Planning Your Bridal Boudoir Session

So you’re getting married and curious about bridal boudoir? First of all, congrats! And YAY – you’re in the right place! This post will walk you through how to plan and prepare for a stress-free, empowering experience.

I have to start by saying – bridal boudoir holds a special place in my heart. It’s actually how I discovered boudoir photography in the first place! Back in 2014, when I was still shooting weddings, one of my brides asked me to do a boudoir session for her. I had no idea then that it would spark a complete shift in my career and lead me to leave weddings behind to focus on boudoir full-time. I still adore all things wedding-related, and now I get my fix by working with incredible brides like you! 🙂

I truly believe bridal boudoir session might be the most meaningful (and fun) thing you can do before walking down the aisle. This is about way more than a gorgeous gift for your partner (though trust me, he’ll be blown away). It’s a chance to slow down, boost your confidence, and celebrate you before you say “I do.”

Here are my top tips to help you plan the perfect pre-wedding boudoir experience.

1. Schedule It Early

Ideally, your boudoir session should be scheduled for at least 2 months prior to your wedding. The month of your wedding will already have SO many appointments, so it’s ideal to plan it prior to the last stretch of the wedding planning. This also ensures all products will arrive in time before your wedding day. My calendar tends to book 2-3 months out so planning ahead is the name of the game.

2. Choose the Right Photographer

Not all boudoir photographers are created equal – especially when it comes to bridal boudoir. You want someone who not only understands lighting and posing but also knows how to create a space where you feel safe, celebrated, and completely yourself. Look for someone who specializes in boudoir, not just offers it on the side. A dedicated boudoir photographer will have the experience to guide you through flattering poses, help calm any nerves, and bring out your natural beauty in a way that feels authentic—not cheesy or overly posed.

And just as important? Personality. You’ll be spending time with this person in a vulnerable setting, so you want someone who makes you feel comfortable and empowered.

If you’re in the Dallas area and looking for a photographer who loves working with brides, I’d love to connect! 🖤

3. Pick Meaningful Outfits

One of the most fun (and personal) parts of planning your bridal boudoir session is choosing what to wear. Lingerie is the obvious go-to, but it doesn’t have to stop there. Think about pieces that feel special to you or that tie into your wedding day in a unique way.

Here are a few ideas my bridal clients love:

• • Your wedding veil or even bringing your dress to use in a few photos!
  • A white lingerie set
  • Your partner’s dress shirt or favorite sports jersey
  • “Something blue”
  • Something with your wedding colors

Personal lingerie styling is included in the Beloved experience, so if you’re feeling stuck or lacking time, don’t worry. Kelsey is on my team to help make recommendations based on your body type, style and any requests you might have!

4. Don’t Forget the Details

You’ve got your outfits planned, but it’s the little details that really elevate your bridal boudoir session and make it feel complete. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Accessories: This is where my former wedding photographer really starts to show (sorry, not sorry!) I love all the sweet little details! If there’s something meaningful to you that you want to incorporate, don’t be afraid to mention it. I love personalizing each session to my clients! Here’s some ideas to get you started:
  • Garter
  • Wedding veil
  • Wedding day jewelry
  • Wedding day shoes

• Hair + Makeup: Whether you go glam or natural, professionally styled hair and makeup can make a huge difference – not just in how the photos look, but in how you feel walking into the session. (Bonus: I include this in all of my sessions so you can just relax and be pampered.)

• Nails: Your hands will show in a lot of the images, so clean, polished nails (even just a neutral or clear coat) go a long way.

• Sleep + Hydration: This one isn’t glamorous, but it matters. Get a good night’s sleep and drink plenty of water the day before – your body will thank you!

I also send all my clients a full prep guide before their session, so nothing gets forgotten. The goal is for you to walk in feeling confident, comfortable, and fully taken care of.

5. Make It About You Too

It’s easy to think of bridal boudoir as a gift for him—but let’s be real: this experience is just as much (if not more) for you.

This season of life is full of to-do lists, timelines, and other people’s expectations. Your boudoir session is a chance to pause and reconnect with yourself.

So yes, he will love the photos. But what I hear from my brides over and over again is that the real gift was how the session made them feel. Strong. Sexy. Like the version of themselves they hadn’t fully seen in a while.

Don’t think of it as one more thing to check off your wedding planning list—think of it as a celebration of you.

FAQ’s from Beloved Brides:

“Will anyone else see my photos?”

Your comfort is always the most important thing to me. It’s completely up to you if any of your images are shareable. You can choose to keep everything private, only share anonymous photos or sign a full model release. There is never any pressure!

“Can I do this even if I’m shy?”

Definitely! It’s totally understandable to feel nervous doing something like this that feels out of your comfort zone, but you can absolutely still do this! A good photographer will put you at ease and help you feel comfortable.

“Can I bring someone with me?”

Yes! Due to space, I only allow brides to bring one guest. They need to be female and a good hype girl! Make sure they’re going to make you feel amazing and not uncomfortable in any way.