Are you considering a first look on your wedding day? Maybe your want to do one but your fiancée is on the fence?
I see a lot of couples who are considering doing a first look. But, they are worried it will take away from the big moment during your ceremony. Here is my opinion after seeing it done both ways.
You are still going to have that big moment when you see each other from either end of the aisle.
The difference between the two parts of the day come with two different feeling and emotions as well. A first look is private (just you two, photographer, videographer). While the reveal during your ceremony is surrounded by your family and friends as well. This isn’t a decision to stress over though. So let’s discuss the benefits of doing a first look. Then you can decide if it is right for you and your fiancée.
You want to enjoy your party
This is a big reason to do a first look with your groom and will tie into some of the other topics. After your ceremony concludes two things will happen. Your guests will go to cocktail hour and you will go into family formals, bridal party photos, and couples portraits. In total this portrait time will span the same amount of time as your cocktail hour. Then you will be announced at that start of your reception. Couples who prefer to enjoy their cocktail hour and spend time with their guests will likely opt for a first look. This also ties into the next benefit.
Knock out all your photos before the ceremony
By choosing to add a first look to your timeline you are able to have almost all of your wedding portraits done before your ceremony begins. The only portrait time this doesn’t include is “Golden Hour” or sunset couples portraits. With that being said you will also want to make sure your hair and make-up artists know that this is happening and what time you need to be done by. You will also want to make sure all family members who are taking place in family formals know when they need to be there.
Want to know all about family formals? Check out that article HERE.
You are planning a sunset or late ceremony
Sunset ceremonies are beautiful. However, when the sun goes down it happens fast. If you are planning a sunset ceremony it is highly advised to do a first look so all of your important photos are done and we don’t have to worry about missing those important photos.
You aren’t the biggest fan of being the center of attention
It is hard to not be the center of attention on a day that is all about you. But, one event that I have been seeing done more is reading you personalized vows during this private moment then you can recite that traditional vows in front of everyone during your ceremony. This can stay a private moment between the two of you versus shared with everyone. It also takes off some of that pressure of being put on the spot.
These are just some benefits to adding a first look into your wedding day timeline. You may still find yourself drawn to staying traditional and waiting to see each other. This is a great option as well.
If you are going to remain traditional don’t forget to plan for your portrait time accordingly with your photographer.
I sit down with my couples at minimum a month prior to their wedding day to create their photography timeline. That way we can ensure that nothing gets missed or forgotten. With that no two couples are the same so you make way different things from your photos. Maybe you want more candid photos or maybe you are really looking forward to portraits. Whatever the case there is a perfect timeline for you. We just need to create it.
Elizabeth Kane Photography is a luxury wedding and lifestyle photographer. I am currently booking 2023-2024 weddings in Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, Temecula, San Diego, Orange County, and the surrounding areas. If you are currently planning your wedding connect with me through the Contact Page for more information on packages and pricing.
