Boudoir Photography provided by Jessica Chapman. A well known Boudoir photographer in Illinois

Choosing an unique wedding gift can be difficult, especially if the bride is a sister or best friend. Bridesmaids always want to give a gift the Bride will always remember, and it seems boudoir photography is one of the newest and hottest gifts of the season! Most photographers include photo albums and prints which makes Boudoir Photography a great gift for a bride, and a perfect gift for the groom.

Jessica Chapman, a renowned Boudoir photographer in the Illinois area, and newest addition to the VIP Bachelorette team says:

Not only can the bride have fun being flirty, but there is also group boudoir where the bride a friends can “take the journey from self consciousness to self revelation together” states Chapman. It creates a unique bonding experience among girlfriends and gives the bride a chance to show her flirtacious, sensual side.

Q and A with VIP

What do most girls wear?

This usually depends an individual comfort level and photographer, but we recommend that girls bring something that makes them feel sexy. It is also a good idea to bring different outfits to mix and match, however some of the best items to bring are accessories, especially your engagement ring! Jessica of VIP, allows the option of bringing 3 lingerie choices to a shoot.

Who takes the photos?

Some photographers specialize in boudoir photography, and others have boudoir as part of their business. Either way the photography will be provided by a professional- the difference is that a boudoir photographer might have more props or sets that you can use. Jessica explains  “As a photographer who has ventured into the world of boudoir photography, my goal is to make the subjects as comfortable as possible, and to adhere to a style of boudoir that is sexy and fun, yet classy and respectable.”

Where are the photos taken?

Photos can be taken in studio, hotel or even at home. The decision is between the girls and photographer.

When can sessions be scheduled?

Many brides diet and do a workout regime to get ready for the big day. Taking boudoir photos about a week or two before the wedding would be a great way to show off that hard work. It would also be a great way to kick off wedding festivities.

Who can help choose the package that is right for my Bride?

The VIP Bachelorette staff can assist with any questions regarding the photography shoot, package, or pricing.

For bridesmaids, family members, and close friends who are uncertain about the wedding gift for the newlyweds, getting something from a list on some registry won’t cut it. These days, girls are giving gifts that will last a lifetime. Consider boudoir photography as an option. It is a fun and flirty gift that will always be valued and that will hold significance in a new bride’s life now, and in the future.

Bachelorette parties have grown in popularity over the last decades. Gone are the days of strippers and wild nights. Bachelorette parties can be mild, wild, unique, trendy or even a simple dinner. Bachelorette parties are about getting together, sharing past stories and creating new memories. Let’s face it, moms had a big role in the past so perhaps the bride to be would like her included or ….maybe not.

The decision to invite the mom(s) can make or break the event so play it safe and follow these tips:

• It’s the bride to be’s night out. It’s her celebration. Consider how she would feel either way
• If the bride to be and her mother are inseparable and extremely close, the bride may be hurt if you did not invite her.
• If the bachelorette party involves things that will make the mom uncomfortable, it is probably not a good idea.
• If you decide to invite the mother of the bride, you should also include the groom’s mother. Not inviting her could hurt some or all of the family not to mention cause drama.
• If the bride to be has mentioned she does not want her there. Enough said. Don’t do it.

The decision is definitely not easy however; following the above tips may help. If you’re stuck, compromise. Include the mom(s) in part of the festivities. If the bachelorette party is starting off at a restaurant for dinner, have the mom join for dinner. Not only will you make the mom happy but the bride to be will feel you really tried to make her night perfect! After dinner, ensure the mom(s) are taken back home safely and continue on with the bachelorette party.
In 2010 out of 642 bachelorette parties planned by VIP Bachelorette, 41 (that we know of) had mom(s) at the bachelorette party. Of those 41, 8 of those were actually planned by the mom. Our party hosts have even mentioned that they have seen the moms dancing on the bars! Hey, moms are fun too.

Follow these tips and give the bride to be a night to remember!

• Don’t sweat the small stuff! There are always going to be a few bumps in the night. Just remember there is a VIP party host provided for you! Let them worry and you have fun with the bride-to-be.
• What the bride doesn’t know won’t hurt her. Make the night as worry free for the bride as possible and keep things under the table. It will all work out and VIP is here to make sure it does.
• Stirring up drama usually does not help. There are usually conflicting personalities within parties. Remember that the night is not about anyone except your best friend who wants one last night to have fun. The time to start drama can wait for another day.

One last thought. Have fun! This will be a night to remember, might as well make it a positive one!

Follow these tips and tricks and we assure you will not only save a few bucks but you will get lots of credit from the bride to be!

Make the veil!- Why spend $15-$20.00 on a veil. Have the bridal party pitch in and make a veil. All you need is glue, needle and thread and of course a tiara or some funny items. Most of which you can but at the dollar store. You can attach whatever you like and it is more personable and fun!

VIP Bachelorette offers our clients free games and scavenger hunts that can be printed for free. Ask a representative from VIP for a bundle of free bachelorette games. We will email it offer and you simply print it out!

Don’t walk into a store for bachelorette gear and spend a ton of money! Remember, these items will be used that night only and will most likely be trashed half way through the evening. VIP Bachelorette offers many alternatives to spending hundreds of dollars on bachelorette supplies.Bachelorette Party Kits are a great way to get everyone something fun and memorable at an affordable price. For $10.00 a kit each girl will receive a boa, beads, flashy lights, A VIP Bachelorette button and glowstick jewlery. Best of all, when you get the kits, the brides kit is FREE

FREE Drinks! The Bride usually can get many FREE drinks when she is celebrating her final fling, but what about the other girls? Print out drinking games and dares that says the guy must but a drink for the bride and his friend must buy the girl of his choice a drink. Works every time! Another way is to play the one with the most drinks wins! Guys love when girls come up and ask for drinks, it is a great way to start conversations and meet some new people!

Choosing Mild or Wild

If you are not sure what type of party to have; consider the bride. Remember this is her event and you want her to enjoy herself. If she is shy and easily embarrassed, dont take her to a male revue show or hire someone that will embarrass her. Although the group  may think it is funny, she may really be offended. Remember; bachelorette parties are not always about strippers and liquor. This is a time to celebrate friendships and to honor the bride to be while remembering all the great times together.The most important thing to remember is that this is the bride-to-be’s day. It is easy forgotten when many bridesmaids and friends begin helping. Often times, they will want to choose activities that they like.

Here is something you can do to make finding out what type of bachelorette party to have:

Plan a lunch or girls night with the bridesmaids and the bride to be and play a game called “ How well do we know the bride”. The object of the game will be to see who knows the most about the bride to be (or so she will think) Have questions for everyone to answer and the bride can pick the winner. This is a perfect way to get information about her likes and dislikes without her knowing what you are up to.

True or False answers work the best. Here is an example of some of the questions:

Jane Bride loves drinking everyone under the table
Jane Bride will miss dancing the night away

You get the point. Don’t forget to throw a few questions in there from her childhood so she does not know what you are up to such as:

Jane Bride wore braces

Most importantly; don’t forget to collect all the answers so that you can look them over later and decide “mild or wild”.

Happy Planning!