The “First Look”: Why to break from tradition

Hi Everyone!

This week’s topic is whether or not to have a “first look” on your wedding day. Just to be sure that we are all on the same page, I am going to briefly describe what a “first look” actually is before I explain why it is such a good thing to do!

When the bride and groom, or any combination thereof, decide to see each other prior to the ceremony, it is referred to in the wedding business as a “first look”. A tradition many people are familiar with is the one in which the couple is not supposed to see each other on their wedding day until the bride walks down the aisle. This tradition is highlighted in movies when someone inevitably yells, “The groom can’t see the bride before the wedding!” and people scramble to hide the bride. This is one of the many reasons brides are particularly attached to this practice; it’s tradition!

 

Even though having a “first look” may be breaking from tradition, I highly encourage every couple to seriously consider having one. Here are several reasons why:

• It helps you get out the jitters. When you have a moment with your spouse-to-be prior to the festivities, you usually are able to help the other person stay calm and laugh! When I did a “first look” with my husband, I was able to get my tears out then and fix my makeup prior to the ceremony. I was leery about a “first look” at first, but I am so glad I did it!
• This may be the only alone time you get all day. By waiting until the ceremony to see each other, most couples do not have a moment to process the fact that it is their wedding day! From being pulled in a million directions for pictures, dances and toasts, without a “first look” you may not get the chance to say “How are you doing today?” to your most important person.
• Logistics. Have you ever been to a wedding where the cocktail hour becomes the cocktail hours? This can easily happen if all of the bride-and-groom photos have to happen after the ceremony. By including a “first look” in your itinerary, all of your photos, with the exception of extended family photos, can be taken prior to your ceremony. This helps the flow of your reception tremendously!

As always, if you decide that you don’t want a “first look”, I fully support you! Even though I think a “first look” is an awesome thing to do, you can do whatever you want because it’s your wedding. Whichever you choose, it will be perfect because we will have it all planned in advance. If you choose to stick with tradition, please keep in mind the following:

• Take as many pictures as possible pre-ceremony. After the ceremony, make sure your photographer has a list of shots he or she needs to get so that they do not have to dilly dally trying to remember what to do next.
• Make sure you have a bouncer at dinner. This means that you have a specific person tasked to remind your guests “Please let the couple eat their wedding meal. They will mingle with each table when finished.” If you don’t have this person, dinner will be filled with people interrupting you and you won’t get to talk to each other!

If you have any questions, bring ‘em on!