Pros & Cons of a Wedding First Look

To have a first look or not to have a first look, that is a question that most photographers will ask engaged couples. From a photo stand point, you can’t go wrong with a wedding first look. It is a guaranteed way to ensure your photographer will capture a plethora of photos when a bride and groom see each other for the first time. On the other hand, many couples feel that a first look takes away the romance from a wedding ceremony, with many sticking to the tradition of not seeing each other until they walk down the aisle.

In today’s social media world, it may seem that almost everyone is doing a wedding first look. However, the majority of couples actually stick to tradition and do not have one. There are many pros and cons of a first look. If you’re stuck contemplating whether this modern trend is right for you, we’re here to help!

Pros

1. Calm your nerves.

There are so many emotions that you will feel on your wedding day, one of which is most likely being nervous or anxious. Seeing your fiancé on your wedding day before you take your big walk down the aisle in front of all of your guests will most likely put you at ease. Also sharing this moment in private is a lot less nerve racking for most couples.

Photo Credit: Kristi Wright Photography

2. You can attend cocktail hour.

One thing you’ll want to do at your wedding is greet all of your guests that have traveled near and far to be at your wedding. Cocktail hour is a great time to do this! If you don’t have a first look, you’ll likely be taking wedding photos during your entire cocktail hour. However, if you decide to have a first look, this will allow you to knock out some if not all of your wedding photos prior to your ceremony, allowing you to attend cocktail hour.

3. Great photos.

By choosing to have a first look, your photographer will have more time to get photos of you and you fiancé seeing each other for the first time. If you do your first look early enough before your ceremony, this will also give your photographer more time to get group shots with your bridal party and family, instead of packing all of the photos into your cocktail hour.

Photo Credit: Joshua Bobrove

Cons

1. Your ceremony may feel less emotional.

If you’ve already seen your fiancé before the ceremony, walking down the aisle may not feel as exciting. Plus, many grooms aren’t as emotional as you see in some first look photos. If you’re doing a first look and expecting to get emotional shots of your groom, you may be disappointed.

2. You’ll need to get ready earlier.

With a first look, photos are done prior to a wedding ceremony. With that being said, you will need to start your day early. If you are also planning on doing group shots before the ceremony, then you’ll be getting ready even earlier.

Photo Credit: Femina Photo Design

3. It’s bad luck.

Well that’s just superstition, but some people take it to heart. Couples have mixed feelings about this, but if you think seeing your fiancé before the wedding will be bad luck, it may be best to avoid this new trend.

Photo Credit: Eric Kelley

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