After the big day, brides are presented with a dilemma – what to do with their wedding dress? It’s a tough question; after all, this is probably the most expensive item of clothing you will ever own, but the chances are you are only going to wear it once! Some brides like to hang on to their dresses for sentimental reasons, or to pass it on to younger members of their family. However, there is a third, more dramatic, theatrical, and photogenic option – a ‘Trash the Dress’ photoshoot!
If you’ve not heard of the concept, ‘trashing the dress’ does pretty much exactly what it says. ‘Trashing the Dress’ photos are when the bride (and often the groom) get together for one final shoot after the wedding, and quite literally trash the dress. Whether it’s playing together in the surf at a beach wedding, slinging paint bombs at each other, or even getting wet and wild under a waterfall, trashing the dress is enormous fun, and makes for some spectacular wedding snaps.
Bride and groom walking in waters of Lake Louise
Trashing the dress often goes hand to hand with beach or outdoor weddings, as there’s a certain romance and drama in getting up close and personal with nature directly after your nuptials. So if your destination wedding this year involves taking a western Caribbean cruise or hiking up a mountain, why not consider a ‘trash the dress’ wedding photoshoot! Take a look at the following ideas and get inspired!
The best spot for your ‘trash the dress’
Standing in the surf
An absolute classic beach wedding shot, a photo with the couple standing in the surf as the waves roll in (ideally at sunset) is absolutely stunning. If you are going full on in your trash the dress shoot, you can wade in a little further, away from the sure, for extra drama.
Bride and groom on Maslins Beach
In a cloud of color
Smoke and paint bombs are an amazingly photogenic way to create a cloud of color, and shower your shots in joy and vibrancy. Normally used in the Hindu festival of Holi, paint bombs are non-toxic yet stunningly dramatic, surrounding bride and groom in a halo of gorgeous hues, and contrasting beautifully with the sheer white of your dress!
First dancing in smoke
Beneath the waves
If you are getting married by the sea, why not go one step further and get a few photos underneath the waves? Diving underwater and taking some careful, clever shots is an amazing way to create magical memories. The otherworldly vibe of the ocean floor creates an atmosphere that is hard to match, and once again the contrast between turquoise or deep marine blue of the water and the white of your dress makes for an amazing image.
pt willunga jetty wedding photo
Under a waterfall
If your wedding is outside in the great outdoors, in a forest, a National Park, or up a mountain, why not try and find the nearest cascade and create some truly memorable photos? It is hard to think of a more romantic image than a kiss between bride and groom under the raging torrent of a glittering waterfall, and you can really conjure up some passionate, poignant photos that will stay with you forever.
Waterfall wedding photographer Hobart
Covered in paint
While smoke and paint bombs are the fun, simple, and easy way to go, why not go full Jackson Pollock and cover each other with splashes of neon paint? For starters, it will give you an incredibly fun experience that might release some of the tension of the big day, plus it will create awesome, color-filled photos. What is a better canvas for your artistic skills than your bridal gown?
It was a gloriously sunny day for Susie and Ricky as they hosted their Civic park wedding ceremony up on the hill above the maid grassy area nearby the Sferas Convention Center. They had originally planned to hold their reception only to put that on hold for later in the year until the COVID threat had quietened a bit.
Despite their little postponement of their reception, this happy couple still made the most of their shorter day with gusto!
Preparation
Ricky and his best man was prepared at the family home nearby. I arrived as they were playing a few last video games – which is always a great start, and then we moved on to more usual things like cleaning mirrors while trying to tie ties 🙂
Video games playing groom
Groom getting help with his tie
Groom and groomsman squeezing into mirror
Bestman sorting out tie
Grinning groom
Groom getting lapel straightened
Simpsons cufflinks
Putting flower on lapel
Putting flower on lapel on best man
Groom leaning on doorframe
Susie and her bridal party were prepared at one of the suites at the Sfera’s Convention center in which they had a grand view over where their Civic Park wedding ceremony was being set up overlooking the little creek area at the center of the entire park.
I arrived just as the girl’s makeup was almost done, which is great as then I’m able to make the use of the time taking phtos of things like dresses and shoes, etc.
