Franklin Dean
There is a growing trend of brides opting for underwater wedding photography, where brides and bridesmaids get submerged in a swimming pool or sea, dressed in their wedding attire. This is known as a 'trash the dress' shoot, where brides deliberately ruin their wedding dresses soon after their wedding, symbolising commitment as the wrecked gown can never be worn again. However, this act of jumping into the water in a wedding dress has led to safety concerns, with a video showing a bride in Beirut, Lebanon, struggling to stay afloat and almost drowning due to the weight of her heavy wedding dress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding dress ruined by pool water | Yes |
| Chance of survival of the dress | Low |
| Alternative | Underwater wedding photography |
| Underwater wedding photography | Ruins the fabric, may smell chlorinated |
| Underwater wedding photography | Dress can be dry cleaned to remove chlorine |
| Underwater wedding photography | Expensive |
| Underwater wedding photography | Ruins the dress to the same extent as hand washing |
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What You'll Learn
Underwater wedding photography
One popular location for underwater wedding photography is the Turks and Caicos Islands, renowned for their crystal-clear turquoise waters, which provide an ideal backdrop for breathtaking images. The calm and clear waters of Northwest Point, in particular, have been chosen by couples like Johanna and Daniel for their post-wedding underwater adventure. The golden glow of the sun, paired with the pristine surroundings, created a captivating canvas for their "trash the dress" shoot, resulting in a unique and unforgettable experience.
Another location that lends itself to stunning underwater wedding photography is Mexico, as demonstrated by photographer Albert Palmer. In his blog, Albert shares his first attempt at underwater wedding photography for Dan and Victoria's wedding in Mexico. He highlights the use of an inexpensive DicaPac, a DSLR camera case, which allowed him to protect his camera and capture amazing photos despite the challenge of adjusting settings and water clarity.
To create a cohesive theme for underwater wedding photography, attention to detail is crucial. The invitations, colour palette, bouquet, hairstyle, and cake can all be carefully curated to complement the underwater setting. For example, tropical flowers and branches can be incorporated into the invitations and bouquet to give a hint of the location, while the cake can take inspiration from sea foam and underwater treasures.
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'Trash the dress' shoots
"Trash the dress" is a phenomenon where brides (and sometimes grooms) participate in a photography session after their wedding ceremony where they destroy their wedding outfits. The trend is credited to Las Vegas photographer John Michael Cooper, who, in 2001, wanted to experiment with creative and radical wedding photography.
Trash the dress shoots can involve brides rolling in the mud, having paint thrown on them, or even jumping into a pool or the sea in their wedding dress. While some brides are happy to ruin their dresses, others seek out dresses that are cheap or simple, or that they plan to wear again, so that the dress may not be salvageable after the shoot.
Photographers Melissa and Brian Powell, who shoot weddings under Project:Life Photography, have shot eight underwater trash-the-dress sessions since 2011. They love how the water creates movement in the dress and believe it's a fun thing for couples to do to get photos that are completely different from their wedding. The Powells note that, depending on the material of the dress, it is often possible to do an underwater photography session without ruining the dress. To date, none of their brides' dresses have been ruined.
However, one bride did die during her trash-the-dress shoot, and another bride on TripAdvisor reported that her dress was ruined after she jumped into the sea in her wedding dress.
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Beach weddings
Choosing the Right Fabric
The fabric of your wedding dress plays a crucial role in determining its vulnerability to water damage. Most dresses are made of polyester, which doesn't soak up water like cotton. Check the label and consult with your designer or a fabric expert to understand the potential impact of water on your specific dress.
Walking on the Beach
The beach can present various hazards for your wedding dress, from sand and debris to unexpected waves. Take your time when walking down the aisle by taking slow, deliberate steps to avoid tripping or getting the hem of your dress caught on something.
Lifting Your Dress
When you're not standing for photos or during the ceremony, it's a good idea to lift the hem of your dress to avoid sand and moisture from reaching it. This is especially important if you plan on kneeling during the service, as sand and water can easily reach the higher parts of your dress.
Underwater or Water-Related Photos
The trash the dress trend involves brides deliberately ruining their wedding dresses after the big day, often by jumping into the water or going for a swim. This can result in stunning and unique photographs, but it's essential to understand that your dress may be damaged or stained, and it may be challenging to restore it to its original state. If you're considering this, discuss it with your photographer beforehand, and they can guide you on the safest practices.
Alternative Venues
If you're concerned about the potential damage to your wedding dress but still want to enjoy the ambiance of a beach wedding, consider venues that offer ceremony spaces overlooking the ocean. Bluffs, decks, or lawns can provide a romantic setting with a beachy feel, reducing the risk of damage to your dress from sand and water.
