In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about bridal boudoir photography, including but not limited to its meaning and purpose, how to prepare for a session, outfit ideas, and what to expect during a bridal boudoir photoshoot.
Similar Articles you may like to read –
Curvy boudoir photography ideas
10 Unique Boudoir Photography Ideas to Inspire Your Next Session
Boudoir Poses For Plus Size Women: A Comprehensive Guide
When should you do a bridal boudoir?
Try to have your bridal boudoir photos captured a few weeks or months before your wedding day. Or during your pre-wedding photoshoots. Many professional wedding photographers and boudoir photographers offer these services to everyone.
What is bridal boudoir photography?
Bridal boudoir photography focuses on capturing intimate and sensual images of a bride-to-be, often as a gift for her spouse or as a way of celebrating her body and sexuality.
Bridal boudoir is a beautiful form of wedding photography. A bridal boudoir session can be an incredible pre-wedding experience for any bride who wishes to celebrate her beauty, body, and sexuality, while also creating a romantic private gift for her spouse.
Having said that, I’d like you to know that bridal boudoir can mean different things to different people. For me, it extends beyond the creation of a special gift for my spouse; it’s also a way of affirming my self-worth and expressing to my spouse how much I cherish my own skin.
To someone else, it could hold a different meaning, perhaps as a form of art or a pre-wedding picture. So, do not let the internet define what bridal boudoir means to you. I encourage you to discover your own meaning for it.
Is bridal boudoir worth it? Should you do it?
On a personal level, I would say yes, it is absolutely worth it because it is a way of celebrating my own body, beauty, and sexuality while also having my significant other in mind.
Many modern women find it interesting, while a few others don’t share the same enthusiasm. However, I don’t regret posing for a bridal boudoir photo shoot wearing only a white lace chemise along with my wedding veil and shoes.
So, should you do it? Well, whether or not you should do it is a highly personal decision that depends on a few factors, including:
1. Your comfort level with the idea
How comfortable are you with the idea of having your pictures taken in your boudoir (private room) while partially dressed or fully naked?
2. Your reasons for wanting to do a wedding boudoir shoot
Do you want to book a session because your friends or other women did it? Or is it to boost your self-esteem, create a personal keepsake, or surprise your partner with a special wedding gift?
Understanding your motivation can help you decide whether or not you should call a boudoir photographer.
3. Your partner’s feelings about the idea
Since the pictures are meant to be a surprise for your spouse, you might not want to ask your partner directly if they like the idea.
Instead, try to imagine how they might feel or react when they see the pictures. If you are not really sure, I encourage you to find a subtle way to ask the question without giving away your plan.
4. Your wedding photography budget
In general, wedding photography can cost up to $5000 or even more. Often, this doesn’t include fees for boudoir photography. Hence, whether or not you should do it would ultimately depend on your budget.
In short, if you and your partner are comfortable with the idea and you have enough money to hire a professional boudoir wedding photographer, I’d highly recommend considering a boudoir wedding shoot.
What is the purpose of bridal boudoir?
Bridal boudoir serves several purposes, including but not limited to:
1. A special surprise gift for your partner
It is a popular tradition for couples to exchange gifts on their wedding day, and the best and ultimate wedding gift you can ever give to your significant other is yourself.
Your bridal boudoir photos can serve as an exceptional and deeply personal wedding gift for your spouse. It’s a way to express your love and desire in a private and intimate manner.
2. A personal confidence boost
For many women, a bridal boudoir session is an opportunity to embrace body positivity before their weddings. It allows them to embrace their bodies and celebrate their unique beauty.
3. A special keepsake
Your boudoir photos can also serve as a special keepsake. Pictures are forever, and years from now, you can look at them and reminisce about your youthful days.
Ensure you keep them in a separate wedding album. Do not let your photographer print them in the general album, which may be easily accessible by your visitors or potential kids.
4. A unique wedding experience
Additionally, a boudoir session can serve as a unique wedding experience. If you want a pre-wedding photo session other than the traditional one, I highly recommend considering this wedding photo idea.
In summary, your bridal boudoir photos can serve as a special keepsake and wedding gift to your spouse. The wedding boudoir session can also serve as an opportunity for you to embrace body positivity or enjoy a unique wedding experience other than the traditional one.
How to prepare for bridal boudoir photoshoot
Now that you have learned what a bridal boudoir means, including its purpose, how do you prepare for a session?
Here are the ways that worked for me, which I believe can also work for you if you follow these steps:
1. Decide whether or not you want to hire a photographer
You can either hire a professional for the photo shoot or do it yourself using your smartphone or a digital camera. Hence, the first step is to pick an approach between the two.
