Having a boudoir photo shoot prior to your wedding is a great way to give your new husband a unique and intimate wedding present that he’ll really appreciate! If you ever considered having this done, there’s no better time than now. If you find the idea daunting – don’t worry! You can be as dressed up or down as you dare – but gorgeous lingerie is your first stop! Lingerie expert Mary Stephens gives advice on what to wear to your boudoir shoot.
Image courtesy of Honeymoon Collection
Photographers who specialise in these shots have lots of experience at making their customers feel completely at ease, and in using light and poses to make you look your very best.
A corset or basque is the most popular item for a boudoir shoot. It is sexy, seductive and creates a wonderful silhouette. Many come with detachable suspender straps so you can choose whether or not to wear stockings. The suspender straps have the effect of splitting the leg and making it appear slimmer. Wearing stockings with a lace top, some sort of decoration detail, or sexy fishnets also adds interest to the leg. If your legs are short then try removing the suspender straps and wear hold-ups instead, this will give a less cluttered look and will make your legs look longer; you can always wear your garter just above your knee to add a touch of detail. Of course, high heels are also excellent at making legs appear longer.
From left to right: Embroidered Bridal Basque, Bridal Corset, Mariée
If you decide to wear a suspender belt then it is often a good idea to wear it slightly looser than you normally would for everyday wear, this is so that you can avoid any bulge where the suspender belt fits around your body. Alternatively, you could opt for a wide stretch suspender belt, this eliminates the gap between the suspender belt and your underwear and is also a good way to enhance your waist and cover your hips.
When selecting your underwear, whether it be a thong, briefs or French knickers, keep it slightly looser than normal to avoid elastic marks. A word of advice about elastic marks – don’t wear socks to your shoot as you’ll have sock marks on your legs.
From left to right: Mariée Bride Thong, Lace Shorts, Wedding White Thong
Of course, you don’t have to wear the traditional corset and suspender items for your shoot if you don’t want to, be imaginative in the items you use and you’ll get a more personal, individual collection of photographs. For example sheer fabrics work really well, the simple use of a veil offers you a covering yet allows light to shine through, creating a soft, romantic image. See-though chiffon or lace gowns can be used to create romantic images or a more overtly sexy look. Why not incorporate your wedding flowers, items that reflect your colour theme, or a feather boa? You might even want to use items that are connected with your fiance such as equipment he uses for sport, work etc. You bridal boudoir shoot doesn’t mean that all the items you use have to be bridal.
From left to right: Luxurious Bride – Cami/Bralette, Luxurious Bride Isabella, Vintage Bride Night Slip
Finally, whatever you wear, or don’t wear, the most important thing you need for great boudoir photographs is confidence – enjoy the shoot knowing that you look fabulous and that your husband will be a very happy man.
Mary Stephens has been working in the British bridal industry for over 10 years, and in 2004 developed her very own niche range of bridal lingerie called the ”Honeymoon Collection”, to satisfy the specific and unique demands of the brides. Mary is an experienced seamstress and bra fitter, giving her a sound understanding of dress construction and foundation garments.
See more lingerie ideas in inspiration and articles.
