Ever since the first flying dress photoshoot hit social media in 2016, I knew I had to try it one day. The original flying dress started in Santorini, Greece, and quickly became a sensation. Now, there are several locations where you can live this dream. When I discovered Flying Dress Aruba, I was thrilled that the Caribbean was now on the list. Being a fan of these islands, I was sold immediately. If you’re curious about how it all works and what goes on behind the scenes, keep reading as I share my experience and all the details.

Booking Process 

Booking a photoshoot with Flying Dress Aruba is super easy. Just head to their website and start by choosing a package. They offer five standard packages plus a few specials, which I’ll dive into later. Packages vary based on the number of people (yes, you can bring a friend or even a group for something like a bachelorette/hen shoot), the number of pictures, and the number of dresses.

For example, the Mini package is for one person, lasts 30 minutes, includes one dress, and gives you 7 edited photos. The Exclusive package is for 1-2 people, lasts 4 hours, includes 4 different dresses, and provides 25 retouched photos, plus videography and drone shots.

Once you’ve picked your package, choose a location from their range of stunning spots, from beaches to caves and ruins. Then comes the fun part: selecting your dress! With a variety of colors and styles, including sequins and wings, you’ll have plenty to choose from. All dresses are “transformer dresses,” one size fits all, and can be styled in multiple ways. Your dress assistant will help you pick the best style for you.

Finally, select a date and time (they’ll suggest the best times for each location), and you’re all set!

Locations 

There are plenty of locations to choose from, including various beaches, ruins, and caves, so you’ll have a lot of different backdrops to consider! I chose Bushiribana, which offered some fantastic shots in the old ruins, and Wariruri Beach, where the cave-like landscape allowed for some adventurous climbing and unique photos.

There are also other packages for different spots, like Aruba Ocean Villas, Renaissance Island, and Aruba Airstream. Note that you need to be staying at the Renaissance hotel to book that location, but for the others, you don’t have to be a guest at those spots.

Preparing For Your Shoot 

When it comes to hair and makeup for your flying dress shoot, less is more. The windy locations are chosen to make the dress fly, so any elaborate hairstyles will likely not last. For makeup, since the shots are usually taken from a distance, professional makeup isn’t necessary, but if it boosts your confidence, go for it! The flying dress team can recommend local makeup artists if you’d like to book one.

As for the dress, you might be able to wear a strapless bra, but it’s often easier to go without. The dress will be tightened enough to provide support; I used a couple of sticky petals, which worked well.

Don’t stress about planning poses—your photographer will guide you through them on the day. They’ll help with poses and positioning to get the best silhouette. For some inspiration, you can check out their gallery on the website beforehand.

What To Wear To The Shoot

I recommend wearing something that’s easy to change in and out of—like a loose top and shorts, which worked great for me. The dress assistant will help you get into and out of the dress, so you won’t need to worry about being exposed at the location. The dress assistant will ensure everything stays discreet. You’ll put the flying dress over your clothes to change, then just slip off your clothes underneath.

Also, opt for easy-to-remove footwear, like flip-flops. Some locations may require a bit of a walk (like the ruins), and you’ll need something comfortable to get there. Just remember, you won’t be wearing the shoes in the photos, so avoid anything that’s a hassle to take on and off.

For underwear, go with nude seamless options. While most imperfections can be photoshopped, choosing these will make everything smoother. And as mentioned earlier, petal stickers or a strapless bra can be handy.

What Happens on the day 

When you arrive at your scheduled location, you’ll meet your dress assistant and photographer, who will walk you through the process. You’ll get changed into your dress, and your assistant will help you style it—there are so many fun ways to fasten the transformer dress!

Your assistant will also help carry the dress, which can be surprisingly heavy, especially when the wind catches it and nearly pulls you off your feet! At each spot, the photographer will guide you on how to pose, where to place your hands, and where to look for the perfect shot. They’re the experts, so just follow their lead. A few tips: point your toes, keep one leg out of the dress to avoid being overwhelmed by fabric, and keep your chin up. Have fun with it!

Your dress assistant will manage making the dress fly, whether by releasing it to catch the wind or jumping behind you to create the flying effect. Although it might seem like there’s a lot to think about, it’s a fun experience, so relax and enjoy yourself. Your photos will turn out much better if you’re comfortable and confident!

At the end of the shoot, your assistant will help you out of the dress so you can slip your clothes back on underneath.

Extras and Add On’s 

You can customise your package with various add-ons, such as drone footage, videography, or expedited editing. For more detailed editing, you can add advanced touch-ups to cover blemishes, bra straps, or skin retouching. There’s also the “Glam Cam” option, which includes a 15-second slow-motion video—perfect for a dramatic social media post that will impress your friends!

In addition to the standard packages, you can choose from special options like shoots at Aruba Ocean Villas, an Airstream, or the Renaissance hotel. For an ultra-exclusive experience, consider a shoot on a private yacht! They also offer maternity shoots, “mum and me” sessions, and combination packages. For example, the Adventure package includes 3 different dresses, 3 unique locations, drone footage, and hotel/rental pickup and drop-off.

What Happens Next

Within 2 days of your shoot, you’ll get a link to all the raw images. Keep in mind these are unedited, so they might include some shots with the dress assistant or wrinkles in the dress. No worries—these will be carefully photoshopped later.

Based on your package, you’ll choose a certain number of pictures to be professionally edited. If you want more than your package includes, you can easily add extra edits to your cart for an additional fee.

After you’ve made your selections, your final edited photos will be ready in about 45 business days. The photographers work their magic, and the results are truly stunning—perfect keepsakes to cherish for years!

Closing Remarks 

I had an amazing experience with Aruba Flying Dress, and I’m thrilled with the final pictures—they’re treasures I’ll cherish forever! These shoots truly live up to the social media hype. They’re empowering, exciting, and a lot of fun. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable experience in Aruba that delivers more than just a great Instagram photo—expect a stunning collection of pictures that will definitely be a conversation starter at home.

Ready to book your Aruba Flying Dress Shoot? Click here!

You can find out more about my experience on my “Aruba” Highlights on Instagram @chase.the.rainbows.