When it comes to planning your wedding, considering whether to do a first look is a bigger decision than you might think.
One of the first things to consider is where you want the formals Do you want to travel to multiple locations? What is the traffic like going to each destination? Will there be time before the ceremony for a first look and family formals at multiple destination?
If hair and makeup run late, or the people you want for the family formals are late, the entire day gets pushed back and that could cause the photographer to lose time with the couple.
If everything is timely, then seeing each other before the ceremony allows you to look freshly put together and ready.
Doing a first look also can ease the nerves a couple may have about seeing each other. Relieving that tension can help a couple relax because they had time to be together before the ceremony begins. These first few moments together are very intimate and having these quiet moments together are nice.
Taking care of all the family formals before the ceremony allows everyone to attend cocktail hour. Guest do not have to wait for the bride and groom to come back from their photo session.
Some cons to a first look may be that a couple really wants to see each other at the ceremony. Having a photographer push a couple into a first look when that is not what they want does nothing but add stress to an already busy day.
Another con to a first look is that a couple may expect big emotions in that first look that they do not get which may lead to disappointment.
First looks are very important to some couples, and not so important to others. Bear in mind that this is a personal decision and not up to the photographer. A good photographer will not push you into a decision one way or the other but rather educate you on what to expect. If you are having a hard time deciding whether a first look is right for you, consult with your photographer, but know that you must trust your own instinct to make the decision that feels right for you. After all, this is your day and you want it to be perfect.
