Bridal Boudoir Outfits

Top 10 Tips for Bridal Boudoir Photography

Unveiling Confidence: A Guide to Bridal Boudoir Outfits, Poses, and Photography Ideas

For many brides, posing in front of a camera wearing lingerie can be nerve-wracking. However, you can rest assured that you are not alone in this feeling. Our team of professionals working on your bridal boudoir shoot understands how important it is for you to feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. 

It starts from the moment you reach out.

From the moment you step into our studio, you’ll be greeted by a group of compassionate and experienced women dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. They aim to make you feel pampered and empowered while capturing your unique beauty through stunning photography. You can trust that you are in good hands and will walk away from your boudoir photo shoot feeling more confident and self-assured.

Prepping before your bridal boudoir session

With your wedding on the horizon, we know you probably have a million things on your mind. We want to ease your stress, so we’ve put together 10 tips for your boudoir bridal photography shoot to ease your nerves and increase your confidence. 

10 Tips on how to feel confident during your bridal boudoir shoot

Tip 1: Choose a photographer that you feel comfortable with.

Choose a photographer you feel comfortable with: Look for a photographer with experience in boudoir photography and whose style matches your preferences. We know how intimate a boudoir is, and trusting your photographer is a massive part of feeling confident about your pictures. 

The first thing we do is schedule a phone call to talk through all your questions and let you know what to expect. You can hear our voices and get to know us a bit. We want to help you feel relaxed and prepared for the experience.

Tip 2: Plan ahead.

One way to feel more confident during a bridal boudoir shoot is to plan and set aside a few hours for the session. Doing this allows you to avoid feeling rushed and gives you enough time to relax and enjoy the experience.

During the shoot, allow yourself to fully embrace the moment and focus on enjoying yourself. Don’t worry about time or feeling like you must rush through poses or outfit changes. Having a few hours to work with can help you feel more comfortable and confident, ultimately leading to better photos.

Tip 3: Choose outfits that make you feel confident.

Bring a variety of outfits that you feel comfortable in and that make you feel beautiful. We have an article dedicated just to this topic that you can check out here: bridal boudoir outfits. This could include lingerie, robes, or other sexy clothing. Also, we welcome you to bring your veil, garter, and wedding shoes, as they are great accessories to evoke those wedding day feelings! 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with too many choices, start by limiting yourself to a black, a white, and a color option. Black is always sexy and timeless, and white is appropriate for the occasion.  

If white is not your thing, blush or nude are always great alternative colors. A color choice will also offer a nice accent for variety in your photos. Consider a color that flatters your complexion. Not sure which one flatters your skin tone? Check out this article to learn more.

Tip 4: Rock those heels.

Even if you’re not a heel kinda gal, we recommend wearing them for your bridal boudoir photos. Although they may not be the most comfortable thing in the world, heels create the look of elongating your legs, working your muscles, and lifting your booty. The effect is worth popping those heels on for a bit! 

Our must-have list always includes a nude pump for all our boudoir sessions, and a black pump is a bonus. A simple stiletto heel is amazing, but if that’s not your jam, a strappy pump or a block heel are great choices too.

Tip 5: Indulge in beauty appointments.

If there’s ever a time to pamper yourself, the months leading up to your wedding are it. With the day you say “I do” on the horizon, you’ve got the best excuse for extra self-care. We recommend a few specific services before your session to enhance your boudoir look:

• Spray tan: If you’re in the Chicago area, our go-to spot for a beautiful, natural application is Glow Out in the West Loop. Their team is fantastic! Mention us; they’ll ensure you’re the perfect shade without any orange tones. 
• Mani/Pedi: Refresh your hands and feet with a mani and pedi. While we’re big fans of statement color and shape, we recommend sticking with a more subtle, elegant shape in case you ever change your mind about today’s nail trends.
• Facial: A facial feels relaxing, and the process preps your skin for your makeup artist. You’ll be set for a flawless application on the day of your session. Tip: Please avoid harsh chemicals the week of your shoot; we recommend facial peels two weeks prior and hydra facials or micro-dermaplaning the week of.

• Wax: If this is your usual beauty maintenance regime, go for it! But if not, stick to what you know works. It would be best if you had no adverse reactions before your photos.

Tip 6: Practice good self-care leading up to the shoot. 

Practicing good self-care leading up to your bridal boudoir shoot is essential for feeling confident and ready for the day. Start by drinking plenty of water, which helps keep your skin hydrated and glowing. Eating healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean protein will also fuel your body to feel its best.

In addition to nourishing your body, ensure you get enough rest in the days leading up to your shoot. Try to get a solid night’s sleep before the shoot day to help you feel refreshed and ready to go.

Tip 7: Indulge in this mantra. “I’m in good hands.” 

Sure, confidence can come from within, but experts have agreed that confidence results from your relationships and experiences. So, practice this mantra: “I’m in good hands.” We want you to remember that you are in good hands. You’ll be in a safe, judgment-free environment surrounded by a team of women whose primary goal is to help you feel supported.

Tip 8: Practice deep breathing and relaxation techniques.

If you’re feeling nervous or anxious, try practicing deep breathing and relaxation techniques to help calm your nerves. We’re here to help you relax, as well. We’re going to pamper you as you deserve!

Once you arrive, we’ll help you make final decisions about your outfits if you hesitate about what to wear. We’ll then send you to hair and makeup, where a fantastic artist gets you glammed up. We choose to work with artists who are not only super talented but also have abundant positive energy. By the end of the application, you’ll look like the best, most refreshed version of yourself.

Tip 9: Bring a trusted friend or partner.

If you’re nervous, consider bringing someone you trust to the shoot. They’ll gladly offer support and encouragement throughout your boudoir photography journey.

Tip 10: Don’t be shy about talking to your photographer.

Don’t be afraid to communicate with your photographer throughout the shoot. Let us know if you feel uncomfortable or have any specific ideas or requests. It’s normal to have a few jitters as we start the session. We’ll start slowly, with plenty of coaching through simple pictures to warm you up. 

And no worries! We’ll provide easy-to-follow directions as we guide you through multiple poses that enhance your beauty and confidence. And if you have any posing ideas, please share! 

By following these 10 tips, you’ll be amazed at how confident and comfortable you are during your bridal boudoir shoot, flowing through the experience in a way that leaves you feeling exhilarated, like you climbed a mountain. A bridal boudoir photoshoot might be the release you didn’t even realize you needed before your wedding day. 

Remember to relax, have fun, and enjoy the experience!