If you feel you might not be comfortable standing before a photographer while wearing your nighties or underwear, you should consider the DIY approach.
You can click on the link below to learn how to take your own boudoir photos:
How To Shoot Boudoir Self-Portraits (Creative And Classy)
2. Groom yourself
Regardless of the shooting approach, it is essential for you to groom yourself before the session. You can consider having a new hairstyle and hiring a professional artist for your makeup. This would help boost your confidence during the shooting.
3. Plan your outfits
I would recommend wearing your favorite nightdresses along with your bridal robe or veil for the session, as it would make you feel more confident and comfortable.
However, the common wardrobe choices for boudoir photography include lingerie, bodysuits, babydolls, and chemises. Keep reading to learn more about my top clothing items for bridal wedding boudoir.
4. Practice boudoir poses
Lastly, consider practicing different boudoir poses before the session. This will really boost your self-confidence.
What to expect during a bridal boudoir photoshoot
A bridal boudoir session typically involves several stages. Here are some of the dramas you should expect:
1. Consultation
Your photographer would call to discuss your vision, outfit choice, and desired style.
2. Hair and makeup
Your photographer may provide professional hair and makeup services to ensure you look your best.
3. The photoshoot
During the shoot, your photographer will guide you through various poses. You should follow their guidance for the best results.
4. Image selection
After the shooting, you will have the opportunity to select your favorite images and ask for editing.
5. Delivery
After the editing, you will receive your bridal boudoir images from your photographer in the form of an album, framed collage, or digital gallery.
Note: It may take between 7 to 14 days to arrive, depending on how much you paid for the session and image processing.
7 Best bridal boudoir outfit ideas
If you are preparing or planning for a new boudoir shoot before your special day, here are a few bridal boudoir outfit ideas you can consider:
1. A White or ivory lace bra and panty set
If you want a classic bridal look, I recommend considering wearing a white or ivory lace bra and panty set or any perfectly fit white lingerie set for your boudoir shoot.
2. A veil with a white satin chemise
For a more romantic bridal look, you can consider wearing only your wedding veil along with a white satin chemise. You can also add a garter for a more elegant look.
3. Only veil
You can also consider wearing only your wedding veil for the session. A long, flowing veil can create a dramatic and ethereal effect, while a shorter veil can be more playful and flirtatious.
4. A bridal-themed bodysuit
A bridal-themed bodysuit with lace or pearls is another sexy and elegant clothing item to wear for boudoir wedding shoot.
5. Bridal robe
If you want a glamorous and revealing look, you can consider a sheer or satin bride-inspired robe with lace detailing.
6. His shirt or tie
Wearing your partner’s dress shirt or tie can add a personal and intimate touch to the boudoir-inspired wedding photographs.
7. Your wedding heels
If you want a detailed shot of your legs, I suggest wearing your wedding heels along with a white garter for the picture.
You may be interested in the article: What To Wear For A Boudoir Shoot? Boudoir Outfit Ideas
Gift ideas for bridal boudoir photos
Here are some creative ways to gift your bridal-inspired boudoir pictures to your partner:
1. Custom photo album
Compile your boudoir photos into a beautifully designed custom photo album as a wedding gift to give to your partner.
Bonus tip: You can include personal messages, captions, or love notes alongside the images to make it even more special.
2. Framed photo collage
Another simple and effective way to gift your favorite boudoir photo is to make a frame collage and present it to your spouse. This can be displayed in your bedroom or any other private space.
3. Boudoir calendar
If you want your sweetheart to display your boudoir photos for just a few months after the wedding, you can gift them a personalized calendar featuring your boudoir photos for them to enjoy year-round.
4. Boudoir digital album
Another way to gift your wedding boudoir photos is to create a digital album or slideshow with music and present it to your partner on a tablet or digital picture frame.
5. Online bridal boudoir gallery
If you want complete control over your pictures, I’d highly suggest you create a private online bridal boudoir gallery using a platform like SmugMug, Pixieset, or Zenfolio.
This way, you can easily share the gallery with your partner and control who has access to the images.
More articles you may like to read –
Outdoor boudoir photo Shoot ideas
Best Maternity Boudoir Photoshoot Tips and Ideas
What to wear for a boudoir shoot? boudoir outfit ideas
When to give the bridal-themed boudoir photos?
Lastly, when should you give your bridal boudoir photos to your partner?
The best time to give the boudoir images to your partner is during the wedding gift exchange. This can happen before or after the wedding. The other best time is whenever you feel it is the right time!