If you’re a bride-to-be and have been exploring my website, you may have come across some of my work from bridal boudoir shoot. Perhaps this is the first time you have come across this style of portrait photography. Has this made you curious to know more? Read on if so!
In this article, I’m going to introduce you to the genre of bridal boudoir photography and tell you all you need to know.
Related reading: What is boudoir photography?
What is bridal boudoir photography?
A bridal boudoir photographer, like myself, works to create a series of professional intimate portraits of a bride-to-be in revealing clothing.
Brides often choose to be photographed while dressed, typically, in white or ivory bridal lingerie. They often also wear the heels they’ll wear on their wedding day. They can be photographed wearing wedding attire or I can create fine-art-style nude portraits too.
Why invest in bridal boudoir shoot?
Is it for me or for him?
There are many reasons why a woman would choose to invest in bridal boudoir shoot ahead of her wedding.
1. Celebrate and empower yourself at this exciting time
As a bride-to-be, you are about to embark on an exciting new path in life. It’s natural that you might want to document this exciting stage. Documenting this transition in photos will be time and money well spent. I can guarantee that you’ll love looking back on them in years to come.
The process of having a bridal boudoir photoshoot will also make you feel great about yourself. Knowing you are sexy and stunning before the special day in your life will also be a huge confidence boost!
You will enter your marital relationship knowing your self-worth and feeling great about yourself. A bridal boudoir photoshoot is a life-changing journey. It will change the way you see yourself forever!
Also, if you have been working hard on tuning your body and looking your best, this is the perfect opportunity for capturing THAT body. Plus what’s wrong with having some fun? You deserve it after all those efforts – so why not indulge?
2. Surprise your partner!
While the bridal boudoir experience is for you, the photos can be enjoyed by both you and your partner. They also make the perfect wedding gift for them! Bridal boudoir pictures, presented to your partner on the day of your wedding, are the most exciting wedding present ever!
Surprise your partner with a set of bridal boudoir portraits, and you’ll make them feel like they are the luckiest person alive! I’ve yet to hear of another half not appreciating the gift of their fiance’s boudoir photos. Chances are, they’ll be delighted!
Gift them on the morning of your wedding (before you see each other at the ceremony), and it will set them in anticipation for the rest of the day!
You can be sure that they will have those intimate images imprinted in their mind as you walk down the aisle and will result in a HUGE grin on their face as they realise what an incredible woman they are about to marry!
3. A great chance to practice ahead of being photographed on your wedding day
Another reason for booking a bridal boudoir shoot is that it’s a chance for you to get a feel of what it is like to be photographed professionally, ahead of your wedding day.
Many people would find that being photographed at their wedding is their first or only encounter with a professional photographer. If you are feeling nervous about how to be in front of a professional camera on your wedding day, you will definitely benefit from a pre-wedding shoot. You’ll certainly feel more confident after an intimate photo shoot with a bridal boudoir photographer like me in the weeks or months before your wedding.
What should you wear for your bridal boudoir photo shoot?
The short answer to the question “what should you wear for your bridal boudoir shoot” is…anything! Your bridal boudoir photography ‘outfits’ are limited only by your imagination.
Related reading: What to wear for a boudoir shoot
Let’s start with recommendations for boudoir clothing with a bridal or wedding theme:
1. Bridal boudoir lingerie
We associate weddings with white. Quite likely, your bridal lingerie (if any) for the day may be in white. So we can start with a selection of white items. These can be traditional white lace lingerie sets, bodysuits, corsets, garters or stockings. The choice is yours.
Don’t worry if you are not sure what lingerie pieces you should bring or purchase. We can discuss this in length in your pre-shoot consultation.
Psst! If you need an excuse to purchase elaborate and beautiful lingerie you dream of owning, this is your perfect excuse. Own them and photograph them!
Do you have to wear white?
I’m often asked whether the lingerie to be won in a bridal boudoir shoot must be white or ivory. While that is a common choice, the answer to this is no.
The boudoir pictures are for you and for your partner, and therefore they should reflect your taste and who you are or who you can be. It is important that you associate the photos with what you normally love to wear.
Book a bridal boudoir portrait session with me and I will invite you to bring along the lingerie sets that excite you and him. These can be the lingerie you normally wear or lingerie you might not wear on a daily basis but fancy being photographed in. The choice is limitless!
Whatever your preferred choice when it comes to lingerie shapes, textures, and colours, choose to wear lingerie that embraces and cuddles your body and makes you feel good. The colour is not that important.
2. Bridal accessories
You can bring along your bridal accessories for a more intimate look or sneak peek. We can capture you in your veil, your shoes, and your wedding dress, in parts together with your lingerie.
3. Nothing at all!
Alternatively, what about going semi-naked or naked for that fine art look? Bridal boudoir nudes are very popular. It is you in your most natural form after all!
I make sure your naked or semi-naked look is tasteful, elegant and styled in a fine art way. We can also layer you up with tulle (lots of it!) and white sheets. What is more fun and sultrier than that?
Further reading: An introduction to nude boudoir photography
Ready to start planning your bridal boudoir photoshoot?
There’s not much you need to do in advance of your bridal portrait shoot. The main thing is to get your boudoir wardrobe ready!
I have detailed pre-shoot planning sessions with my boudoir clients, so we both know the style and look you like. I will guide you through everything you need to know and ensure that I have my planning done ahead of you coming in on the day of your shoot, so your experience will be stress-free.
What should I expect from my bridal boudoir photography experience?
Let me tell you…You are in for an exciting and empowering experience. Also, a professional pampering and lots of fun!
In terms of what to expect, our pre-shoot consultation will cover all the details. We’ll go through every aspect of your photo session, from makeup application, lingerie selection and the boudoir photography style you like.
I know that every woman has her own body shape so we customise your photo shoot just for YOU. I will guide you through posing in detail, accentuate your best curves and make sure you look sensational!
Being a female photographer I understand female body shapes and your vulnerability in being dressed in intimate (or no) clothes for your photos. Be assured, I am sensitive and my approach will make you feel 100% relaxed.
Related reading: How long does a boudoir photo shoot last?
Contact me today if you’re ready for bridal boudoir photos
If you’re getting married this year or next, the time to take your bridal boudoir pictures is now!
Do check out my boudoir photography page if you would like to learn more about my style and the boudoir photo experience I offer.
I hope that you have been inspired by the tips and images that I’ve shared here and look forward to welcoming you to my studio soon.
