Bridal Boudoir – The Gift Only You Can Give

Wedding Boudoir In Westminster, Maryland

Bridal boudoir has become an increasing popular wedding gift from bride to fiancé. If you are a bride looking to gift her groom, this article will tell you what you need to know about bridal boudoir.

If you’d like to skip to a specific subject, here is what I will be covering:

What Is Bridal Boudoir?
Why Should A Bride Have A Boudoir Photoshoot?
What Should A Bride Expect From A Bridal Boudoir Experience?
When Should A Bride Have A Boudoir Shoot?
What Is The Process For A Bridal Boudoir Session?
How Do You Prepare For Wedding Boudoir?
What Do You Wear For Bridal Boudoir?
How Long Does A Wedding Boudoir Session Last?
Where Does A Bridal Boudoir Session Take Place?
Should A Bride Bring A Friend To Her Boudoir Session?
What Type Of Bridal Boudoir Products Are Available?
When Should I Give My Boudoir Pictures To My Fiancé?

what is bridal boudoir

What Is Bridal Boudoir?

A boudoir photography photoshoot is a life changing experience. It is designed to help women rediscover their inner beauty and fall in love with the skin they are in. Boudoir is all about body positivity. A journey to self-love. A confidence building experience which is both liberating and empowering.

For the bride who is busy with wedding planning, work and life, bridal boudoir is also a chance to treat yourself. You are about to start a new phase of your life with your partner. Bridal boudoir helps by documenting this time, allowing you both to relive the emotions whenever you look at the photographs.

boudoir photoshoot

Why Should A Bride Have A Boudoir Photoshoot?

A bridal boudoir album is the ultimate personal gift for the love of your life. A boudoir album is something they can’t get in a store or buy for themselves. The photos are a unique, sexy, unexpected wedding gift that add anticipation to the day. It is also a reminder that YOU are the true gift in their life.

A bridal boudoir photoshoot is the perfect way to increase your self-confidence leading up to your wedding day. It can be just the boost you need to help you through the nerves and stress leading up to the big day.

It is an excuse to pamper yourself while also creating a one-of-a-kind gift for your fiancé. You get to relax while drinking champagne and having your makeup and hair done. Then you’ll feel like a super-model as you become the star of a custom photoshoot.

The photoshoot also helps you to become comfortable in front of a camera lens, making it more relaxing on your wedding day.

white lingerie bridal boudoir
boudoir experience for brides

What Should A Bride Expect From A Bridal Boudoir Experience?

A professional boudoir photographer will help the bride through the entire process. From answering questions and advising on wardrobe, to preparation tips and pose coaching.

Leading up to the photoshoot the bride may be nervous. That is common for most clients having their first boudoir experience.

Once at the studio, you’ll get a chance to relax as a professional hair and makeup artist works with you. The photographer will then go over your wardrobe and help you select the outfits that will look great in the photos.

As the shoot shoot begins, your photographer will explain how to pose, even demonstrating the positions. They will become your cheer leader, showing you some of the images as they are taken.

You will feel your confidence build and by the time it is over, have a new found sense of empowerment. (Plus you will have some amazing images!)

session information

When Should A Bride Have A Boudoir Shoot?

Boudoir is popular and the best boudoir photographers schedule months ahead. That means you may have to wait for your session, so I recommend planning at least six months ahead of the wedding date.

During the wait time you will have a chance to select your outfits and get ideas to help personalize your photoshoot. The photographer should be able to help you with this, so it is a fun experience.

The photos, album and wall art turn around time at my studio is approximately two months. That is another good reason to plan early.

wedding boudoir process

What Is The Process For A Bridal Boudoir Session?

Every studio is different, although there are similar aspects. I will describe the process for my studio here. I recommend when you select your bridal boudoir photographer you ask about their process.

What To Expect Before Your Photoshoot

Before we schedule a shoot, I like to talk with you on the phone. It allows me to learn about you, answer any questions you may have, discuss creative ideas and see if I am right the right photographer for you.

Once your session is scheduled, the studio will provide you with guides to help you select your wardrobe for the shoot. We will also email back and forth (or talk on the phone) sharing hair and make-up looks, along with potential poses and image styles you like.

This preparation allows us to customize your session to create an amazing experience.

The Day Of Your Session

The moment you arrive at the studio your pampering begins. One of our professional makeup artists will glam you up so you are ready for your closeup!

Our makeup artists work to accent your tastes. You have final approval over hair & makeup looks.

Once you are ready, we will look through the outfits you brought and decide which ones to use. I’ll coach you through posing and we will create some incredible art!

After Your Boudoir Experience

You will leave our studio that day with a new air of confidence and be ready to tackle the world. You’ll also be eagerly anticipating your Reveal and Ordering Session.

The Reveal and Ordering Session occurs about two weeks following the photoshoot. You get to see your edited photos and select your favorites. Then we design your wedding boudoir album right there, so you get to decide exactly what it looks like!

Your products are then securely ordered from a professional lab, printed and shipped to me for approval. Once I quality check everything, they are ready for you. This process takes about two months following the ordering session.

prepare for wedding boudoir

How Do You Prepare For Wedding Boudoir?

Your fiancé loves you for who you are, and you don’t want to change that! So unless you are losing weight for your wedding day, I don’t recommend diets before the shoot.

You’ll want to take care of your skin. Remember to moisturize and exfoliate, especially around knees and elbows. Hydrate with water and stay away from foods that make you feel bloated. Take care of yourself and your body in the weeks before your boudoir session.

