13 Do’s and Dont’s For Your Bridal Boudoir Session

‘Tis the season for engagements! This time of year I usually start getting questions about booking a boudoir session as your groom’s gift. Personally, I can’t think of a better gift for your new husband!

Bridal boudoir isn’t anything new but it is definitely a trend that is on the rise so I have compiled a list of 13 do’s and don’ts for all of your lovely brides to help you as you prepare to select and book your boudoir photographer.

1. Do choose a photographer who specializes in boudoir.  Photographers who specialize in the art of boudoir are going to be comfortable with ALL body types and know how to pose you in your most flattered light.  Boudoir photographers are specialists with posing around your insecurities and making you feel comfortable.  They have chosen their niche because they love what a boudoir shoot does for women’s confidence.  They know it’s as much about an incredible experience as much as it is about incredible photos.

2. Do wear your wedding night lingerie for one of your outfits.  Or at least wear one outfit that is white.  Personally I’m not a fan of the veil being used in bridal boudoir photos.  I like images that are believable.  Most women don’t prance around their home in heels wearing their veil and a pair of undies.  Make your boudoir session “bridal” by wearing a white bodysuit, teddy or bra and panty set and of course make sure you have your engagement ring.

3. Do wear something of his.  A flannel or dress shirt, his favorite hat or that blanket in the living room with his favorite sports team on it are some ideas that will personalize your session and remind him that you were thinking about him when you choose your wardrobe.

4. Do think about the overall style of your wedding including your wedding colors when deciding on wardrobe.  I also love the idea of either having one of your outfits be one of your wedding colors or ask your photographer if they offer one of your colors as your boudoir album cover!

5. Do choose one outfit that’s a little bit outside of your comfort zone.  An outfit that’s perhaps a bit racier than you’d normally gravitate towards or even nude or implied nude are all options.  A reputable photographer will listen to you and understand your comfort level while at the same time give you a tiny nudge if needed to be sure you get everything you want out of your session.

6. Do remember that this is as much a gift for you as it is for him.   Planning a wedding can be stressful and a boudoir session is an opportunity to take a day off and indulge in all the girly things. Your session will be just what the doctor ordered while your family and friends are bombarding you with unsolicited wedding advice and you’re going crazy trying to figure out who should sit with who at the reception.

7. Do revel in your new found confidence.  There is nothing quite like a boudoir session to give you a little skip in your step!  It’s so rare that we have the opportunity to see ourselves from someone else’s perspective.  You will be shocked at how incredible you look.  A good boudoir photographer will highlight all your best angles and features which is something that you simply can’t do by looking in the mirror or taking selfies.

8. Don’t go the budget route.  Not all boudoir photographers are in the business of empowering women.  Let’s face it, some are creepy dudes doing it for cheap thrills.  Don’t let that guy take your photos.  There are plenty reputable photographers both male and female.  You’ll pay more for them but your pictures won’t end up on some obscure European escort website.  A reputable photographer will keep your photos private unless you give written permission.  As with most things….”you get what you pay for” holds especially true in the boudoir world.

9. Don’t wait until the last minute.  Generally speaking, allow a minimum of 6-8 weeks before your wedding for your shoot and album delivery.  Check with your photographer for their turn around time.  The best photographers often book up well in advance so it pays to start looking early and when you’ve found your perfect photographer, book her.

10. Don’t go to a tanning bed or spray tan.  I know it’s tempting to want to “get your tan on” prior to your shoot.  You will be showing lots of skin but take from me, fake tans tend to appear orange on camera.

11. Don’t give your album to your groom on the wedding day.  Your wedding day is going to fly by in a blur.  You don’t want to risk your album ending up in your father in law’s hands or left at the church.  My suggestion is to give it your groom after the rehearsal dinner the night before your wedding.  He’ll be able to take his time looking through it knowing he’s going to marry that amazing woman on those pages the next day.

12. Don’t spend your whole budget on lingerie. You can do an entire session with one cute piece of lingerie. Choose a “between the sheets” outfit and an off the shoulder t-shirt and undies and you’re set. I’d much rather see you invest in the photography than in the wardrobe.

13. Don’t worry!  If you’ve chosen a professional photographer who specializes in boudoir you’ll be in good hands.  Your new husband is going to likely be speechless and your session will document you and your beauty at this wonderful time of your life.  Just think…..what if right now you came across a boudoir album of your grandma from back in the day.  Wouldn’t you think to yourself “Dang!  My grandma was such a badass!”  That’s exactly right!  You are in a time of your life right now that is so special.  A boudoir session is going to be the BEST gift for your new husband but let’s face it…..it’s going to be an amazing gift to yourself too!