Should You Have A First Look?
Should you have a first look at your wedding?
Every couple discusses this now. Do you see each other for the first time at the ceremony? or privately before? OR publicly before? If you came here looking for the short answer, here it is: only if you want to. You may get pressure from your family, friends, and even some of your vendors on which is best for you. You will hear excuses ranging from “Its tradition” to “The only way your timeline will work is if you do a first look”. Truthfully, the only opinion that matters with your wedding is yours. You two will share that moment regardless. So, do you want to share that moment with your friends and family? or do you just want to experience it privately? That should be the only factor that makes that decision. That being said, if you would like some more convincing, heres a list of pros and cons to first looks.
PROS:
If you wrote your own vows and you’re reluctant to read them aloud in front of your guests, you can read them privately before the ceremony instead.
You can get more photos done early, which lessens the workload for the cocktail hour
You can free up time by completing photos so that you can attend your cocktail hour with your guests. (As your photographer I will usually push for us to take some photos during the sunset though.)
It’s more intimate.
If you’re nervous about the ceremony, seeing each other often helps.
You don’t have to share the moment alone if you don’t want to. You could have your friends, parents, etc.. with you in that moment.
CONS:
You’ll need to get ready earlier.
There is an increased risk that your guests will see you before the ceremony.
The light is not going to be as good for photos as it would closer to the sunset.
It complicates timelines. You will need to make sure your vendors are up to speed. Imagine planning for a first look but you forgot to tell your Florist or your Hair/Makeup team.
I hope this short little guide is helpful. If you still have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!
