This is a wedding question that never used to exist. Tradition has always taught us that it is bad luck for a groom to see his bride before she walks down the aisle. Some couples are more traditional and it’s very important for them to wait and see each other for the first time at the ceremony. It’s a very exciting moment and understandably, so special.
If you don’t want to see your partner until the ceremony, you can consider an “almost first look” where you and your partner can talk to each other between a door or some other divider, so you can’t see each other but your photographer can capture photos of the two of you. I’ve seen almost first looks where couples exchanged love letters or gifts, held hands, or simply talked with each other about how happy they were to be getting married in a couple hours! All of it is sweet. You will definitely want your photographer/videographer to capture this moment. As it is a special intimate moment between the couple.
Here are the Pros and Cons to having a First Look
THE PROS ~
The First Look Is Not Just for the Couple
Although it is more common for a couple’s first look to be documented, you can also include the wedding party in this tradition. The bridesmaids, groomsmen, and parents of the couple can each have their moment to see the bride and groom for the first time. While this may take more time to plan and execute, it makes for a splendid and touching portrait session.
Not miss out on cocktail hour
Doing a First Look 30 minutes to an hour before the ceremony will free up some time for bride and groom portraits and once you’re done, you can enjoy your cocktail hour without having to worry about missing out on mingling with your lovely guests, and as a result, your photographer can get more candid photos as well.
Flexibility
First looks can be done anywhere. You have the option to choose the backdrop/scenery and lighting. You can also choose the setting around you, whether you want to make it very intimate, just the two of you, or have the bridal party surround you, which can be very exciting and cheerful, as opposed to seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony, where you have no control over lighting and everything else around you.
More time
From a time perspective, First Look photos provide more timeline benefits. More light for photos is a plus for many outdoor venues. Additionally, taking some photos together before the ceremony can smooth out the transition from ceremony to reception and allow the bride and groom to have more time to spend with their guests.
THE CONS ~
The cons, however, are more emotional and much more personal: if you see your future spouse before the wedding, you won’t have that magical moment of seeing each other for the first time at the start of the ceremony.
First look wedding photos are not candid.
A candid moment is something magical that happens when you think no one is watching. Like when the bride is walking down the aisle, all eyes are on her, even the photographer. The groom is left to react however he’d like. The truth comes out. Be it tears of joy. Or shock at your gown selection. It’s his moment. His and yours. And it’s truly candid.
The wedding is not just about YOU
Your ceremony, your grand entrance is not just about you. It’s a culmination of months of effort on the part of friends and family. Your first look is about you seeing him seeing you. And it’s about everyone else seeing you seeing him seeing you. They are witnessing magic. It’s like a gift you give your guests: their smiles and tears as they look back and forth between you and him as you near the end of the aisle will be so worth it.
Final thought ~
At the end of the day, the decision is yours to make; do not let any external factors influence your thinking. After all, this is your wedding; you must do what makes you happy. If having a pre-ceremony first look will bring you joy, then go for it! Otherwise, there are plenty of opportunities to take pictures and make memories during your wedding and for the rest of your life.
