To doing your wedding day your way,
FROM, RAYNA
"Should I have a first look?"
That’s the big question. The big question, with no right answer.
The moment the Bride and Groom lock eyes for the first time on their wedding day is absolutely magical. This sense of magic doesn’t change if your first look is walking down the aisle, or prior to the ceremony. This day is for, and about, you- only you know what you truly want. If you're on the fence in need help deciding what it is you want, here are some things to keep in mind.
First, let's look at the benefits of having a pre-ceremony first look.
INTIMATE TIME ALONE
As soon as the ceremony starts, it’s full steam ahead. A pre-ceremony first look gives you a chance to have some quiet time alone, shake off some nerves, and be with each other. There's a good chance this could be your only time alone throughout the whole day
MORE TIME FOR PICTURES WITHOUT SACRIFICING IT ELSEWHERE
If you’re waiting to see each other till the ceremony, that means the wedding party and couple portraits will have to be taken after it concludes. In this case, family pictures immediately follow the ceremony, then the wedding party, then couple portraits. With this timeline, it’ll take around an hour to two and typically run into your cocktail hour. With a pre-ceremony first look, we’re able to schedule wedding party and couple portraits prior, helping the evening feel less rushed.
YOU CAN ENJOY COCKTAIL HOUR
After family pictures wrap up, you can head straight into enjoying yourself and spending time with your guests at the cocktail hour/start the reception. If your wedding party isn’t part of the family, they’ll get to enjoy it, too!
EVERYTHING WILL STILL BE FRESH
As soon as your hair and makeup are finished and you get dressed, we can move straight into all kinds of portraits. This leaves no time for makeup to smudge or hair to fall out- it’ll all be freshly done!
And now, from another perspective, here are a few reasons you may not want to have a pre-ceremony first look.
LESS TIME TO GET READY
Any addition to your timeline pre-ceremony means you'll be giving that time from somewhere else. Normally, that sacrifice will be less time available to get ready.
FAMILY AND FRIENDS WON'T BE ABLE TO SEE THE INTERACTION
If it's important those closest to you get to witness this moment, a first look down the aisle next to a crowd is the way to go.
GOING AGAINST "TRADITION"
If you've spent your whole life imagining seeing you significant other at the end of the aisle for the first time, a first look may not be right for you! I will say that a first look does not take away from the magical feeling you get walking down the aisle. Whatever is best for you, will still feel like part of your fairytale.
If you're still not sure, consider a nontraditional approach to your first look such as:
FAMILY AND FRIENDS FIRST LOOK
If you want the magic and intimacy of a first look without letting your significant other see you, consider doing a first look with somebody else! Popular alternatives are a mother/father, your wedding party, or close friends.
FIRST "TOUCH/INTERACTION"
You can still have an intimate moment with your partner pre-ceremony without having to see each other. Consider having a "first touch" holding hands around a corner or exchanging something sweet to create a connection such as a hand written letter.