What Should I Wear for My Bridal Boudoir Session?
A Luxury Bridal Boudoir Guide by Photography by Erin Braden | Boudoir-NY
One of my favorite parts of planning a bridal boudoir experience is helping each bride choose outfits that make her feel absolutely incredible.
Your wardrobe does so much more than create beautiful photographs—it tells your story. Whether you're creating an unforgettable wedding gift for your fiancé, celebrating your engagement, or simply documenting this exciting chapter of your life, every piece you bring adds another layer to your experience.
The best part? You don't need an overflowing lingerie collection. A thoughtfully curated selection of outfits is all we need to create an elegant, timeless gallery you'll treasure forever.
Start with Something White
Every bridal boudoir session should include at least one or two bridal-inspired looks.
Think beyond traditional lingerie and bring pieces that celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime season:
• White or ivory lace bodysuits
• Delicate teddies
• Silk slips
• Your wedding veil
• Bridal heels
• White stockings or thigh-highs
• Your getting-ready robe
• Bridal jewelry
• Pearls or heirloom accessories
These pieces create soft, romantic images that feel unmistakably bridal.
One of my favorite moments is photographing a bride wrapped only in her veil or wearing the robe she'll put on the morning of her wedding. These details become incredibly meaningful years from now.
Add a Few Personal Touches
After we've created those timeless bridal portraits, we'll have fun incorporating a few pieces that reflect your personality.
Some brides bring:
• "Bride" or "Mrs." lingerie
• A "Wifey" sweatshirt
• An oversized button-down
• Your fiancé's dress shirt
• His favorite flannel
• A leather jacket
• His jersey
• Something that reminds you of your relationship
These photographs often become some of the most personal images in your album because they tell your story—not anyone else's.
White Is Beautiful...But Color Is Powerful
While white lingerie photographs beautifully and creates an unmistakably bridal feel, don't stop there.
I always encourage my brides to bring at least two colorful outfits as well.
Rich jewel tones, deep emeralds, burgundy, navy, plum, black, or classic red create incredible contrast and give your final collection more variety.
The finished album feels much more luxurious when it includes a blend of romantic whites and dramatic statement pieces.
Buy for Your Body—Not the Size on the Tag
The most flattering lingerie is simply the lingerie that fits well.
Forget the number on the label.
Choose pieces that support you comfortably, flatter your curves, and make you feel confident the moment you put them on.
If you're unsure what styles work best for your body, don't worry—that's one of the things I help every client with before their session.
Before your shoot we'll discuss outfit ideas, your comfort level, and the features you'd like to highlight so you can shop with confidence.
Let the Details Shine
Boudoir is full of beautiful little moments.
Intricate lace.
Delicate embroidery.
Interesting backs.
Sheer sleeves.
Pearls.
Silk ribbons.
Corset lacing.
These details photograph beautifully, especially in close-up portraits and timeless black-and-white images.
Luxury is always in the details.
Dress for the Features You Love Most
Every woman has features she absolutely loves.
Maybe it's your shoulders.
Your back.
Your legs.
Your waist.
Your eyes.
Choose outfits that celebrate those features.
We'll pose you intentionally to highlight your favorite areas while creating flattering angles from head to toe.
You don't need to know how to pose—that's my job.
Every expression, every hand placement, every angle is guided from beginning to end.
The One Thing Every Bride Should Bring
Confidence.
Not because you already have it...
But because you're willing to trust the process.
Almost every bride who walks into my Newburgh studio tells me the same thing:
"I've never done anything like this before."
They're nervous.
They're excited.
They worry they'll be awkward.
Then something amazing happens.
Within a few minutes they're laughing.
They're having fun.
They stop wondering what they look like because they're focused on the experience.
That's when the confidence begins to appear.
Not because you suddenly became someone different...
Because you finally allowed yourself to see yourself the way everyone else already does.
Beautiful.
Strong.
Elegant.
Completely unforgettable.
You'll Never Have to Figure This Out Alone
Every Boudoir-NY bride receives my exclusive Session Prep Guide after booking.
Inside you'll find:
• Wardrobe inspiration
• Shopping recommendations
• Outfit examples
• Preparation tips
• Beauty timelines
• Packing checklist
• Posing advice
• Hair and skincare recommendations
• Everything you need to arrive relaxed and fully prepared
Before your session we'll also plan your wardrobe together so you never have to wonder whether you've brought the right outfits.
Every bridal boudoir experience at Photography by Erin Braden is designed to feel effortless, luxurious, and completely personalized from the moment you book until you hold your finished album in your hands.
I can't wait to help you create the most meaningful wedding gift you'll ever give—and one of the most empowering gifts you'll ever give yourself.
Don't Forget Your Shoes
Shoes completely change the look of an image.
If you own them, bring:
• Nude heels
• Black heels
• Sparkly heels
• White bridal shoes
• Elegant stilettos
• Platforms
Even if they only appear in a handful of images, they elevate the overall look and naturally improve your posture during posing.
Finish with Something Relaxed
One of my favorite ways to end a bridal boudoir session is with something soft and effortless.
Think oversized sweaters.
Off-the-shoulder tops.
Cozy cardigans.
His dress shirt.
A loose tank.
Denim shorts.
Silk pajamas.
These casual looks create an intimate, editorial feeling that balances the glamour of your lingerie portraits beautifully.