Should we have 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.
In this guide, we share the pros and cons of having a wedding first look, including how it can affect your wedding photography, timeline, location, nerves and the moment you see each other at the ceremony.
Pros: Reasons why you should consider the First Look
01/ You can choose a better location for your photos
One of the biggest benefits of a First Look is that you have more control over where your photos take place.
Your ceremony location and ceremony time may be determined by your venue, celebrant or wedding schedule. If you're getting married outdoors, this can sometimes mean taking your first photos in harsh midday sunlight.
With a First Look, we can choose a location with beautiful light, good backgrounds and enough privacy for you to enjoy the moment together. This can make a big difference to your wedding portraits.
It also means we can begin your couple portraits earlier, rather than trying to fit everything into the short period between your ceremony and reception.
With a First Look, we can choose a location with beautiful light, good backgrounds and enough privacy for you to enjoy the moment together. This can make a big difference to your wedding portraits.
02/ Private time together before the ceremony
For many couples, a First Look is worth considering because it gives them more private time together, greater flexibility with their wedding photography and the opportunity to complete some portraits before the ceremony.
03/ You don’t like being the centre of attention
Not everyone loves being the centre of attention, especially on a wedding day when all eyes are on you.
If the thought of seeing your partner for the first time in front of all your guests makes you feel nervous or stressed, a First Look can give you a quieter, more private moment together before the ceremony.
Instead of experiencing that first emotional reaction in front of everyone, you can take a few moments just to be together, breathe, hug, laugh or even cry without an audience. For some couples, having that private moment can help settle the nerves before walking down the aisle.
04/ Worried about crying and ruining your makeup?
If you're someone who knows you're going to cry when you see your partner, you're definitely not alone!
Some of our brides have told us they chose a First Look because they knew they were going to be emotional and wanted a chance to freshen up before the ceremony.
Having your First Look before the ceremony gives you time to wipe away a few happy tears, touch up your makeup and freshen up before you walk down the aisle. And don't worry — we'll still be there to capture those genuine, emotional moments!
05/ You can spend 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.
Cons: Reasons to not do a First Look
01/ A First Look doesn't necessarily give you more time
If you're considering a First Look because you think it will give you more time on your wedding day, it's important to understand that it doesn't necessarily reduce the amount of photography time you need.
Your wedding photography coverage remains the same, and you'll still need to allow enough time for your couple portraits, wedding party photos and family photographs. A First Look simply changes when those photos happen.
For example, instead of taking your couple portraits after the ceremony, you may take them before the ceremony following your First Look. This can make your afternoon feel different and may give you more time with your guests after the ceremony, but it doesn't mean you can squeeze more activities into your wedding photography timeline.
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.
02/ You'll need to get ready earlier
One of the biggest practical considerations of having a First Look is that your wedding day starts earlier.
We generally recommend having your hair and makeup finished around two hours before your wedding ceremony. If you're having a First Look, it may mean starting hair and makeup earlier than you otherwise would.
03/ Will you be too stressed to enjoy your First Look?
After photographing many weddings, we've noticed that couples are often much more relaxed once the ceremony is over. There is a sense of relief that comes with exchanging your vows and knowing that one of the biggest moments of the day is behind you.
If you have a First Look before the ceremony, you may still have those pre-wedding nerves, excitement and anticipation running through you. You might find that you're thinking about the ceremony, your guests or everything that still needs to happen rather than being completely present in the moment with your partner.
This can also affect your couple portraits. Some couples find that they're much more relaxed and connected during portraits after they've exchanged their vows, simply because the pressure of the ceremony is behind them.
04/ 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 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!
Get in Touch
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