Trash The Dress: Can My Dress Be Saved?

How did ‘Trash The Dress’ get started?

Trash the Dress, also known as Fearless Bridal or Rock the Frock, is a style of wedding photography that recreates what would otherwise be an actual wedding dress accident on purpose. Legend has it, John Michael Cooper, a renowned wedding photographer in Las Vegas, got the idea in 1998 when he watched reality TV star, Meg Cummings, throw herself into the ocean after her wedding was interrupted in an episode of Sunset Beach.

Why trash your dress?

We can answer this question with one word: It’s FUN! There is just something so exciting about contrasting delicate elegant clothing with a crazy environment! Whether at the beach, in fountains, on rooftops or out in the countryside, Trash The Dress photography is a unique representation of your style and relationship. As stunning and unique as the pictures turn out, it’s of course hard to imagine your beautiful (and expensive) wedding dress getting trashed, right?

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What if we told you that we could un-trash your dress?

That’s right – you can have your cake and eat it too! Be it dirt, grass, food, mud, makeup, perspiration, or red wine, there are essentially no stains we haven’t dealt with. With our award-winning wedding dress preservation and restoration services we can even remove most stains that have been on your dress for years, no judgement here. Although we can’t guarantee removal of 100% of all stains, typically at least 95% of stains can be removed in most cases.

We understand that having your wedding dress in pristine condition is as important as taking fun photography. However, when planning your Trash The Dress photoshoot session, just make sure you ONLY trash your dress with the following so that we can optimize getting it back to it’s original condition (paint is not recommended as shown above). Don’t wait – be sure to get it cleaned and preserved right away so dirt and chemicals don’t set in for too long.

Dirt or mud stains
Grass stains
Grease
Tar
Fresh or Salt Water
Lipstick
Makeup
Blood (hopefully not)
Perspiration stains
Food stains
Wine and beverage stains

How does Wedding Dress Preservation work? Watch the short video below!

Why should I preserve my wedding dress?

Even if your own daughter cringes at the idea of wearing your dress now, give her a few more years and maybe she’ll come around! Wedding dresses are a beautiful heirloom to pass down to your children, grandchildren or lend to a friend for her wedding. You can keep your wedding dress close by to always be reminded of your vows. Worried you’ll never be able to see or touch your beloved dress again if you have it preserved? Be sure to check out our article on the Top 5 Myths About Wedding Dress Preservation to find out why this isn’t a concern with our service.

Trash The Dress photography is fun, exciting and your wedding dress doesn’t have to suffer long term because of it. So, don’t feel guilty about enjoying the trashing of your dress. You deserve to capture memories you can cherish (and post) for years to come however you want to do it. Just get it cleaned immediately afterwards for the best cleaning results!

Don’t wait! Order your wedding dress preservation service in advance – so you’re ready to Un-trash Your Dress or just clean and preserve it right away.

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What To Do With Your Wedding Dress After Your Wedding

The Big Dilemma

You’ve probably spent weeks, maybe even months, looking for the perfect wedding dress for your big day. Even though you knew you’d only wear it once, you probably didn’t give much through about what to do with your wedding dress after your wedding. There are usually 2 camps – those who can’t part with their dress and those who are ready to let it go. Here are some ideas on your options and some considerations for both.

But I Still Love My Wedding Dress!

If you’re a person who can’t stand the thought of parting with your dress after your wedding, then here are some ways you can keep the memories alive.

1. Clean and Preserve Your Wedding Dress

Even if you don’t pass your dress down as an heirloom someday, you might still consider the benefits of wedding dress preservation.

If you don’t clean your dress after you’ve worn it, it will likely turn yellow and fabric will begin to deteriorate.
Beware that invisible stains (perspiration, perfume, champagne) are not treated, they will surface as brown spots over time.
If you leave it hanging in the closet in a white or clear plastic garment bag, the plastic will off-gas and turn your dress yellow.
A reputable wedding dress preservation company will first professionally clean your wedding dress before they preserve it at no extra charge. They are pros at examining each dress under UV light to see initially invisible stains, such as preparation, perfume or champagne.
Professional wedding dress preservationists will place your dress in acid-free materials that will prevent it from yellowing. The preservation chest will protect it from insects, dirt, and household pets.

