If you just got engaged or have been secretly planning your wedding for years (c’mon, admit it!) then you probably have heard of a first look. But many brides aren’t exactly sure what a first look is and what it means in the grand scheme of things. I am here to break it down for you and attempt to provide objective information… but I make no promises to just how objective I will be! Here are the pros and cons of first looks.

After over 200 weddings, I can’t even keep track of how many first looks I have photographed. But I can say that in the last few years, the majority of my couples end up choosing to do a first look. I am going to break down the pros and cons for you!

Pros:

1. You get to see each other before the wedding.

This is usually the biggest reason most couples choose to do a first look. Many brides and grooms are antsy the morning of their wedding and they often tell me “I just can’t wait to see him/her!” Getting to see each other before the wedding calms most people’s nerves and just helps put things into perspective for the whole day. You also just get to spend more time together!

2. We get more photos.

Again, I am trying to be objective, but when it comes to this pro, I can’t be entirely unbiased. I usually set aside 45 minutes to an hour before the ceremony for us to do the first look and bride and groom portraits which means we get more time for photos! We ALSO usually get to take another 15 minutes after the ceremony to get some lovely sunset photos as well!

3. We get better photos.

This is because have more time to explore, get different backdrops, and take more images than just the standard variety. I always say, creativity takes time. Traditionally, the cocktail hour is when all portraits are taken but in 2018, we don’t just do “smile at the camera” photos. Photos take much longer than they used to and trying to cram in family photos, wedding party photos AND newlywed portraits in that short hour can be really tough and exhausting.

4. You get two special moments!

Many people are afraid that the bride/groom standing by the alter won’t have the same reaction as they normally would. In my experience, I have seen the bride/groom not cry at first look and then bawl like a baby when their love walks down the aisle. Every person is different! And when you do a first look, you get not one, but two different “reaction” scenarios that everyone loves.

5. You get to enjoy + get photos of cocktail hour.

Seriously one of the biggest regrets at my wedding was that I didn’t get to go to cocktail hour! I never got to try those bacon-wrapped scallops or greet all my guests in a more casual atmosphere than it usually is after dinner. I love the photos I get of brides and grooms greeting their guests at the cocktail hour! And I love for them that after they eat dinner they don’t feel the pressure to go around and get every guest in 30 minutes or less, they can just actually hang out with everyone.
Additionally, when all the photos are jam-packed into the cocktail hour (family photos, wedding party photos, and newlywed portraits), neither myself nor the second shooter really have time to get many photos of cocktail hour. So just something to keep in mind!

Cons:

1. The lighting may not be as great as it is at sunset. If your venue doesn’t have a lot of shade, the light might be much brighter earlier in the day, when we do the first look, than it usually is after the ceremony. I usually have no problem finding a perfect spot, but every once in a while like at a golf course wedding, it can get a little tricky.
2. It is not traditional. I personally have no problem with this but I understand a lot of couples do. In the end, you have to choose what is best for you!

So, I absolutely realize I failed miserably at being objective. As you can see, I am very pro first look. I just simply love it. But like I said, it is a personal decision and it is something you and your soon-t0-be spouse should chat about honestly. I hope this guide to the Pros and Cons of First Looks helps! If you have any questions about first looks, feel free to comment below!

We hope you found some helpful tips in this Pros and Cons To First Looks guide.

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