Should you do a first look?

Should you do a first look? While a ton of brides have hopped on the first look train, some are still undecided as to what to do. So what I want to do is break down the pros and cons of each to help you make the best decision for you. Many photographers are definitely pro for first look, but in my personal point of view, this isn’t my decision nor should it be my preference. I think a bride should have what she wants and I will accommodate and plan a timeline with you to get exactly that! So here are some things to consider for each!

WITHOUT A FIRST LOOK

Pros

• Keep to tradition- some people dream of that moment their whole lives!
• Typically doing no first look you will be doing photos later in the day, which will automatically lend itself to a softer quality light.

Cons

• You will most likely will miss most, if not all of cocktail hour.
• There will be overall less time to do photos, limiting the different areas or locations you can use for photographs as well groupings/poses. But note, we will certainly get everything we need!
• In all truth, your wedding party will most likely be more excited about going to cocktail hour rather than doing photos. It will be harder for them to focus. Especially if drinking celebrations have started early.
• Your nerves prior to ceremony may feel more intense without a first look.
• You tend to feel more shuffled around from part of the day to part of the day, and more of the day is spent making room for formal photos in whatever pockets are necessary.
• You spend less time with your fiance/new spouse!
• If you are having a winter wedding with losing daylight faster, and planning to have a later ceremony, you will literally be racing against daylight- so while the light quality will be softer later in the day, you may lose ample light for images. And in photos, light is *everything*.

WITH A FIRST LOOK

Pros

• You get to spend MOST of your day with your spouse!
• You’re creating another ‘event’ on your wedding day. So with a designated time to do photos, everyone is more likely to stay focused and it adds to the overall celebration.
• You will have a lot more time for photos instead of what can feel like a mad rush of just one hour during cocktail. A first look will give more time for various groupings and poses, as well as additional times of your day to get more bride & groom portraits.
• Definitely helps settle pre ceremony jitters! So many of my couples have told me that once they see each other, their nerves settled immensely.
• You’re creating a moment to slow down and take each other in privately. I’ve had some tell me that this moment was the most memorable time of their day.
• I’ve noticed that you get to enjoy each part of your day more fully. You are ‘creating more time’ to enjoy your day, rather than worrying about doing photos during cocktail hour, you can enjoy it with your guests.
• You are automatically building in a cushion for photos. In the event that anything runs behind before the ceremony (the #1 thing to run behind is Hair & Makeup), then you have a safe fail for a pocket of time for more portraits.

Cons

• Your hair and makeup will be ‘used’ before the ceremony. So be prepared for touch ups!
• Your dress could probably get somewhat dirty, especially depending on your venue’s location and where we are doing photos.

A THIRD OPTION

A third option, you may not have thought of. This would be a ‘non-seeing first look’. I’ve only had a handful of couples choose this, but I truly think it’s adorable! You get to hold hands, chat with each other for a private moment, but still build anticipation of seeing one another. They’re always super sweet. It creates another a photo opportunity if you want to take the traditional route!

Your decision

I hope this helped answer the question of should you do a first look? I always remind my brides, this is your wedding day! You do what you dream. You and your fiancé’s preference and happiness is what matters most to me. My purpose of this is to help you make an informed decision, knowing whatever you choose the best parts and possible drawbacks. If you need any further thoughts, suggestions or want to discuss your feeling about options with me to help aid you to a decision, I am more than happy to chat it out. I just want you to make the best decision for you. Any way you choose it will be absolutely gorgeous and I am honored to be a part of it!

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