The Importance of a First Look | Seattle Wedding Photographer
Whenever I meet with a couple for a consultation, I always ask them if they are planning on having a first look on their wedding day. Most of the time I am answered with scrunched up eyebrows, quick glances to one another, and “We aren’t sure. We haven’t really thought about it.” Because it’s not often talked about, I wanted to take a moment and explain what a first look is and why you should consider having one on your wedding day.
What it is
A first look is a moment the bride and groom see each other on their wedding day before their ceremony. It takes place in a private setting with just the bride and groom rather than during their ceremony when the bride walks down the aisle.
So what’s the big deal you ask? Well, let’s see why I prefer first looks on the wedding day.
The Timeline
I must admit, part of why I love a first look is that it makes the wedding timeline so much easier for photography. Because the bride and groom are seeing each other before the ceremony, we can schedule all the formal shots (the couple, family, and wedding party photos) before the ceremony as well. That means we don’t have to squeeze all of those in between the ceremony and reception. This helps if you are wanting a sunset ceremony, because if you do, then there won’t be any light out to make beautiful photos. It gives us much more time for photography, and it relieves the stress of crunching it all into a short amount of time. Which brings me to my next point….
The Stress
If a couple doesn’t have a first look, they must schedule the formal photos in between the ceremony and reception. While they are doing this, the guests are usually away at cocktail hour. In my experience, I have found that when this happens the couple is more worried about their guests than being in the moment. “What’s everyone doing?” “Do they have enough hors d’oeuvres?” “Make sure the wedding planner knows where the gifts should go” “Oh! There’s my old college roomie. She looks so good!” etc., etc. Not to mention that it is incredibly hard to break away from Aunt Barb and the rest of the gang after the ceremony to go take photos. Everyone wants to say hi, you want to catch up with them – let’s just say there is a lot going on at that moment. Wouldn’t it be so much easier if you could go straight into party mode after the ceremony instead of having to focus on your photos? You spent money on that cocktail hour – go enjoy it!
The Privacy
I think one of the most stressful parts of your wedding day is having all eyes on you. Of course it feels amazing to be surrounded by your friends and loved ones, but it can be overwhelming when everyone wants to have a moment with you, say hi, tell you how amazing you look, yadda, yadda, yadda. I don’t know about you, but I get a little nervous when I’m the center of attention. Which is why the idea of a first look personally appeals to me. There are going to be so many emotions and thoughts running through your head when you see your other half for the first time on your wedding day. Would you rather have an intimate moment with the two of you where you can get all the jitters out and have a moment alone, or would you rather have that moment be when you are walking down the aisle and 100 of your close friends and family are watching you? I don’t know about you, but I would rather have the privacy.
I Still Don’t Want To Do A First Look
Ok! No problem! After all, it is your wedding day and nobody should tell you what you should and shouldn’t do. I encourage you to do whatever you want on your wedding day. So if you forgo the first look, just plan on allowing plenty of time in between the ceremony and reception to get all your formal shots done. And set a ceremony time that allows you to still have enough sunlight to take beautiful pictures before your reception. And last, but not least, no matter what you choose, enjoy the day and stay in the moment.
