always have a plan.
Never shoot alone in a remote location. If you’re getting in the water, make sure it’s shallow and that you are a confident swimmer. Have your safety person nearby and ready to help. Discuss any potential risks with your photographer beforehand. A professional will always prioritize your safety over getting the shot. Trust their judgment if they say an idea is too risky.
A trash the dress session is your chance to write a final, thrilling chapter for your wedding story. It’s a celebration of love, life, and the beautiful mess that comes with it. So go ahead, have some fun, and make some memories that are anything but ordinary.
And last, but not least, one of my favorites from my own Trash the Dress shoot.
Looking for more fun wedding photography ideas? Check out our 10 Fun Bridesmaid Photo Ideas, 12 Fun and Original Wedding Party Photos and Using Props to Create Fun and Unique Wedding Photos!
Some of these are totally amazing & so worth it, but I don’t see how the dress is unmarred.