Once a viral sensation, “Trash the Dress” photo shoots were all about dramatic, post-wedding moments — think brides swimming in the ocean or rolling in muddy fields. But is the trend still alive in 2025?
Short answer: Yes, but it’s evolved.
Today, Canadian couples are embracing a more intentional, creative approach to post-wedding portraits — and the results are stunning.
The Original Trend: Quick Recap
“Trash the Dress” rose to popularity in the early 2010s. It typically involved:
- Wearing your wedding attire again (often the day after)
- Getting messy, wet, or wild — symbolizing the end of the formal wedding experience
- Shoots in oceans, fields, alleyways, waterfalls, or urban settings
Why the Name Is Fading
The word “trash” doesn’t sit well with everyone anymore. For many:
- Their dress is sentimental, repurposed, or passed down
- They want to celebrate their outfit — not destroy it
- Sustainability and re-wearability matter
Photographer Insight:
“It’s not about wrecking your dress anymore. It’s about freeing yourself from expectations — and creating something bold, intimate, and personal.”
What It’s Evolved Into: The Modern Alternative
Today’s version is less about destruction and more about expression.
Popular modern day-after ideas include:
- Beach sessions at sunrise (barefoot, windswept, cinematic)
- Underwater photography in cenotes or oceans
- In-the-moment portraits that allow for sitting in sand, stepping into waves, or playful splashes
- Adventure elopement-style shoots (hiking, waterfalls, horseback rides, canoeing)
- Mixed-outfit sessions — wear the dress for part of the shoot, then change into something light and fun
Read: Why You Should Do a Day-After Session at Your Destination Wedding
Do You Need to “Trash” Anything?
Absolutely not.
In fact:
- Many brides wear secondhand or travel-friendly gowns for these sessions
- Some keep their wedding outfit pristine and opt for a white swimsuit, jumpsuit, or slip dress
- Some do the shoot barefoot in casual clothes and still capture the vibe they want
It’s about capturing who you are — unfiltered, uninhibited, and glowing from the experience of your wedding day.
How to Make It Work at a Destination Wedding
- Plan ahead: Ask your photographer to include a day-after session
- Scout the location: Resorts often have beaches, ruins, cliffs, or gardens nearby
- Pack accordingly: Bring a second dress or something you're comfortable getting sandy, wet, or adventurous in
- Book early morning: Avoid harsh light and crowded beaches
- Have fun with it: Let go of perfection and enjoy the creative process
Want a post-wedding session that feels wild, personal, and totally unforgettable?
Explore our list of Canadian wedding photographers who specialize in destination day-after sessions and creative adventure shoots.