After all the stress of planning a wedding, it’s no wonder that many couples feel like they need some R&R before their big day. That’s where an intimate and playful boudoir shoot comes in! But is it right for you? Here are some questions I’d recommend asking yourself before deciding whether or not to get in front of the camera for a wedding boudoir session:
What is a wedding boudoir?
Boudoir photography is a form of art. It’s a way to celebrate your body, your relationship, your femininity and all the beauty that makes you feel good about yourself.
Boudoir isn’t just for brides-to-be; anyone can do it! Even if you aren’t getting married anytime soon or have already tied the knot, boudoir is an opportunity to self-reflect through artistic images and learn more about yourself in the process. The term “boudoir” originated in France during the reign of Louis XIV (1643–1715) and was used to describe an intimate room where women could receive callers or write letters. This definition has evolved over time but remains pertinent today when we understand boudoir as a type of photography centered around celebrating femininity and female sexuality.
Why should you do a wedding boudoir?
A wedding boudoir shoot is a fun and unique way to celebrate your love, your body, and your relationship. Whether you’re getting married or not—or if you’ve been married for years—you can still enjoy the experience of having a session done by an experienced photographer. The results will be both beautiful and empowering:
- Celebrate The Love You Have For Each Other
- Celebrate Your Body (No Matter What Size It Is)
- Celebrate Your Wedding Day
- Celebrate The Person That Makes You Smile
What kind of props and lingerie do you want to wear?
While you’re deciding on a theme, it’s important to think about what kind of props and lingerie you want to wear. The last thing you want is for your boudoir session to feel unauthentic or forced. Practicing yoga in a white wedding dress may seem like a great idea in theory, but in reality it just doesn’t seem genuine because it isn’t who you are anymore. Instead, think of ways that reflect who you are now and where your interests lie—or at least which ones haven’t changed since the last time we talked!
Some examples include:
- Wearing hiking boots instead of high heels;
- Draping yourself over an antique car instead of posing with wine bottles;
- Painting each other’s faces with red lipstick and carrying around glittery umbrellas while wearing black lace nighties (perfect for those winter weddings).
Where will the shoot be?
- Make sure the location is private. You’ll want to shoot in a place that’s free from prying eyes, and it should also be comfortable for you.
- Consider the lighting. The natural light will change throughout the day, so try to do your shoot during an hour with great lighting (like early morning or late evening). If you can’t find a good time of day, consider bringing along some candles or other light sources to help create ambiance for your pictures!
- Think about the weather. If it’s raining outside, maybe give up on this photo shoot altogether—unless you have an indoor area where rain won’t ruin your clothes or equipment! We’d recommend having someone else drive if need be so that they can keep an eye out for potential bad weather while you’re posing in front of their camera lens 🙂
How are you feeling about it?
If you’re feeling pressured to do a boudoir shoot, it’s time to ask yourself why. If it’s because your partner wants you to, then talk to them about why they want that and what else they might be looking for out of the experience. If the answer is that they just want something different, tell them that you’re happy with how things are and don’t want anything more than what you already have. If they say they need more intimacy in their relationship, find ways of giving each other affection without the pressure of an expected outcome from the photos or video footage shot during your sesh (e.g., snuggling up under blankets on the couch together).
If none of those options work out for whatever reason—or if any talk about doing this makes you uncomfortable in any way—again: no matter what anyone else says or does in this situation, remember that YOU get to decide whether or not this experience is right for YOU!
What is your body already telling you about this, if anything?
Your body is unique. Your body is beautiful. Your body is your own, and you should treat it as such.
Your body deserves to be respected and cared for, not only because you love yourself, but also because that’s what good partners do for each other: they respect each other’s bodies and minds by giving them care and attention when they need it most.
Your partner will see your photos of how you looked at the beginning of your marriage as a reminder that despite all the ups and downs of life (and even pregnancy!), he still loves his wife just as much today as he did back then.
You don’t have to do what everyone else does.
You don’t have to do what everyone else does. If you want to take the time and effort to create a unique experience for your partner, then go for it. If not, keep doing what works best for you two!
In conclusion, if you want to do a boudoir session, go for it! It can be a fun addition to your wedding day or a way to celebrate being married. If you’re not sure whether a boudoir session is right for you, there’s no harm in doing one anyway. Hopefully this article gave some insight into how others have approached it!