First look photos have become a popular trend in weddings, where the couple sees each other for the first time in a private moment before the ceremony.
This can happen at one of your homes, at a special place to you both, at your ceremony location or at your venue. It’s a moment which although may not be considered traditional it’s also a modern way to incorporate a difference into your Wedding vision.
There are a few things to consider before making the final choice in saying yes to a first look, keep in mind logistics of the day, your venue, your bridal party and more.
Here are some pros and cons to work through before deciding whether first look photos are right for you.
Pros
Intimate Moment:
Allows couples to share an emotional moment together without the audience of guests.
Offers a chance for genuine reactions and emotions to be captured by the photographer.
Calms Nerves:
Can help alleviate pre-ceremony jitters by spending time together and sharing excitement.
More Time for Photos:
Provides an opportunity to take couple, bridal party, and family photos before the ceremony, freeing up more time during the canapè hour and reception.
Better Lighting:
If the ceremony is out of day light savings, first look photos can take advantage of better natural lighting.
Private Vows:
Some couples use this time to exchange personal vows in a private setting.
Cons
Breaks Tradition:
For those who value the tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony, a first look can feel like a departure from that.
Less Impactful Aisle Moment:
The dramatic reveal when the bride walks down the aisle might feel less impactful if the couple has already seen each other.
Scheduling Constraints:
Requires careful planning and a more structured timeline, which might add stress to the pre-ceremony preparations.
Emotional Overload:
For some, having an emotional moment before the ceremony might feel overwhelming and could lead to smudged makeup or teary photos.
Guest Experience:
Guests might miss out on the raw emotion of the first look, which can be a highlight of the ceremony for many attendees.
Ultimately, whether or not to have first look photos is a personal decision that depends on what aspects of the day are most important to the couple. It’s important to weigh these pros and cons and consider how you want your wedding day to unfold.
Talk to your Wedding Coordinator of the availability and the best way to execute your first look photos on the property, their advice might allow you to make a better informed decision on how your time line will look for the day and any changes you might need to make in your planning to accommodate the first look. This can prepare you for organising your other suppliers such as your photographer or videographer on the best option for capturing these moments.