Susie spent some time in during her preparation on two special moments – the first being a first look with the handsome man who walked her down the aisle, and the other with her flower girl – to which Susie gifted a fluffy white cat toy, which the little girl wasn’;t overly keen on at first but came around to it 🙂
Engagement ring in purple flower
Makeup on bride
Sister hugs
Bride playing with veil
Bride sitting looking at wedding dress
Bridesmaids getting tangled in veil
Bridesmaids stretching out train
Smiling bride looking at camera
Bride standing in window light
Bride smiling looking up
Bride twisting back at bridesmaids
Bridesmaids reacting to engagement ring
Bride showing off train
Groom leaning on doorframe
Civic Park Wedding Ceremony
Susie and Ricky’s Civic Park wedding ceremony took place under the shade of the gum trees that line the dry creek area that adorns the top of the path way that wiggles it’s way through the center of the park – while lined with grass. The path connect’s the Tea Tree Plaza shopping center and Sferas.
Being set up here was wonderful as Susie and Ricky’s guests were therefore protected by the harsh sun, as opposed to the poor other wedding ceremony that took place on the main grass area just after theirs.
Their ceremony itself was a lovely simple affair, with private in jokes based on a variety of popculture references which made a different small portion of their congregation chuckle at different times throughout.
Checking the time together
Groom waiting at Civic Park wedding
Bride arriving looking at Dad
Grooms first look at bride
Civic Park wedding ceremony
Grinning bride during ceremony
Groom looking at his bride
Bride and groom looking back at congregation
Exchanging wedding bands at Civic Park wedding
Bride smiling at her groom at wedding
First kiss at Civic Park wedding
Bridal exit at Civic Park wedding
Glamour Photos
After coaxing everyone out on the grassy hill for a group photo using the drone – so as to socially distance – We made use of the rest of Civic park for a few glamour photos before heading across the road to the Solandra Wetlands for a few more.
As the sun was super bright, my main goal throughout was simply to use as much shade as possible to bring some sun flares coming through and making the scene super pretty. It was however fairly early in the day – so this was a little tricky, but the beautiful surrounds of the foliage available still made for some lovely shots.
Kisses under a tree at Civic park wedding
Groom kissing his bride’s head under a tree
Flying veil on bride
bridesmaid pointing
Smiles all round as headbutt
Smiling bride with groom and jacket
Bridal party reacting to kiss
Bride and groom under sun lit tree
Bride leading groom on merry jape
Bride and groom in long grass
Bride and groom in weeping willow
Bride and groom in weeping willow foliage
Thanks so much to Susie and Ricky for having me as your wedding photographer! I’m so sorry that wouldnt be able to cover your reception on your new date! But I hope you enjoy the photos taken on your wedding day!
When you close your eyes and imagine what your wedding day looks like, what do you see? What is the general ambience? Where are you? What time of the year is it? These are only a few of the things you should think about. The visuals, sights, feelings, and sounds all carry weight into the overall experience, so you should carefully think about it before starting to plan your dream wedding.
Your selected wedding theme is pretty much the starting point and core of the plan, so you have to be decisive about it. It will set the mood of your wedding and reflect you and your partner’s personality and relationship. There are so many themes to choose from, so it can take a little thinking before you dive in and make a choice.
Keep on reading to learn more about picking out the best theme for your special day.
Themes & Ideas to Help You Plan Your Dream Wedding
Three Considerations When Choosing Wedding Themes
The Wedding Venue
If you happen to book a wedding venue before choosing a theme, you have to explore the venue first. Wedding locations and themes are not really one-size-fits-all, so it is better that you get a feel or idea of how the wedding hall or site will look like. You have to choose a theme that will look good inside the venue.
If you are fortunate enough to get a relatively roomy wedding venue, you can choose a luxury wedding theme with extravagant decorations. To start, explore Adelaide wedding venues and find the right-sized place for your theme.
Every season has its distinct vibe and colour palette that you can use to your advantage for example, an outdoor wedding during the winter or rainy season can be a recipe for disaster. However can be cheaper and provide some unique opportunities for fun and/or photography!
Coordinate your surroundings for a more beautiful wedding. For instance, if you fancy an indoor white-themed wedding, you can do it in winter might be best. Should you want a bright outdoor wedding, do it in the Autumn or Spring.
