Pros and Cons of First Look Photos

Traditionally it's considered bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding.  But “luck” doesn't factor into many decisions these days, so at what point should you ditch the tradition? An unexpected dilema engaged couples face is whether or not to have a “First Look” photo. Here's a non-biased and experienced look at the First Look.


A perfectly arranged First Look Photo.
Photo courtesy of Sam Lim Studios.

FYI – First Look photos are a modern trend that allow a couple to see each other before the ceremony in their full wedding glory (gown, hair, makeup, veil, tux). It's typically followed by the bridesmaid and groomsmen group photos, then straight into the ceremony.

Photo courtesy of Sam Lim Studios.

 

Pros:

• Photographers LOVE the First Look photo because they get a perfectly staged and unobstructed view of one of the most emotionally charged moments of your wedding.
• The First Look is a great way to get those butterflies out! Not to mention feeling reassurred that your fiance is prepped and ready, and not halfway to Vegas.
• If you tend to be more emotional than average this is a nice chance for you fully experience your emotions away from the spotlight.
• The majority of your group photos are done and over with before the guests arrive! This means less time on photos between the ceremony and reception, and more time with your guests.
• Helps you and your fiance get warmed up in front of the camera together.  Even if the shots aren't perfect (or the WOW moment your photographer was looking for) you'll be better prepared for the post-ceremony photos.

Cons (and alternatives):

• 

  

  Completely Candid First Meeting at the Ceremony.
  Photo Courtesy of Melissa Fitzpatrick Studios.

  If you're more reserved, the shots may look like you're greeting each other at a coffee shop. Alternative: Skip the First Look, and take time later in the day for a truly private moment with your new spouse.
• The excitement and anticipation of the ceremony is dampened - you've already seen your fiance, chatted about your morning, and hung out with the entire bridal party.
• 
  Your guests came specifically to witness and share this beautifully candid moment. You will be much more calm and controlled after the First Look, and your guests may be confused by your “lack” of emotion.  Or the opposite: your First Look photos are too staged for you to feel in-the-moment so those photos you were hoping for, emerge at the ceremony instead!

  

  This couple DID have a first look, but their ceremony
  photos displayed their candid feelings much better.
  Photo courtesy of Studio 101 West.

• As coordinators we're all about efficiency and we've found this to a very time consuming photo op.  The bride is with all of her bridesmaids, the groom is with all of his groomsmen.  Now the bridal party has to be convinced to go away.  Now the groom has to be perfectly positioned in a perfectly lighted, scenic, and secluded spot.  Now the bride can arrive.  Photo op.  Now where did all those bridesmaids and groomsmen run off to?
• The quiet final moments before the ceremony are lost in a busy photo schedule and excited combo bridal party. Alternative: Surround yourself with a small group of your closest friends and family for a moment of quiet reflection before you take the next huge step into your new life.

This is a suprisingly difficult and personal decision that will help you kick off the rest of your wedding day experience. However you choose, follow your heart and know that a a good photographer and coordinator will support your decision.  When it's all said and done, the important thing is the man who's holding your hand.

Happy Planning!