The First Look Tradition
The Pros and Cons of First Look Photos
Uncertain about this wedding day tradition? I can assist you in making this decision.
Among the many wedding day traditions, the “First Look” is both loved and frowned upon. According to wedding industry experts, nearly half of all couples getting married decide to do the first look. If you’re on the fence about this, this post will hopefully help you decide what is best for you on your wedding day. My take is that there is no right or wrong decision. This is a personal matter and you will need to choose what works best for you and your fiancé.
To assist you in making a decision, below are a few pros and cons for your consideration.
1. Pro - You won’t keep your guests waiting at the reception.
Have you attended a wedding and the ceremony has finished, you’ve made your way to the reception only to find out that you have to sit there for an hour plus in order to wait for the new bride and groom to arrive? This is quite common. If you’re a bride that would love to finish your ceremony and go on to the main celebration, then the “First Look” is for you. If you still don’t want to have a first look then a cocktail hour for the guest is highly advisable.
2. Con - Not seeing you for the first time at the altar.
This is meant to be a breath taking moment for the groom. It often brings on tears, excitement, and awe. I think it also can be just as powerful a moment for the bride as she sees his reaction. Brides have gone to great lengths to prepare themselves for this moment. Some of that magic is taken away when you opt for the first look. If you desire this moment of your wedding day to be as pure as possible, opt out of the “First Look”. I will say though, having photographed many weddings, I’ve still seen grooms cry when she walks towards the altar, even after a first look.
3. Pro - A first look could help ease pre-ceremony jitters.
If you’re the type to have high nerves and emotions on the wedding day, a pre-ceremony look may be the right choice. It can calm those nerves and allows couples to focus during the ceremony. It’s also a great way to capture an intimate moment and It also allows a couple to have a special moment alone on that wedding day, as the rest of the day you’ll find yourselves surrounded with people.
4. Con - Your wedding day will have to start earlier.
The first look does mean you’ll have to allow time in the first part of the day, pre-ceremony, to capture all your creative photos. If you’re not a morning person and your goal is to sleep in, then the first look may not be for you.
5. Pro - You are done!
Similar to tip number 1, almost all your wedding photography is completed before the ceremony. So, once you’ve tied the knot, it’s now time to celebrate. Go party.