Having a first look with your soon-to-be is something that most people seem torn on – and understandably! Ultimately it comes down to how you want your wedding day timed AND, most importantly, what your heart tells you (ughhhh I know, Jamie, quit it with da cheeeez!)
But seriously, it ultimately comes down to how you want your day to play out and how you want to experience that moment seeing your honey and having them see you for the first time. It’s a VERY powerful moment and I think it’s completely reasonable to want to be sure that you’re doing it the right way. Emotions aside, from a photographer’s point-of-view there are a few logistics to deal with:
PROS OF DOING A FIRST LOOK
- First and foremost, the biggest benefit to doing a first look before the ceremony is that you have the option to get formal photos (the posed shots with family and the bridal party) out of the way so that you can just enjoy the time after the ceremony. This is especially important for people having a happy hour after the ceremony.
- You can choose to have the moment shared between just the two of you (and also maybe your photographer – *wink wink*)
- Your nerves are a little calmed having seen each other and being able to talk and be together a bit before the ceremony
CONS OF DOING A FIRST LOOK
- A lot of people choose to have their soon-to-be’s see them for the first time at the ceremony – tradition aside, I often hear people say they choose to do this so their honey gets the “full effect” seeing them in their wedding attire. If you would like to share this moment with your guests, a first look might not be the way to go.
- Tradition – a first look isn’t traditional (is that something that is important to you?)
Have questions? Insecurities? Still unsure? Let’s chat.
