AisleDash

Most brides plan their wedding attire down to the last stitch, and then that gorgeous gown is commemorated in lots and lots of pictures. You know what? I'll bet you've planned your wedding night ensemble with just the same amount of care.

Why not have some pictures of you in substantially less than that gown? It's not kinky, it's not seedy. It's called boudoir photography, an intimate, just-for-the-two-of-us gift. You can bring your groom along to the photo shoot, or you can surprise him with an extra-special wedding gift. If you think this might be for you, here are some tips:

1. Check your yellow pages and the Internet to find the names of photographers who specialize in boudoir photography.

2. Spend some time on the phone. You should seek out someone who makes you feel comfortable. No matter what his or her experience, if you don't feel relaxed, the pictures will show it.

3. Make sure the photographer is fine with you bringing a friend. If they're not, keep looking! 99.9% of photographers are honest, reliable professionals, but there are bound to be nut jobs out there, just like any other group of people. The friend might be asked to sit in an adjacent room during the actual shoot, but no professional will refuse to allow you to bring them along.

4. Once you get into the studio, remember that you are in control. You get to choose how much you reveal, or don't. You get to choose the style of picture. You get to bring the outifts you will wear. Many women find that once they get started, they're surprised by just how relaxed they feel with it all. If you're not comfortable with lingerie photos, however, you might go for the vintage pin-up look. There are lots of options.

5. Wear loose clothing. You don't want lines and wrinkles in your skin from tight jeans!

6. If make-up is included in the session, don't wear any of your own.

7. Wear a button-up shirt. (We don't want you messing up the hair!)

8. Have fun! Go with your groom, go with a girlfriend, but go with the intent to have fun. And you know this will be your man's favourite wedding gift!