First Look

Have you been debating on whether to have a traditional reveal with your spouse or to do a first look?

I am writing this blog to help you make that decision! In this little blog I will discuss the pros and cons of a first look vs a traditional reveal to help you decide which is best for you.

First Look Pros:

. Your first moment together on your wedding day will be private and you really have the moment and time to really take it all in…together. This is one of the rare moments of the day you both will be alone together.

. You’ll be far less nervous about seeing each other during the ceremony. You’ll both feel much more relaxed, excited and enjoy the process of becoming husband and wife.

. You’ll both look and feel the freshest you will all day. Hair and make up just done, dress and tux put on not too long ago,- you’ll both be fresh in both appearance and endurance. Wedding days are long and you will be in your attractive yet not most comfortable attire most of the day.

. You get so many more portraits together. Not only do you get more but you get a less rushed, less crowded, less overall pressure and time to do them. After the ceremony its go go go, guest are waiting, family portraits, bridal party portraits, etc. So much to cram in after the ceremony. It’s always nice to knock out your couples portraits together before then sneak out for more during golden hour or sunset during reception.

. You can schedule wedding party and family portraits photos before your ceremony! That way after the ceremony everyone is off the hook and can go relax, celebrate and enjoy the rest of the evening. It’s better to get all the photos done before the sweat (if its hot) and tears of a ceremony right?

. Less stress overall! Considering all the pros above, your timeline will be less stressful when more photos are able to be completed before the ceremony and we don’t have to race the sun setting.

First Look Cons:

. You’re going against tradition and if tradition is important to you, doing a first look could be an issue. This is my only con.

Traditional Reveal Pros:

. You’re sticking to tradition.

. You both get to enjoy that feeling of surprise together in front of your friends and family as your bride walks down the aisle to you as you see her for the first time. You get to share the experience with all those you love and care for.

Traditional Reveal Cons:

. Bride & groom portraits tend to get cut short when things are running behind schedule. I have experienced my fair share of this happening. The ceremony will run a little behind, then the family portraits are taking longer than planned due to uncle Carl running off to the bar rather than staying behind as he was told, and then its getting close to reception entrance time and we only have 10 minutes to squeeze in bride and groom portraits. Phew! Not my favorite situation. Talk about stress. Bride & groom portraits are the most important of the day. They are the photos you will frame and pass down to your children and grandchildren. You want at least 30 minutes to an hour for those. To ensure this scenario will be avoided, either make sure your ceremony is nice and early or do the first look.