4 Reasons Why You Should Have a Bridal Boudoir Session
A bridal boudoir session is all about getting pampered, feeling confident in yourself, and experiencing a space where you can see your radiant and magnificent self in a whole new way.
As a Colorado wedding and boudoir photographer, I understand if you feel nervous or hesitant about a boudoir session. You might have preconceived ideas of what it is supposed to look like.
But I’m here to remind you that your bridal boudoir session can look and feel however you want. You write the rules, and every step of the way, I’ve got your back to help you have an incredible experience.
Let’s dive into my top reasons why you should have a bridal boudoir session and some tips on how you can prepare.
What Is a Bridal Boudoir Session?
First, let’s discuss a bridal boudoir session—it is an intimate and empowering photography experience designed specifically for brides-to-be.
What I love about these sessions is you get to infuse them with personal elements from your wedding day. This can be anything from your veil, lingerie, or heirloom jewelry to sentimental items from your partner.
They also don’t have to be super serious. Adding some inside jokes is a great way to keep the mood light and relaxed and add a special touch for your partner.
I once had a bride-to-be bring a box of crayons because her now-wife always joked that she smelled like crayons when they were doing “adult things!”
While most bridal boudoir sessions are done with the intention of giving your partner a surprise, it’s also just a chance to celebrate yourself and this milestone in your life.
I’ve had tons of people come in and do these sessions for no other reason than wanting to have this experience. Just like everything else for your wedding, you get to decide what these photos look like and what you do with them.
Why Should You Have a Bridal Boudoir Session?
Here are my top 4 reasons why you should plan a bridal boudoir session:
It’s a chance to feel confident and empowered in your body ahead of your wedding day.
There’s a lot of societal pressure to feel “conventionally beautiful” on your wedding day, and this session is an opportunity to feel ” naturally beautiful.” You can show up exactly as you are and feel confident in yourself.
A unique and personal wedding gift for your partner
Your partner is the person who knows you to your core and loves you as you are – they’ll adore having this beautiful and thoughtful gift as a surprise from you.
The important thing to keep in mind here is that these photos aren’t meant to be plastered around your wedding. These are specifically for you and whoever you want to share them with, so it can be a great way to add some personal touches that only you and your partner would know.
You can also make things as *spicy* or as PG as you want. Just because this is a boudoir session doesn’t mean you have to do anything you aren’t comfortable with!
An emotional and sentimental keepsake for yourself or your partner
50 years down the road you and your partner will still be cherishing and admiring these photos. Think of Rose in the Titanic movie looking back at the drawing Jack drew of her and saying, “Wasn’t I a dish?”
This is also an amazing and unique way to document this time in your life. I know we have engagement sessions and your wedding photos, but this is something completely different and, more importantly, just for you!
A chance to feel more comfortable in front of the camera
This session is an intimate experience between you and your photographer built on trust and confidence in each other. For the best experience (and photos), you’ll want to feel like you can relax in front of the camera lens and be yourself.
I know a lot of us are nervous in front of a camera and don’t always love being the center of attention, but this is your time, and you should be able to show up confidently.
Just like an engagement session, a bridal boudoir session gives you more time in front of the camera to get comfortable and figure out what you like and don’t like—with the added bonus of having some nice photos that you can surprise your partner with if you like!
You’ll also get a better idea of how your photographer operates and bridal boudoir sessions give you the perfect opportunity to be open and honest with them about what you like and don’t like.
How to Prepare for Your Bridal Boudoir Session
You’ll want to do a couple of different things to prepare for your bridal session, such as considering what outfits you want to wear and bridal accessories you want to bring along with you, as well as how you want to incorporate personal touches into your session.
It’s also great to do some self-care before your session—think of facials, mani/pedis, moisturizing, etc. If you haven’t already done your hair/makeup trial, this session is a good excuse to do that!
Hydrating is also going to be super important. You’d be surprised how much your skin glows when you are hydrated, and believe me, I know with everything going on, staying hydrated is definitely and intentional effort.
I wrote an in-depth guide for you on how to prepare for your session and what you should bring, which you can check out here!
What to Expect During Your Bridal Boudoir Session
Each photographer will have a different process, but generally, you can expect that at the start of your session, you and your photographer will spend some time chatting about any hesitations you may have, what you want from the session, poses, etc. This conversation is your chance to ask any of your questions.
Then, your photographer will most likely walk you through their process and make sure that you feel comfortable before starting the session. Some photographers might provide you with light snacks and drinks before you start, and if we work together, I’ll play some music to get us pumped up!
To learn more about my process and how I work with you to ensure you have the most amazing experience possible, take a look at my guide here!
Your FAQ’s About Your Bridal Boudoir Session Answered
These are some of the most common questions I get around bridal boudoir sessions so I wanted to answer them for you to give you all the info you need to know!
When should I book my session?
If possible, try to schedule it for the same day you’re doing your hair/make-up trial. Otherwise, about a month or two before your wedding is great timing if you want to give the photos as a wedding present.
This will give us enough time to make sure all of your images are edited and you can get them printed before the big day!
If I’m doing this as a gift, when on my wedding day should I give it to my partner?
There are a few different times that can work for this. If you’re doing a first look or a first touch, this is a great time to exchange gifts. They can also be given as a special delivery while your partner is getting ready.
You can also wait until the end of the night and give them to your partner directly when you are alone together!
What if I don’t like my body? Will you photoshop me to make me beautiful?
Friend, you ARE beautiful. During your session, your photographer should be doing everything within their power to hype you up and make you feel gorgeous just as you are.
This is why communication is key here. I always work with my clients to find poses that feel really flattering to them. We will also talk about what features you love and what ones you maybe don’t want to focus on so you feel confident and beautiful the entire time.
No one can magically make you love your body. That’s a self-reflection journey you have to go on yourself. But I do everything in my power to help you see what I see: someone who has their own unique beauty and radiance.
I personally don’t offer body modification photoshopping (beyond hiding non-permanent marks like mosquito bites, mild acne, or random rashes that pop up), but other photographers may.
Ready to Book Your Bridal Boudoir Session?
I hope you found this overview of bridal boudoir sessions helpful! For some, a bridal boudoir session is about feeling empowered, beautiful, and confident in their bodies. For others, it makes a sexy pre-wedding gift. Whatever your reasons for your session, I’m here for it! To learn more about my bridal boudoir sessions or to book your session with me, go here. You can also check out my guide on getting ready for your bridal boudoir session here.