Lightning
Your Budget
Cost really should be one of your most significant considerations when planning a wedding. You should not go way past your budget, or else you will be in debt right after your wedding. Stick to your budget and plan a wedding that fits your financial situation. As much as the ceremony and reception are valuable, you shouldn’t forget the life that you will be starting together.
Remember, this is about you and your partner’s union, not about the grandiosity of the event. If you are on a tight budget, you are free to choose a theme, but maybe lean towards DIY solutions. If you have all the money to spare, you can pretty much go for anything.
Keep in mind though – the old adage of ‘you get what you pay for‘ very much comes into effect with many vendors on your big day, so when you plan your dream wedding try not to cheap out on people that you know can have a wide spectrum of quality – like your wedding photographer.
Drone group shot at Seagrass Long Point Hobart
8 Wedding Themes You Should Consider when you plan your dream wedding
We are here to help you decide the best wedding theme for you and your partner’s much-awaited event. Here is a list of some wedding themes that you might like.
Classic
Traditional wedding themes have remained popular for decades, so if you and your partner are more conventional, when you plan your dream wedding – go for a classic theme and have a textbook wedding.
Use elegant stationery, a soft colour theme, and traditional garb for the bridal party. Think about timeless floral arrangements, silverware, accent chairs, rhinestones, and candles. Plus, get a cinematic wedding videographer for a more classic approach.
Coriole wines wedding photography
Spring
Spring symbolises a new beginning—a perfect metaphor for weddings. You can decorate the venue with many flowers and use pastel colours for all of your decorations. Natural and floral accents are a good fit for this theme, and you can also use earthy colour palettes for the growth vibes given off by a Spring theme.
bride and groom in the sunlight
Modern
A lot of people like a modern, simple look. May it be inside their homes or events, people prefer minimalist designs. If you pick this wedding theme, you can decorate with white or neutral colours to emphasise simplicity. The dress code for the bridal party and the guests may be minimalist, too.
You can opt for geometric props and metallic accents. You can experiment by pairing classic and modern furniture to make your venue look more creative. Usually, modern designs lean toward using mirrors, modern candelabras, contrasting designs, and unique linens.
Crozier Street Wedding Photo
Beach
Beach themes have been one of the most prominent themes simply because they are fun and fresh. A view of the beach is excellent no matter what, especially when your wedding is scheduled at sunset. It is advisable to use blue or silver colours for the colour palette to fully embrace the sea, the sand, and the sky.
Also, you should use coastal ornaments to decorate the venue, such as tables and chairs. The food should also be seafood and crustacean dishes!
Just be aware that you are very much at the mercy of the weather at a beach wedding – so have a plan B ready!
Interested in getting more help planning your exotic and beachy wedding? Paradise Weddings is a destination wedding company that has already planned more than 100 unique wedding ceremonies, each of which was unique and unforgettable. Thus, if you are looking for a professional wedding planners team, don’t hesitate to contact them.
Penneshaw beach Wedding
Rustic
This wedding theme evokes a relaxed, carefree vibe. Mostly held at gardens and farms, this theme looks pretty, calm, and serene. You really do not need many decorations because you can rely on the natural beauty of the surroundings. But to take it to the next level, you can add additional wooden decor, mason jars, natural textures, dried flowers, or burlap for a unified theme.
Paxton wines
Pink
If you want your wedding to look lovely and elegant, you can utilise the many different shades of pink during your wedding day. Blush pink is a favourite wedding colour that symbolises romance and elegance. Make sure to decorate the place with sophisticated details to make it even fancier.
Engagement ring in pink flower
Bohemian
Embrace the countryside breeze and create a quaint bohemian wedding. Enjoy the combination of comfort, warmth, and magic with inviting items like flower crowns, airy dresses, dream catchers, vintage rugs, cascading bouquets, and driftwood. Get something romantic yet playful, perhaps, just like your relationship with your life partner.
Bridal shoot under the sun
Coral
If you want your wedding venue to look refreshing yet fun, you can opt for a coral wedding theme. It enhances your wedding atmosphere by filling it with reds and oranges of various shades. You can decorate the place with floral garlands such as peonies, roses, and dahlias.
bride and groom looking out at the sunset
No matter what kind of wedding theme you choose when you plan your dream wedding, always remember to go with what you and your partner will enjoy. Think about what would reflect your love story the most and perfectly fit your relationship.
