Should you do a first look on your wedding day?
A first look can be one of the most special parts of a wedding day. I know it’s counter to the tradition of the groom seeing the bride for the first time when she comes down the aisle, but let’s talk about why so many couples choose it and love it. I would never pressure anyone into a first look. But after shooting over 300 weddings, I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t share the benefits.
It gives you more time with the people you care about
Doing a first look allows you to get the majority (if not all) of your portraits finished before the ceremony even begins. This pre-ceremony time would otherwise involved a lot of waiting around, especially for the guys. Without a first look, the couple are whisked away immediately after the ceremony and all your guests are left sitting and waiting for you to finish up. With a first look, you immediately walk out of your ceremony and into your reception. You get to greet your guests right away and nobody is left waiting. The party gets started so much sooner!
It provides a private moment for just the two of you
Wedding days are wonderful, but they’re also long and usually stressful. There’s always somewhere to be and there’s always people around. Having a private first look gives you and your spouse-to-be one quiet moment away from the chaos, if only for a few minutes. Sure your photographer and videographer will be there, but usually once I have the photos I need, I back off and give the couple some time to be alone. It won’t last long, but it’s usually the only opportunity you have for a private moment all day.
It takes the pressure off the aisle
The aisle is such a special moment, but if the groom is sequestered to a room all morning and suddenly has to walk out to a room full of people, it can be a little overwhelming, especially when every one of those people is watching him for his reaction. Having a first look takes the pressure off and allows the guys some time out of the groom’s suite as well.
“But I want that reaction!”
Most brides do, I get it. But I’ve photographed over 300 weddings and in my experience, almost all grooms who get emotional at the first look ALSO get emotional when his bride is coming down the aisle. You usually get the best of both worlds.
Not sold? That’s okay.
A first look isn’t required. If you’re certain that it’s not for you, your photographer will work with you and your coordinator to come up with a timeline that still works the best for you big day!
Curious about how a first look would work for you? Feel free to contact me HERE!
