Don't compromise just because it might take a few weeks longer when you will have to live with a dark shower for the next 20+ years!

Most of my showers (remodeled 4-1/2 baths the last 3 years) had at least one 6" recessed light and I replaced them with two 4" recessed LED lights, with dimmers. Two lights illuminates the whole area and reduces shadows in the corners. Full brightness for cleaning and dimmed down for late night showers when tired.

"We are building a new ensuite". That should include a lighting upgrade. String lights are not allowed unless the are powered by 2 D cell batteries.

Way to fry your family, or have them slip in the dark. Lighting isn’t optional. Call an electrician.

We are in the middle of a master bath remodel, and I have concerns about lighting in my shower as well. My plans call for one 4" recessed fixture, centered in the 42 x 66 space. Having a large rainhead and an exhaust fan makes it difficult to find space for a second light in the shower, so I have been thinking about a light above my niche. My niche extends up to about 12" below the ceiling. There are 2" recessed lights available and that is an option I am considering. It might work for you as well. Link: 2" recessed light

Drywall can easily be patched and repainted. Any electrician worth hiring can run recessed lights into the shower. The new LED trims tend all to be wet rated so that's not a problem. We'll have dimmable lights in our master shower.