You’ll also use this time to gather your wardrobe. This is a good time to get your wedding day and honeymoon lingeries. Your veil is a great accessory to have too.

A day before the shoot, schedule a manicure and pedicure. These details can really make your images.

Note: DO NOT GET A SUNBURN OR SPRAY TAN BEFORE YOUR SESSION! You don’t want to look burnt, or orange like an Oompa Loompa!

what to wear for boudoir

What Do You Wear For Bridal Boudoir?

You can wear anything that makes you feel sexy! Some prefer to wear nothing at all. My shoots are always based on your comfort level.

I’ve already gone over some things you should bring, but let’s discuss them again.

You will definitely want to have your:

  • Wedding Day Lingerie
  • Honeymoon Lingerie
  • Veil, and
  • Garter

Your boudoir photographer should be able to provide a guide of other suitable boudoir outfits. I’ll share a couple here:

  • Assorted sets of lingerie
  • A sexy dress
  • Jeans that make you look amazing
  • A button up shirt (maybe one that belongs to your fiancé.)
  • A cute jacket
  • Heels, boots or wedding shoes
  • Sweater
  • Off the shoulder top
  • Something special to you and your fiancé.

If you want more, I have a free pdf magazine: 26 Perfect Boudoir Outfits & Ideas that you can download. Just fill out this form to get a copy:

How Long Does A Wedding Boudoir Session Last?

The length of a bridal or wedding boudoir session will vary according to your photographer. At my studio, a session usually lasts about three to three and a half hours. That provides an hour + for hair and makeup and about two hours of shoot time.

boudoir studio

Where Does A Bridal Boudoir Session Take Place?

This will depend on your photographer too. Some boudoir photographers will come to your location to shoot the photos. Others will rent an Air BnB or high end hotel room for the photoshoot.

I have a home studio that consists of a portrait studio and a boudoir studio. Each room allows me to create a variety of different looks to make your setting stand out.

When scheduling with your photographer, make sure you find out where they prefer to shoot.

Should A Bride Bring A Friend To Her Boudoir Session?

I understand the nerves associated with a boudoir session. You are being photographed in lingerie, which is a vulnerable position.

If bringing a friend makes you feel more comfortable, then by all means, bring her. I do not recommend bringing your fiancé, after all this is supposed to be a surprise gift for your wedding day.

Sometimes an extra set of eyes can make you even more self conscious which may affect the look of your images.

At my studio, if you bring a friend, there are some rules.

  • The friend must be positive.
  • They can not take any pictures during the session.
  • The friend can not be in the studio room during the shoot. They may stay in the waiting area right outside of the door.
  • The friend may not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • If the friend interferes with the shoot in any way they will be required to leave or the session will be over.

Your boudoir photographer wants you to have a positive experience and great images. Their reputation depends on it! For that reason, I recommend you talk with photographers in advance, look at their portfolios and recommendations and choose one you are comfortable with.

bridal boudoir products

What Type Of Bridal Boudoir Products Are Available?

At my studio we offer a variety of ways to feature your images.

Albums are the most popular choice among brides. We offer a variety of packages with everything from linen to vegan leather covers in a variety of finishes and styles. The albums are printed on archival papers to provide you with a luxurious gift that will last a lifetime!

We also offer a folio of matted prints suitable for framing.

Wall art of various sizes are printed on premium canvas or aluminum for a piece of art you will be proud to hang in your marital bedroom.

There are some additional novelty items too, like a Viewmaster that features your images. It is a personal peep show!

grooms gift

When Should I Give My Boudoir Pictures To My Fiancé?

This varies depending on how you want to surprise the groom.

The Night Before

Many brides will give their gift the night before the wedding. This is a time you can be alone before all eyes are on both of you. Going through the album then will heighten his excitement for your wedding day.

Another benefit of the night before, you don’t have to worry about taking it to the church or damaging it in transit. He can tuck it safely away at home just for the two of you.

The Morning Of Your Wedding

Some brides have their Maid of Honor deliver the album to the groom the morning of the wedding as he is getting ready. If you do that, make sure to let your wedding photographer know so he or she can take pictures of his face when he opens it!

The problem with morning delivery is you may lose track of the album for awhile. You don’t want anyone else looking at your private photos!

On Your Wedding Night

Other brides tease the groom about a special gift coming in the honeymoon suite. This plays on his mind all day and builds anticipation. That evening, you can give him his gift and both look through the album before unwrapping yourself.

On Your Honeymoon

If you can wait, some brides like to surprise their new husband on the honeymoon. The only problem is keeping it hidden and safe while traveling.

On Your First Anniversary

Didn’t plan in time? No problem! Your first anniversary is Paper – and a Bridal Boudoir Album is the perfect gift! It is paper and artfully recalls the special event of your lives.

In conclusion:

A Bridal Boudoir Album is the perfect gift for your fiancé. It is a daring, unexpected gift of love that only you can give. A treasure you both will never forget and appreciate all the years ahead of you.

Make your wedding day extra special. Do it for your significant other, do it for you – do it for both of you!

Bridal Boudoir Pinterest Image

Ready to start planning your Boudoir Experience?
I would love to chat with you and go over all the details of our process, sessions and what you are wanting to create so we can plan the perfect boudoir experience for you.

Ready to chat NOW?
Text me at: 410-596-4127

Office Hours are Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm.

You may also email me at: thomas@thomasboudoir.com

Or just fill out this form and I will be in touch ASAP!