There are several untrue myths about wedding dress preservation. Such as the myth that it is expensive. The cost can actually be very affordable without sacrificing quality with the right company.

2. Personalize It

If you decide to have your dress professionally cleaned and preserved, you can also personalize the wedding dress preservation chest. Some companies offer the option to add your names and wedding date, and a photo, for a small charge. You can remember how you looked in the dress without pulling out your wedding album.

3. Display It In a Shadowbox

Are you someone who can’t bare to just store away your cleaned and preserved wedding dress? You might consider replacing the lid with a wooden shadowbox frame. This way you can view it all the time when you have it displayed. You can even have one with LED lights so you can really see the dress in it’s glory.

Ready to Let It Go?

Should you feel like your wedding dress has served its purpose, maybe it’s time to let it go. Here are some more ideas to consider.

1. Sell It

While this may initially seem like a viable option, chances are most people will want to buy their dress from a bridal shop. The after market for used wedding dresses is usually disappointing unless you have an extremely popular style and are willing to sell it for much less than what you paid for it. This is one of the reasons you don’t see many used wedding dress shops – there’s very little demand or profit.

Assuming you have a popular style that is also current (within the last year), you might be successful at selling it online on sites such as Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses, Nearly Newlywed, or Still White.

2. Donate It

If you want to help someone through a charity, there are some wonderful organizations where you can donate your wedding dress. Some of these organization include Fairy Tale Brides, Brides Against Breast Cancer, and The Eve Foundation. You can make a difference in someone’s life and clean out your closet.

3. Consign It

You might be able to consign your dress if a local consignment store accepts wedding gowns. Much like selling your dress, you will likely be disappointed if you expect to get top dollar for your dress.

4. Trash It

Although the ‘Trash The Dress‘ trend was popular for a while, there are still some people that still can’t wait to run into the ocean or a fountain in their wedding dress. It does make for some unique photos! Most dresses that get wet in the ocean, a swimming pool or a fountain can still be cleaned and preserved.

Final Thoughts

If you are still undecided about what to do with your wedding dress, at a minimum you should have it professionally cleaned by a reputable wedding dress preservation specialist. This way it is ready to be kept or parted with, and can prevent deterioration in the interim. Keep in mind that cleaning without preservation is not recommended for long term storage.

4 Ideas on What to Do With Your Wedding Dress After Divorce

The wedding dress is often considered the most important purchase of a woman’s life. For many it is, but for others, the wedding dress quickly becomes a symbolism of a love that has soured over time. Whether you have been divorced for a day or a decade, you can take your wedding dress and get rid of it, hopefully helping you move forward with your new life as a single and fabulous woman once again.

We’ve collected four options for disposing of your tainted wedding dress after divorce. Maybe one of them will help you start fresh.

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What To Know Before Planning A Beach Wedding

Everyone has had that perfect wedding vision of being whisked away to a beautiful, sandy beach in paradise and eloping with their significant other while the waves crash against the shore in the distance. Now, as dreamy as that may sound, there are a few details you may want to consider before committing to a beach wedding!

Tips For Planning A Beach Wedding

1. Proper Beach Attire for Your Guests

Not all fabrics are great for withstanding your sandy ceremony. Informing your guests to consider dressing in an airy, light fabric will ensure that the wedding party doesn’t leave covered in sand and sea salt! Most of your guests will likely take the opportunity of this rare occasion to dress in their most relaxed and casual wedding-appropriate beach attire. So, make sure to emphasize attire specifics if you are hosting an elegant wedding and don’t want your guests to dress too casual. Also, consider offering shoe cubbies or a basket for shoes for guests wearing heels or formal shoes. Another great idea is to offer personalized flip-flops with your wedding date or that match your color scheme!

