How to Prepare for a Boudoir Session: A Complete Timeline

Preparing for a boudoir session is one of the most enjoyable parts of the process, and at Studio 34 Boudoir in Burlington NJ we make it as guided and stress-free as possible. For women in Philadelphia, South Jersey, and the greater Burlington NJ area, this timeline covers everything you need to do from about a month out through the morning of your session. Tim and Michelle are available to answer questions at any point along the way, and our full library of resource guides is here to support you at every step.

About a Month to Two Weeks Before Your Session

Choose and Try On Your Outfits

We have extensive resources on wardrobe and styling, including our Wardrobe Shopping and What Should I Wear for My Boudoir Session guides—as well as our expert team! But here is a quick overview.

You’ll want to have your outfits selected well in advance and make sure that everything fits as you’d like. This way, there will be time to address any alterations or additions that need to be made. To help you choose your outfits—and give your boudoir team a clearer idea of what you want your session to look like—you will create a Pinterest mood board, which we will review together before your session.

First, we encourage you to visit our website, Studio34Boudoir.com, and pin any images you like. It’s useful to pin anything you like without thinking too hard. We suggest planning to bring 3-5 different outfits or “looks” to your session.

After some research and pinning, see what you already have in your closet that is similar to your pins and what we have in our client closet, and then make any purchases to fill in the gaps. For some ideas of where to shop, check out our Boudoir Session Lingerie Guide.

If you are purchasing things online, be sure they will be delivered in time for you to try on and exchange anything that doesn't work for you. If time is a concern, there are many places to try on and purchase wardrobe items in person. Also, it may surprise you how many pieces you already own that will make great wardrobe additions! And don’t stress! This should be fun, and we will review your wardrobe on a call before your session.

Among the items to select for your wardrobe are:

• Lingerie: Choose pieces that make you feel confident and sexy. Consider a variety of styles and colors. You can stick with white, black and red, silk and lace classics. Or go bold with brights, your favorite color, feathers, and leather. Or a combination of styles. Think out of the box. An oversized sweater, dress shirt, or sports jersey. This is YOUR DAY! What makes your heart sing?

• Accessories: Include items like high heels, jewelry, and garters. Also, consider what aspects of your personality you’d like to highlight. What are your interests, hobbies, and passions? Can an accessory related to your personality be brought in? Think your favorite novel, a deck of cards, or a box of chocolates.

• Hair and Makeup: Every session at Studio 34 includes professional hair and makeup, so you can be sure you are looking and feeling your absolute best. Your artist is happy to take the lead on creating your unique look or to co-create a specific look with you. You are encouraged to pin any hair and makeup inspiration to our shared mood board ahead of your session. Consider bringing hair accessories like clips, a pretty ribbon, or a scarf. We provide all makeup but feel free to bring a favorite item like your go-to lipstick.

Think About Poses and Settings

In addition to planning out what you would like to wear to express yourself, we also encourage you to think about what you want your finished images to look like and what places on your body and parts of your personality you want to highlight. While Tim and Michelle will expertly guide you through any posing and styling, we want you to collaborate with us to ensure that what makes you YOU shines through. Take some time to consider what images you would like to produce, whether specific images or a general feeling or mood. Pin anything that calls to you on the shared mood board, and we will review it together.

About a Week Before Your Session

Hair Care

If you want to cut, color, or have any other treatments done to your hair, it is suggested that you get the service done a whole week ahead of your session. This gives you time to make necessary changes in case of a hair emergency and reduces the chances of worrying about errant hair dye that sometimes gets on the skin.

Skin Care

You’ll want your skin to look its best, which for some of us means sticking with our current skin routine. It’s suggested not to try any new products beyond a week before your session to reduce the chances of an allergic reaction. We recommend booking a week ahead to be safe if you want to schedule skin-related services. Please adjust these timelines if you know your skin needs more time to recover. Here are some specifics:

• Facials: Schedule any facials a week before your session so that any potential skin irritation has time to subside. If you plan any at-home facials or exfoliating, give yourself a week too.

• Hair Removal: Hair removal is a personal choice. If you decide to remove hair, waxing, tweezing, bleaching, or threading should be done 3-5 days before your session. Shave a day before.

• Tanning: It’s recommended that you stay out of direct sun for any length of time during the week leading up to your session to avoid the risk of sunburn. Even copious sunscreen may not be enough, and it’s easy to miss a spot! If you are going to a tanning salon, book about a week ahead of time to be sure any irritation subsides and gives you time to reverse any mistakes. Please use extreme caution if using self-tanning products. Many can produce an uneven result and leave skin an unnatural color.

Nails

We suggest treating yourself to a professional manicure and pedicure, but painting your nails at home is also an option. If you are getting your nails done professionally, schedule your appointment a few days ahead of your session and consider a polish that is less likely to chip, such as gel. If you are doing your nails yourself, we recommend painting them the night before to lessen the time for chipping. Also, if you are doing your nails yourself, consider bringing your polish to the studio in case of a chip.

When choosing a nail color, we suggest classics such as red or burgundy or something neutral, such as something a few shades darker than your skin. A French manicure is timeless. Matching your fingernail and toenail color is nice but not a must. Remember, this session is about you and your style. 

Pack Your Bag!

Here are some last minute things to remember:        

• Wardrobe: Bring more than you think you’ll need for variety. Don’t forget your fun accessories! Not sure if you’ll need it? Toss it in any way!

• Emergency Touch-Ups: The studio is well-equipped with sewing items, breast tape, and a first-aid kit. However, if you’d like to bring something just in case, such as lipstick or nail polish, go for it. Or feel free to ask us if we already have it.

• Personal Items: Bring things that make you feel comfortable and confident, like a favorite robe or lipstick. The studio has drinks and snacks but feel free to bring any reasonable comfort food, like a favorite granola bar.

• Confidence: Embrace the experience and have fun! This experience is meant to empower and celebrate your unique beauty.
  

24 Hours To Go!

• Your day is almost here! Here are a few last items to consider:

• Check-Ins: Make sure you have everything packed in your bag. Also, be sure you have directions to our studio and know when to leave so you can arrive at your session on time. If you are bringing a support person, reaffirm your travel plans.

• Sleep, Hydration, Etc.: Get a good night’s sleep, drink plenty of water and bathe. Avoid alcohol.

• Meals: Food is always a personal choice. We suggest avoiding gassy foods like beans, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, cauliflower, and anything else that may upset your stomach. Please nourish yourself and don’t skip a meal. We want you energized and ready to celebrate you!

• Relaxation: Take some time to relax and nurture yourself. Stretching, yoga, meditation, or light exercise can be nice ways to unwind. You can also watch your favorite movie, take a walk, or get a massage.

Your Session Is Closer Than You Think

The preparation process is part of the experience at Studio 34. From your mood board review call to the moment you arrive at the studio, Tim and Michelle will make sure you feel ready, excited, and completely taken care of. If you have not yet booked your consultation, that is the natural next step. It is a free, no-pressure conversation and the best way to get every remaining question answered before you commit.

Studio 34 Boudoir serves women throughout Philadelphia, South Jersey, and the greater Burlington NJ area. One session per day, with the studio entirely yours.