In conclusion, while beach weddings can present challenges for keeping your wedding dress pristine, careful planning and consideration can help mitigate these risks. Ultimately, the decision to embrace the beach setting or opt for a more dress-preserving alternative is a personal one, and either choice can result in a memorable and special day.
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Safety concerns
Safety should be a top priority when considering a pool photoshoot in a wedding dress. While it can create stunning pictures, there are several risks to be aware of.
Firstly, the weight of a wedding dress can be a significant safety concern. The fabric may absorb water and become heavy, weighing down the bride and making it difficult to stay afloat. This can increase the risk of drowning, as seen in an incident where a bride in Beirut, Lebanon, struggled in the pool and had to be rescued by her husband and guests. To mitigate this risk, it is crucial to choose a lightweight dress or consider a photoshoot in shallow water where the risk of drowning is lower.
Additionally, the pool environment itself poses safety hazards. Wet surfaces around the pool can be slippery, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Proper footwear is essential to prevent accidents. It is advisable to wear shoes with good traction or go barefoot to maintain stability when moving around the pool area.
Another safety concern arises from the potential presence of chlorine or other chemicals in the pool water. Chlorine can irritate the skin and eyes, leading to discomfort and possible health issues. While dry cleaning can remove chlorine odours from the dress, it is important to consider the immediate effects of chlorine exposure during the photoshoot. Taking a shower before entering the pool can help remove chlorine from the skin and hair, reducing potential irritation.
Furthermore, jewellery and accessories worn with the wedding dress can pose safety hazards in the pool. Metal items, such as hairpins, earrings, or necklaces, can become conductive when wet, potentially causing electric shocks if they come into contact with electrical equipment near the pool. It is advisable to remove all metal accessories or opt for non-conductive materials to minimise this risk.
Lastly, the hair and makeup of the bride can also impact safety. Long, loose hair can get in the way and potentially obstruct the bride's vision or breathing during the photoshoot. Securing the hair back or wearing a swimming cap can help address this concern. Additionally, certain makeup products may not be suitable for use in water, as they can run and cause irritation to the eyes or skin. Using waterproof makeup specifically designed for swimming or underwater activities can enhance safety and maintain the desired look.
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Cleaning and restoration
Wedding dresses are often made from delicate materials such as lace, tulle, chiffon, and organza, which can be easily damaged or stained. While some brides choose to take the plunge and jump into a pool in their wedding dress, this will almost certainly ruin the dress. Even without taking such a drastic step, wedding dresses are prone to staining and discolouration, especially along the bottom of the dress, which touches the floor.
Wedding dresses should be cleaned and preserved as soon as possible after the wedding to prevent damage and discolouration. While it is possible to clean a wedding dress at home, it is recommended to use a professional dry cleaning service, especially for gowns with intricate details such as embroidery and lace appliqués. Professional wedding dress cleaning and preservation costs can range from USD 250 to USD 800, depending on the material, embellishments, and soil level of the gown.
If you choose to clean your wedding dress yourself, it is important to first identify the fabric and any specific care instructions. Some dresses may be hand-wash only, while others may be dry clean only. Never use harsh detergents, bleach, or a hot iron on a wedding dress, as these can damage the fabric. For spot cleaning, use a mild detergent or stain remover and a toothbrush, and place a paper towel underneath the stain to prevent it from spreading to other layers of the dress. Soak lace dresses in cold water with a gentle soap for 30 minutes, then rinse and lay flat to dry. Tulle should be hand-washed with warm water and soap flakes or gentle soap, then dried out of direct sunlight.
After cleaning, wedding dresses should be stored properly to prevent damage. Avoid hanging the dress, as this can lead to stretching or warping. Instead, wrap the dress in acid-free paper and store it in a bridal box or archival storage box. Replace the storage box and paper every three years. Do not store the wedding dress in a cedar chest or plastic bag, as these can expose the dress to damaging gases, moisture, bugs, and mildew.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, jumping into a pool will likely ruin a wedding dress. The dress fabric will be ruined to the same extent as if it had been hand-washed, and it may smell of chlorine. However, dry cleaning the dress after the swim can remove the chlorine scent, and many dresses can be restored to look as good as new.
Yes, some photography businesses offer dresses that can be worn in the pool for underwater shoots.
"Trash the Dress" is a photo shoot concept where brides destroy their wedding dresses in the name of art. This ritual symbolises commitment as the wrecked gown will never be worn again.
One bride chose to jump into the water in her wedding dress without getting her head wet, so her hair and makeup remained intact. Another bride tied weights to the hem of her dress to prevent it from floating during an underwater ceremony.
Wedding dresses can be very heavy when wet, which can make it difficult to swim and stay afloat. It is important to take this into consideration before jumping into a pool in a wedding dress to avoid dangerous situations.
