One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your wedding won’t be selecting your venue. Or finding your dream wedding gown. Or even picking your floral design. Surprisingly, the big decision I’m talking about is whether or not you’d like to see your soon-to-be spouse before your wedding ceremony! So what are the First Look Pros & Cons?
To see or not to see, that is the question.
This is a big decision because it can affect other parts of your wedding day. But rest assured, no matter what decision you make regarding a first look, it’s the right decision for you. It’s your wedding day after all! It’s one of the biggest days of your lives, and you two should get to decide how you want to spend it.
I’ve created the ultimate decision maker, a First Look Pros & Cons List, to help you consider each option and feel confident in the direction you ultimately choose. It’s important to note that some of these pros and cons only effect a wedding with an evening ceremony and reception.
THE PROS
YOU CAN COMPLETE MOST OF YOUR WEDDING PORTRAITS BEFORE THE CEREMONY.
The sooner you and your future spouse see each other on your wedding day, the sooner portraits (family formals, portraits of you two, wedding party photos, etc.) can begin. If your reception happens directly after your ceremony, then this means you can to go straight to your reception after your ceremony leaving more time for celebrating with your guests.
YOU’LL BE LESS RUSHED THROUGHOUT THE DAY.
By seeing your future spouse before the ceremony, you’re able to spread out your photos across the entire day, rather than trying to cram them into an hour or so between the ceremony and reception. This means less stress – and more time for fun – for you two and your wedding party.
YOU CAN SPEND MORE TIME (ALONE) WITH YOUR SOON-TO-BE SPOUCE ON YOUR DAY.
Your “couple portraits” are one of the few times during your wedding day when you’ll get to spend time together alone (with your photographer). Some couples value having this private time together on a day that is, despite being all about them and their relationship, often filled to the brim with other priorities.
THE CONS
YOU’VE ALREADY SEEN EACH OTHER BEFORE THE AISLE.
There’s something romantically magical about seeing your beau for the first time as you walk down the aisle just before you marry them. It’s a major moment in your lives, and that added anticipation makes it all the more special!
YOU MAY HAVE TO START YOUR DAY EARLIER.
Seeing each other before the ceremony means you have to be ready and dressed earlier before your ceremony. Depending on the rest of the day’s schedule, you’ll have to schedule your hair and makeup up to 5 hours before your ceremony to make sure you’re perfectly primped before the big reveal.
YOU MAY FEEL STAGED.
Depending on how and where your first look takes place, the moment may feel staged or awkward. If this is something you’re worried about, let your photographer and videographer know. They can help you keep the moment intimate and candid, and free from distractions.
One more thing to think about – the sun!
If you’re having a winter wedding, you’ll definitely want to consider having a first look so you can maximize the day’s limited daylight. Say your ceremony is at 5 PM and sunset is at 6 PM. Typical ceremonies last about a half hour, after which you’ll want to take your formal family portraits. With sunset quickly approaching, the odds are great that you’ll end up taking your newlywed portraits after dark. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but if you’re envisioning bright, natural sunlit portraits with your brand new spouse then this is definitely a logistic to keep in mind. It’s also important to make sure your photographer is comfortable taking non-natural light portraits!
As you can see, first look pros & cons are ample . The choice truly is up to you. And now, fully equipped with this information, you’ll be able to make the right decision for you two on your wedding day!
BAILEY PIANALTO
COMPANY: Bailey Pianalto Photography
I’m Bailey, a natural-light wedding & portrait photographer. I believe in imagery that is bright, classic, and true to life. I want your wedding day photos to last as long as the love and legacy you’re celebrating on your wedding day!
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