A lot of engaged couples may find themselves asking this question when they are going through their wedding timeline with their planner, "Should we do a first look or wait for the ceremony?" While there is really no right or wrong answer here, both options have beautiful benefits and both can have an impact on the flow and feel of your wedding day. As a wedding photographer, I have seen both approaches and on this blog post I am going to help you become fully informed so that you can make the right choice for you.




what is a first look?



A first look is a private and intimate moment where the couple spends a few minutes with each other before the ceremony. You have been building up emotions all day about what your spouse may look like and this moment gives you a chance to see each other before the rest of the crowd does. This is also the time where most couples do their private vows. Usually this takes place in a very quiet and almost off grid location (because the bride typically does not want to be seen by guests), and its just you, your spouse, and your photographer/videographer documenting the intimate exchange.




the benefits of doing a first look



You get just a little more time together with your spouse on your wedding day. Everything moves fast, before you know it you are wrapping up for the night and you realize the only time you had together was on the dance floor and dinner. This gives you the ability to decompress with the person you are about to say "I do" with before the action.

The timeline is more relaxed. With a first look, you are able to knock out some couples portraits, bridal party portraits, and maybe even family portraits. Without the first look this all can get crammed into one section of the day, typically cocktail hour, and one thing you don't want to happen is guests start to leave because pictures are taking too long.

Privacy. You and your spouse are free to do whatever you want, say whatever you want, because it is just you two. When there are hundreds of eyes on you, it naturally becomes a little harder to be loose and yourself. This first look gives you the option to let your heart run free.

Flexibility for unexpected delays. I have personally never been do a wedding that stayed perfectly on time for the entirety of the day. That's just weddings for you, organized chaos. If something else runs behind, you know you have this important piece covered.

Extra pics! I mean who doesn't want more pictures for their gallery. You can get some couples portraits in during this time, and still have golden hour to take even more pictures. "I do not want more pictures added to my gallery even though a lot of things happened." Said no one... ever.



drawbacks of the first look



You may have to start your entire day earlier. Instead of starting hair and makeup at 9 am, it may have to be 7:30 since these pictures happen before the ceremony.

It breaks "tradition" of seeing each other before the ceremony. Some may say it is bad luck to see your spouse before the ceremony. While I don't believe that, I get the hype.

There is less of a build up for the ceremony. When the doors open for the bride to walk down, there won't be as much of that "WOW" factor because you have already seen each other.



how first looks impact your pictures overall



From my experience as a photographer, couples who agree to do the first look typically end up with more overall pictures because portraits are being spread out throughout the day. This can also help with if the gallery feels hurried or rush when you are looking back through. Couples who do not do a first look generally will end up with less pictures, but they usually have the more dramatic and emotional galleries.




my professional recommendation



Both options are great, and I think this is definitely a conversation that you need to have with your spouse, planner, and photographer. However, I do believe that first looks have a direct correlation to more stress free weddings, because the day doesn't feel cramped. It also gives you more time with your guests because you don't have to take hundreds of pictures during cocktail hour. I understand some aspects first looks are completely out of the question maybe due to religion or cultural tradition, but I think it is something to consider if not.




I hope this blog post helped you decide if a first look is right for you. If you still need help deciding, talk it over with your planner and photographer, the professionals who have been to many of weddings and can give you a more logical opinion. If you do not have a wedding photographer yet, you are in the right place! Let's talk more and I would love to help you create your dream wedding day from start to finish.