First Looks are a fantastic way of taking the pressure off the both of you and creating a private moment that the grand entrance won’t afford you. It frees up time to tackle all of the bridal party photos ahead of time so that you can go and enjoy your cocktail hour and spend quality time with friends a family!
Don’t get me wrong because I do think that waiting to see each other can be dramatically romantic! It’s a matter of preference. So let’s break down some pros and cons.
Consider doing a first look If you have a huge bridal party. Most of the time, everyone is indulging in a little spirit, and keeping everyone’s attention when they are a bit tipsy can be a challenge, so the earlier we do bridal party photos the better off we are! And although goofy photos are fun, it is nice to have some dapper buttoned-up group photo’s as well.
Consider doing a first look if you have a late fall or winter wedding. Daylight is at a premium. Once the sun sets, which can be at 5 pm or earlier in the winter, we can’t reverse the hands of time! My choice is to use as much natural light for all of the portraits as possible. It would be helpful to also consider an early ceremony in winter as well!
Consider doing a first look if you want to share private vows before the ceremony.
Consider NOT doing a first look if you are having a summer wedding with an early ceremony. The sun sets around 9:00 pm or later during the summer months. If you want a 4 pm (or earlier) marriage, you might not want to do a first look. Doing photos before the wedding can be less than ideal with harsher light and hot temps.
Consider NOT doing a first look if you have religious reasons or if you want to see each other for the first time you walk down the aisle. Sometimes, this is non-negotiable. That’s okay! It might be one part of your wedding day you always wanted, so go for it!
Consider NOT doing a first look if your timeline is too tight. The whole goal on your wedding day is to enjoy it and not be stressed. Don’t force it if it’s going to feel strained and add unnecessary pressure on both of you. Remember its more important to be on time for the ceremony!
Still undecided? We are here to help. Everyone’s circumstances are different so let’s have a conversation and figure out what’s best for your big day!