2. Beach Permits

Public beach rules vary by location. So, if you plan on having a fair number of guests on your list or you want to reserve a particular part of the beach for a certain amount of time, you definitely want to check in with your local government offices. Public beaches often don’t require a permit for small gatherings but you always want to be certain, especially if you are setting up chairs and decorations. If you’d like a more private and intimate ceremony, we also recommend looking into renting a private beach.

3. Sun Exposure

Of course, everyone wishes for a sunny-day filled with love on their wedding day. Now with sun, comes proper preparation. Try to schedule your special day early in the morning before the sun gets too hot, or more traditionally, in the evening as the sun is nearly setting. Always encourage your guests to wear lots of sunscreen, but including a small, ocean-friendly sunscreen on their seats is always a cute party favor. Another option is to offer dainty parasols that coordinate with the wedding theme and colors.

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4. Get a Sound System

One of the many beauties of a beach wedding is the romantic sound of a soft breeze and crashing of the waves. However, this also means that your guests may not be able to hear much without a microphone in hand when reciting your vows to one another. Getting a sound system for your special day is key and make sure to come prepared with a wind screen for your mic. You don’t want your guests only hearing the howling of the wind – they want to hear your loving voices.

5. Restrooms for Guests

A rather not-so-elegant bit of detail work that you will need to do is finding an accessible area for your guests to do their ‘business’! If you’re lucky, the beach may have complimentary onsite restrooms. Now don’t fret if this isn’t the case. If the beach is near a resort or restaurant, try reaching out regarding bathroom access for the duration of your ceremony. Another option is to rent portable toilets for the big day! Again, be sure to check in with your government office regarding permits.

6. Unpredictable Weather

This topic is relevant no matter where you host your wedding. However, being on the beach and away from basic shelter, you may have to get a little more creative! Always make sure to inform your guests that the wind could pick up more than expected and to dress accordingly. It’s a smart idea to have a go-to area for coverage in case it’s starts to rain during the ceremony. If the beach isn’t equipped with gazebo’s, consider renting an outdoor party tent so the wedding party can quickly take cover. Keep in mind that most coastal destinations have quickly-changing weather patterns, so the rain may not stick around for long!

7. Elderly & Handicapped Guests

Navigating through the sand may seem like a leisurely task for some, but for your elderly or handicapped guests, it could come as quite the task. Be mindful that wheel chairs and walkers aren’t always beach friendly and seek beaches with handicap access if your foresee discomfort for any of your guests. Making sure to have a greeter at the entrance of your ceremony to escort and assist guests that may need help, is always a good idea.

8. Your Wedding Dress

Your special day is one you will want to remember for a lifetime and making sure your dress withstands the chaos of a beach wedding is where we come in! No matter how strategic you are with caring for your dress – like designating your maid of honor to hold your train – your gown will always undergo a reasonable amount of soiling. You may also want to plan a spectacular Trash The Dress photography moment! Whether it’s jumping into the ocean or rolling in the sand after you say “I Do” – it’s totally worth it! We are proud to offer award-winning wedding dress preservation and restoration services that will whip your wedding dress back to it’s original condition and prevent future yellowing!

All weddings come with their fair share of obstacles and planning, so no matter where you anticipate on tying the knot, make sure to consider these common topics. We hope you’re beach wedding is filled with tons of love, soft beautiful waves, a light breeze, and memorable moments!

What Questions Should I Ask When Speaking To Someone About Wedding Gown Preservation?

Because your wedding gown is the most important dress you’ll ever buy, you surely will want to do something with it after your big walk down the aisle. While some brides choose to donate their dresses, and others choose to trash them, the most popular choice for worn gowns is still preservation. Preserving a gown can be a very simple process, if you choose the right company. Not only is the dress kept safe and sound for years to come, but it also ensures another future bride can potentially wear the gown sometime down the line. Before you run off to get your dress preserved, there are a few things you should know. We’ve collected four tips for finding the best preservation option for your particular wedding gown. (more…)