Are you considering a boudoir shoot?

It can be so lovely to capture a moment in time, before your wedding, when you're feeling like a total babe, you're so loved up, and you're excited for the months and years ahead.

It also makes perhaps the most awesome gift for your groom on your wedding day.

And regardless of your insecurities now, chances are 50 years down the line, you'll appreciate how gorgeous you were, and be so chuffed you decided to capture it.

But we totally get it.

It takes a lot of confidence to strip down to your (pretty new pink satin!) underwear, especially in front of a camera.

You place a lot of trust in your photographer, and as with any kind of photoshoot, it can turn out utterly beautiful, or a little cheesy/tacky/unflattering.

But not if you follow the expert advice below!

Last year, the lovely Bené Eaton, gave us her tips on what to wear for a romantic and classy boudoir shoot.

It's still a super popular post, so we figured it was about time we revisited all things boudoir, and consulted a professional for her top tips.

Enter , an amazing wedding photographer here in the UK, who has a serious talent for creating fun, sweet, and candidly sexy boudoir shoots.

When we saw this girl next door-style photo session by Julie Michaelsen in conjunction with Pompadour Lingerie, we knew she was just the person to ask about what makes a chic boudoir shoot.

As always, prepping in advance to make your day go so much more smoothly, from your pre-shoot beauty regime, to working with professionals whose work you love, to easing yourself in with bombshell lingerie and romantic adornments.

5 Tips for Preparing for your Boudoir Shoot

Check out Julie's super helpful tips to ensure you not just look and feel great for your boudoir session, but you have a whole lot of fun too...

1. Get What You Want

Make sure you the photographer shoots the type of boudoir style you like and want. This may sound obvious, but check out your photographer's portfolio closely before a shoot and even better, have a conversation with them about their style. Boudoir styles vary vastly and if you're after soft, gentle and suggestive images but your photographer specialises in vintage burlesque boudoir you may not be the best fit. Asking about the level of photoshop involved is also a good idea. Mixed signals about editing style can lead to disappointment so make sure you and your photographer are on the same page!

2. Invest in New Lingerie

Use this experience as an excuse to give your lingerie draw an a overhaul. This is the perfect opportunity to throw out your old lingerie and start a fresh for your newly married life! Or at least invest in three or four beautiful sets of lingerie or negligees. These will help you to feel elegant and beautiful on the day. These investment purchases also double as a little honeymoon surprises for your husband! I highly recommend that you invest in a beautiful silky dressing gown which you can wear whilst your hair and make up is being done but also which you can start off having photos in to get you warmed up before doing the lingerie shots. Confidence is the ultimate accessory for a successful shoot. Lots of elements contribute to this, such as your photographer, your outfits and gorgeous hair and make up! If you think you might be a bit nervous prior to the shoot, ask your photographer about props. Ladies usually feel more comfortable if they have something to do with their hands, I suggest a Also using your veil creates very beautiful Another good idea is one of your husbands shirts which teamed with your sexy lingerie and elegantly teased hair and make up makes for a really sensual and personal image. I always tell my boudoir ladies that professional hair and make up is a must. Not only does it contribute hugely to your confidence which really is the key to a successful shoot. A pro hair and make up artist also understands how good make up translates on camera which is very important. The hair and make up artists work with the photographer and bride as a team, and really are indispensable! imagery and also gives you a little bit of coverage making the photos more suggestive as apposed Prep your face and body before a close up. Drink lots of water in the lead up to the shoot, avoid alcohol as it dries your skin and increases redness. Skip the fake tan as orange marks are a photographers' nightmare and are tough to edit out, and finally make sure you get a good nights sleep before your shoot! to overt. floral bouquet, a loose flower something you can hold.

3. Ask Your Photographer About Props

4. Get a Glam Squad

5. Prettiness Prep

Bonus Tip! Prep Your Poses

Look at gorgeous shoots like this one before your boudoir shoot. It may be daunting (and make you pretty nervous!) but you'll be glad you did.

Get more Boudoir Shoot Inspiration.

It's so hard to know how to pose in front of a camera, so pin your favourite shots in advance (especially ones you know will be really flattering), so you have lots of go-to posing options once you start to strike!

Such great advice in there, right? I think the most important one is to really look through a photographer's portfolio before you book them. This goes for wedding planning too - it's so much easier to find a photographer whose style you love, than it is to expect one to alter their style for your tastes.

Thanks so much to and Pompadour Lingerie for sharing this beautiful boudoir shoot with us.