How to Arrange a Trash the Dress Photo Shoot

A Trash the Dress photo shoot results in unusual and appealing shots.

Trash the Dress photo shoots began in 2000 when photographer John Michael Cooper decided to shoot post-wedding bridal photos in unusual and messy locations. Cooper's photography sparked a trend by inspiring brides to model their wedding gowns in such locations as rivers, mud pits and dusty streets. The juxtaposition of pristine white wedding dress and filthy location makes for breathtaking photos. Your post-wedding Trash the Dress photo shoot will give you dramatic and artistic shots that are less formal and more liberating than traditional wedding portraits.

Things You'll Need

• Wedding dress
• Creative accessories: colorful high heels, sunglasses, feather hairpieces, combat boots

Instructions

1. Look at work samples from several photographers. Hire a photographer who has an engaging personality, extensive experience and a portfolio of dramatic, creative work.

2. Scout out locations for your photo shoot. Let your creativity and personality inspire your choice. Consider forests, rivers or lakes, garbage dumps, farms, train tracks, industrial spots and beaches. Obtain permits or permissions, if necessary.

3. 

   Wear accessories that you wouldn't normally pair with a wedding dress.

   Wear unusual accessories with your dress on the day of the shoot. Choose bright stiletto heels and fishnet stockings and put a colorful feather hairpiece in your hair, or pair your gown with a grungy military trench coat, combat boots and aviator sunglasses.

4. 

   Pose in water for unusual and dramatic photos.

   Pose for the photographer in natural, casual stances. For example, wade in a river, lake, pool or ocean and allow the train of your gown to float behind you. Climb in a garbage dump, roll in the grass, sit in a dirty alley, stomp in mud puddles or lie down on industrial train tracks.

5. Take your dress to a professional launderer or gown cleaning company for cleaning and restoration.

Tips & Warnings

• The groom can also take part in the Trash the Dress photo shoot.

• If you're feeling especially daring you can fully destroy the dress with paint, dirt, and mud.

• If you don't already own a wedding dress or formal gown, buy an inexpensive one at a consignment store.

• Decide before taking the pictures the extent to which you wish to trash the wedding gown. Don't stain or tear the dress during the photo shoot if you want to have your dress restored.

References

• "The Washington Post"; Take 2; Ellen McCarthy; September 6, 2009
• ABCNews.com: Brides Trash Wedding Dresses