Most brides have at least heard of the term trash the dress.  However, not everyone knows exactly what that means.  We are here to give you the 411 on trash the dress.  Most sources agree that the idea of trash the dress was started by Las Vegas photographer John Michael Cooper in 2001.  However, to give credit where it is due, Hollywood has been using the trash the dress idea since at least 1998 when a bride from the short lived soap opera Sunset Beach ran into the ocean wearing her wedding gown when her wedding was interrupted.  

Trash the dress, which is also known as rock the frock and fearless bridal, is basically a style of photography, very similar to glamor or fashion photography that contrasts elegant bridal gowns with an environment that is totally foreign and out of place.  These photography sessions most commonly take place on a beach.  However, other locations are used as well such as garbage dumps, farms, city streets, abandoned buildings and other unique locations.  Some even show the bride getting greasy "working on" cars and trucks in a mechanic shop.  

While many traditional brides may be put off by the thought of doing a trash the dress photo session, more and more modern brides are choosing to add these unique images to their wedding albums.  While the idea of trash the dress is basically the same in all the photos, the actual photo shoot itself and the way the bride chooses to trash her dress can be as varied as the wedding that preceded it.  

Even though the trash the dress trend is catching on and more and more brides are choosing to take part in these fun and interesting photo shoots, there are still some brides that have reservations about ruining a $2,000 to $3,000 gown.  With this in mind, many photographers choose to keep a stock of used and/or donated gowns for brides to use in trash the dress photo shoots.  They generally have a good variety of styles and sizes so a bride can find a dress that is very similar to the one she wore on her wedding day.  According to most photographers, it is very difficult to tell the difference between the original dress and a "loaner" in the finished photos.  

If you think you may want to participate in a trash the dress photo session, be sure to discuss this with your wedding photographer.  If the photographer you have chosen for your wedding photos does not do trash the dress photo sessions, look around, ask your friends, see if you can find someone that comes highly recommended and check out their portfolio.  

It may take a bit of effort on your part to talk your family and your husband to be into a trash the dress photo session and to round up a photographer that will be able to give you the images you are looking for.  However, in the end, you will end up having a great time and have amazing photos with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.