One question we often get from brides is, should we take fist look photos? There is certainly not a right or wrong answer to this question. A wedding first look can be the perfect fit for some couples and not for others. We have listed some pros and cons of having a first look pictures done before your wedding ceremony so you can decide what is right for you.
What is a first look?
A first look is usually a planned event set up by a professional wedding photographer for the bride and groom to see each other for the first time before the wedding ceremony takes place. The moment is captured from beginning to end, documenting the anticipation and reactions of both the bride and the groom. A first look can be private and just between the couple (and the photographer) or you could have your bridal party on hand to watch.
Pros:
Punctuality
The best way to ensure a smooth flowing wedding schedule and also to make sure you get all the pictures that you want, would be to take first look photos. Once the first look pictures are complete, you can plan to get some great shots of your immediate family and bridal party. This will ensure no one has to miss the cocktail hour to take photos.
Intimate Moment
If you prefer to share the special moment of seeing each other for the first time privately, first look photos will be the best choice for you. You do not have to worry about getting overly emotional in front of your guests, it will just be you and your fiancé. And if you do get emotional, you have some time to touch up your makeup and will look fresh walking down the aisle.
Daylight
If you are having a night wedding, especially in the fall, you will begin to loose sunlight fast. If you wait until after your 6pm ceremony to take all your photos, the sun will be setting and many of your pictures will either be in the dark or you’ll be forced to move inside for better lighting. Having first look pictures done early will ensure you have ample sunlight and can take all the time you need to get the perfect shots.
Cons:
Rise and Shine
Taking an hour or more for first look pictures and bridal party pictures before the wedding ceremony will definitely push your getting ready timeline up. If you are not an early riser and prefer to have property beauty sleep before your bit day, you might prefer to hold off and take your photos during the cocktail hour. Don’t worry, you won’t starve. Most wedding venues will have a bridal attendant bring some drinks and hor d’oeuvres to you and your bridal party to snack in-between photos.
Movie Moment
If you always dreamed of having that traditional movie moment where you and your groom lock eyes for the first time as you walk down the aisle, you might want to pass up the first look pictures. This will ensure your groom and your guests see you and your dress for the first time as the ceremony begins. Most photographers are ready to capture the look on your groom’s face and it’s usually a priceless picture.
Superstitious
If you are a superstitious person by nature, you might have heard that it’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding. Now this can mean the wedding day in general for some, but for others it means until the actual walk down the aisle. If superstitious tales get the best of you, you might want to pass on the first look photos.
Are you and your fiancé planning to do first look photos? Tell us why or why not in the comments below!
Still not sure which was to go? Check out our “non” first look blog for some great ideas!
By: Dana Bates
