Breaking Tradition: Is a First Look Before Your Wedding Ceremony Worth It? | NH Wedding Photographer
So, you’re gearing up for the big day, with all the excitement and planning, you’re wondering: should we do a first look before the ceremony? Well, grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine – no judgment here!) and let’s dive into the pros and cons of this pre-ceremony tradition.
Let’s Talk First Looks: What is it?
What exactly is a first look? It’s pretty simple, really – it’s a private moment between you and your partner where you get to see each other dressed in your gown or tux before the ceremony. Think of it as a sneak peek before the main event.
The Pros: Why I Love First Looks
Capture Genuine Emotions
Picture this: it’s just you and your partner, standing together in a quiet room or secluded garden, soaking in the moment. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like seeing the love and excitement in their eyes as they lay eyes on you for the first time. It’s pure magic and sooo romantic.
Maximize Photography Time
As a photographer, I can’t stress this enough: more time equals more epic photos. Doing a first look means we can get all those swoon-worthy couple portraits out of the way early, leaving plenty of time for group shots and maybe even some time to enjoy cocktail hour.
Relieve Pre-Ceremony Jitters
Let’s be real – wedding day nerves are totally normal. But having a first look can help take the edge off. Seeing your partner before the ceremony can calm those butterflies and remind you why you’re doing this whole getting-married thing in the first place.
Enhance the Wedding Day Timeline
A smooth timeline equals a stress-free day. Incorporating a first look into your schedule can help keep things running smoothly. Plus, it gives you more flexibility to enjoy every moment without feeling rushed.
The Cons: Things to Consider Before Taking the Plunge
Tradition and Superstition
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room – some folks are all about tradition, and that’s totally cool. If seeing each other before the ceremony goes against your beliefs or superstitions, it’s worth giving it some serious thought.
Potential Loss of Surprise
I’ll admit it – there’s something undeniably magical about that moment when the doors swing open, and you lock eyes with your partner for the first time. Doing a first look runs the risk of taking away some of that surprise factor, so it’s something to keep in mind.
Time Crunch
Here’s the thing – wedding days are busy. Like, really busy. Adding a first look into the mix can sometimes make things feel even more hectic. If you’re already strapped for time, you might want to think twice about squeezing it in.
Missing Out on Cocktail Hour
Let’s not forget about cocktail hour – aka, the time to mingle, snack, and maybe even sneak in a quick dance or two. If you keep it traditional, you might find yourself cutting into this precious socializing time, so weigh your options carefully.
What to Consider Before Making Your Decision
Have a Heart-to-Heart
This is your day, so it’s crucial to have an open and honest conversation with your partner about what you both want. Talk about your expectations, your concerns, and how you envision the day unfolding.
Chat with Your Photographer
Believe me when I say your photographer is your wedding day MVP. I’ve seen it all and can offer valuable insights into whether a first look is right for you. Don’t be afraid to ask for a professional opinion.
Make It Your Own
At the end of the day, your wedding should be a reflection of you as a couple. Whether you choose to do a first look or not, the most important thing is that it feels true to who you are. So, go ahead – make it your own!
So, should you do a first look before your wedding ceremony? Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It all comes down to what feels right for you and your partner. Take some time to weigh the pros and cons, talk it out, and ultimately, trust your gut. After all, this day is all about celebrating your love and commitment to each other – however you choose to do it.
I hope this guide has helped shed some light on the first look debate and given you some food for thought as you plan your dream day. Remember, there’s no wrong answer here – just do what feels right for you, and everything else will fall into place. Happy planning!
Ready to plan your dream garden wedding? Visit my pricing page for more details!
NEED STYLING TIPS FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION?
DOWNLOAD MY 5 ENGAGEMENT STYLING TIPS TO LOVE THE WAY YOU LOOK!
@lisasmith.photography
Let's Connect!