To Trash the Dress or Not to Trash the Dress…That is the Question August 29, 2011 – Posted in: Uncategorized

To Trash the Dress or Not to Trash the Dress…That is the Question

I get this question a lot.

We decided to have our adventurous trash the dress session almost a year and a half after our own destination wedding. It was better late than never and frankly, it gave me another reason to have my husband haul a wedding dress across international borders…again!

It also was another reason to make more magic with the Mad Hatters of Del Sol Photography!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below you will find some of the FAQs from brides as they’re contemplating if a trash the dress session is right for them. My answers are below.

Personal Recommendations

Caveat: These are solely my own opinions based on my own experience as a destination wedding bride as well as a jewelry designer. I work with brides around the world on a daily basis and these are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding a trash the dress.

Will my (insert the benefactor’s name here) kill me if my dress gets wet and potentially…dirty?

This happens to be a very personal decision for brides.

Some have parents/relatives that are very excited about the possibility of seeing the you and your diamond white couture submerged in the ocean, cenote or floated through an urban landscape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If it comes down to the threat by beloved Grandma that starts off with, “Over my…” it may not be the best idea for you.

What I find is when people start paging through slideshows of actual trash the dress sessions, their attitude can definitely change. It’s hard to not get swept away in the romantic, ethereal world of a unique photography session like this.

Looking for an appetizer to rock Grandma’s world and perhaps change her tune? It only takes a click here.

Do I have to wear my wedding gown or should I purchase another one for the trash the dress session?

I have a secret for you. There are NO rules. You can do whatever you wish! Some brides choose to go with a new (and less expensive) gown so they don’t have to sacrifice the opportunity to trash the dress and at the same time can preserve the gown from the big day. I purchased another gown for my TTD for the simple fact that my wedding gown was raw silk and trampled on (not just by me) throughout our fabulous reception and post reception (gracias a la discoteca)! The gown I purchased for my TTD this November was a little less expensive but still happens to be a bridal gown. I can’t wait to re-bride myself and completely support the idea of using an alternative gown if you can swing it.

• Should I fly in my hometown wedding photographer to the distant land where I’ll be embarking on my Trash the Dress session?

  
  
  

Here’s the deal. When I travel one of the most important things is having the chance to experience the destination “as the locales do”. Photographers familiar with the TTD area will know about hidden gems that a foreigner may not have any idea exist. According to Matt Adcock, Destination Wedding Photographer extraordinaire and co-owner of Del Sol Photography, “Finding a photographer that lives in / near the region will open the door to many possibilities that a foreign photographer may or may not know.” There are so many adventures to be had and points of interest that are not highlighted in guide books or travel sites for that matter.

• Do I need to wear the same jewelry or can I mix it up?

  

 

Good news…again you can do whatever you wish! I’ve worked with brides who have gone from crystals and pearls on their wedding day to bold POPS of color in their jewels for their TTD sessions! Fuchsia and turquoise, lime green and beyond…it’s all fair game! Don’t forget about Exotic Hair Couture too. This is another opportunity to make fantasy reality so don’t be afraid to wear exotic jewels and colors that maybe you would not have selected for the big day. I personally think some of the most beautiful photos showcase a bride wearing her white gown with splashes of color from barefoot jewels, bracelets, necklaces and hair accessories.

• Can I do anything with the dress afterwards?

  
  

But of course! There’s always the possibility of donating your well-traveled gown to a charity such as Brides Against Breast Cancer. A few Google searches could yield some wonderful organizations that would love to have your pre-loved gown.

Another fabulous idea is taking a piece, be it crystals or other beads from your gown to have jewelry custom designed and able to be worn forever! I’m more than happy to create a {Red-i} By Chelsea {Re-invention} of your cherished gown! Imagine having jewelry that is actually made from your wedding gown that you can rock whenever you wish!

Hopefully some of these questions/answers helped you with your personal decision of having a Trash the Dress session.

I’ve included some gorgeous photos from Del Sol below to aide in your journey to decide if you and your spouse will take the plunge!

 

More on my upcoming TTD session next!

“Have Jewelry, Will Travel”