How to Decide if You Should Have a First Look


 

Benefits of a First Look

Every bride dreams about seeing the surprised and excited look on her soon-to-be spouse’s face as she walks down the aisle on her wedding day. It’s such a special moment, and definitely one of the highlights of every wedding. Many brides, however, are choosing to stage a ‘first look’ before the ceremony instead. The ideas behind the first look are to capture the famous look on the groom’s face in a staged environment, and to give the bride and groom special time together before they say their vows. There are several benefits of having a first look, but it is certainly not for everyone. Determining if a first look is right for you depends upon several factors, and the right wedding photographer will help you determine what’s right for you.

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Calm your Pre wedding jitters

Staging a first look with your photographer gives you and your spouse the opportunity to see each other before the wedding ceremony-- not something that all couples get the chance to do. Weddings can be really stressful, and getting that one on one time together can be really beneficial. A few minutes alone to discuss the jitters you may be feeling can help to calm your nerves and remind you of all the reasons why you’re getting married!

More organized wedding day:

Aside from the intimate aspect of the first look, they’re also really practical. If you and your groom have already seen each other before the ceremony, you can go ahead and knock out the rest of the staged photos with your family and wedding party. Getting pictures done before the ceremony can help the rest of your wedding day move more smoothly. You won’t have to gather up your bridesmaids or track down your new in-laws immediately following your ceremony, because the pictures are already done! You can have your guests continue to the ceremony, spend a few really exciting minutes with your brand new husband, and then spend the rest of the night celebrating!

Amazing wedding photos

The photos your photographer takes of your first look will take your breath away. She’ll be able to capture the moment perfectly so that you can cherish it forever.

Benefits of Not Having a First Look:

Groom is surprised at the altar

If you choose the more traditional route, your groom will get to be very surprised as you walk down the aisle. This is a moment a lot of grooms look forward to, and worry that they won’t feel as excited as their bride walks down the aisle if he has already seen her that day.

Is it bad luck to see your bride before the ceremony?

A lot of people believe that seeing your bride before the wedding ceremony is bad luck. Whether that is true or not is up to you!

Many traditional families prefer to forego the first look.

Everyone knows that the wedding is just as much for the families as it is the bride and groom, and if your family is a traditional family, they may prefer that you wait, and have the moment at the altar, and take your photos after the ceremony.  

There is no right or wrong way to plan your wedding day. Depending on your style, a first look might make your day go by a bit easier, or you may prefer to have a more traditional day. Some couples even choose an option that falls somewhere in between, and find that an alternative to a first look works best for them. Ultimately, this is your day, and you and your significant other need to choose what is best for you.

A good wedding photographer will give you insight into what will work best for you, and plan your day accordingly. Schedule a consultation with Kayla today to find out more about how she can help to make your wedding day perfect.


Kayla Yanus