First Look - To do or Not to do?

By Florent Vidal Photography

We always get the question, "Do you think a First Look is a good idea?". A First Look is allocating a time before the wedding ceremony when you first see each other before everyone else. If you're considering this, we list the pros and cons of doing a First Look.

It's easy to get tempted to do a First Look because you think you'd gain more time, but you should consider it for more than just timing. Also, don’t be pressured into doing one because it's the "new tradition” and you feel that you must do it!

If you're considering this, we list some of the reasons we've experienced as wedding photographers why you should or shouldn't do it. As you will see, there are excellent reasons why you should do it and there are also excellent reasons why you shouldn’t.

Reasons why you should consider the First Look:

Photo Location

Although we can suggest the best time for a ceremony, we usually don't have a final say in where your ceremony will be and the timing. Especially with an outdoor ceremony, the time of your ceremony may be in the middle of the day with direct sunlight, which isn't the best light. However, with First Look, we can suggest the best spot to have it in your chosen location. If it's in the middle of the day, we can look for a shady spot to ensure that we have the best light and angles for your First Look.

A time alone

Couples often love the quiet moment before the party starts. It makes it special that they see each other first before everyone else.

Don't like attention?

Maybe you just don't like the attention and you'd feel less stressed to see each other beforehand. In this case, it would be nice to have that moment to savour just the two of you.

Time for a touch-up

Some brides have told us they know they are ‘cryers’ and they don’t want to ruin their make-up. So having a First Look will give you a chance to touch up your make-up and freshen up!

More time with your guests

When you've had the chance to be alone and soak it all in you may also may also decide to get your wedding entourage photos and family photos afterwards. It means you're finished with all your wedding portraits so, after the wedding ceremony, all you have to think about is attending your own cocktail hour and mingling with guests who are eager to congratulate you.

Reasons why shouldn’t do the First Look:

Want to pack more in on your wedding day

If you want to do a First Look thinking that you'll have more time, it's not true. Your coverage remains the same and you'll still have to plan accordingly for the First Look. It only means that you'll do the photos the other way around.

You'll have to get ready earlier

We recommend having your hair and make-up done two hours before your wedding ceremony. So, if you're having the First Look you'll have to get ready even earlier.

Couples are naturally stressed before the wedding ceremony

We’ve photographed many weddings and we can tell you that couples are often much more relaxed after the wedding ceremony. There is the relief that washes over them once the vows have been exchanged. So be mindful that the pre-ceremony stress may take away that special feeling of seeing each other first because you still have the ceremony ahead of you. It may also mean that you’re not as relaxed for your couple portrait session as you would be if it’s done after you’ve exchanged your vows.

Nothing replaces the feeling of walking down the aisle

Let's be honest. There’s no replacing that feeling of anticipation before you walk down the aisle. And there's no substitute for that feeling of walking down the aisle (usually with your dad or someone special) and seeing your partner waiting for you, and all your loved ones who are gathered for both of you. This is the defining moment that you have been planning for and while being so stressed isn't great, nerves are usually great! The emotions that go through your partner who sees you walk down the aisle for the first time is also something you can’t recreate.

That moment after you just got married!

You'll still have that moment alone together even if you don't do the First Look. And the feeling of being together after you had exchanged vows is pure excitement, elation, relief and love! When we do your couple shoot together, we are always conscious of the fact that you also need a moment alone. And amazingly, this is one of those times when we get incredible wedding portraits!