First Look Pros and Cons
Remember in “Along Came Polly” when Reuben Feffer created a pros and cons list for dating Polly Prince? Well, we heard you were torn between doing a first look or not, so we pulled a Reuben and built that list for you!
While there are many reasons for and against a first look, the decision boils down to what is best for you, your partner, and the flow of your wedding.
Of course, we love to see the reaction of a couple seeing each other for the first time as they turn the corner to walk down the aisle but there are some serious time-saving and special moments caught on film during a first look, so what to do…
First, think about what is important to you. As tradition goes, a married couple-to-be doesn’t see each other at all on the day of the wedding until they walk down the aisle, leading to that epic moment when they lock eyes and guests get to see the emotion in their faces. Throwing tradition to the wind, a first-look moment can be much more intimate since it is just the two of you, and can ease tensions and anxiety from being apart all day. Seeing each other before the ceremony also allows your photographer to capture this sweet moment in a controlled and relaxed environment (because your Planner carved out plenty of time for this!). Setting you up in a PRIVATE space gives them the opportunity to stage both of you in the best possible light (literally) and angle, ensuring the perfect reaction shots are secured forever in your wedding album. Conversely, waiting until your ceremony to capture that moment leaves your photographer open to potential obstacles. While we only work with pros who can usually create beautiful shots under any conditions, there are wedding party members, guests, moving parts, and timing to work around, and “the shot” isn’t always guaranteed, or flawless.
PRO - Having an intimate, private, moment between the two of you before the fun begins; Being together earlier in the day
CON - No “reaction” photo at the aisle; Tradition to the wind
Doing a first look can save you some serious time after the ceremony. By seeing each other before your ceremony, you can schedule all of those fun wedding party and immediate family photos before your I Do’s as well. With that shot list out of the way, you will be able to capture your remaining extended family (if any) quickly and efficiently at the beginning of your cocktail hour. All of this makes plenty of time to experience your gorgeous reception space before your guests enter, enjoy that cocktail lounge you had to have, or even just relax in the wedding suite for a moment before your grand entrance!
PRO - You (and your wedding party) can enjoy cocktail hour
CON - Best Man gets extra time at Cocktail hour ;)
Ok, so you are set on NOT seeing each other before the wedding, but still want the “intimate moment” photos before your ceremony? There are alternatives! Instead of doing a first look with your partner, you can do a family first look, such as a Daddy-Daughter, Mother-Son, Grandparents, Wedding Party, or any other VIP in your individual lives. There are also options like a “first touch”, a private prayer, or a love letter or favorite song lyrics reading, where we keep those eyes closed (or covered with a cute blindfold) and you two get to be together for a moment before seeing each other at the altar.
PRO - Intimate moment photos with family members, Keeping tradition alive
CON - Less time at cocktail hour with guests for Bride and Groom, Leaving the “reaction” capture to chance!
If you are having a bit of an “I want it all moment” we have you covered.
When you're watching “Say yes to the Dress” and the bride is like, “Yeah, I love it but I’m just not sure” and then Monty says “Let's jack her up” and they add the veil and bouquet, and everything changes and they all cry!? Well, we already know that your dress or suit is incredible and of course, you want to see your partner/BFF asap. We can do the first look before you get “all jacked up”, creating an element of surprise when you walk down the aisle by adding a stunning veil, an incredible bouquet, and that extra sparkle in your eye.. Win-Win!
Is Blissfully Styled Team First Look or Team Traditional?
Ultimately, we are Team First Look! Planning a first look leads to incredible portraits, keeps you focused on each other and anxiety free, allows you to spend a few extra hours by your partner’s side, and adds room on your timeline to celebrate with your guests. (or take a break…after all, it is your time, your day!)
Doing a first look has great time-saving, and logistic benefits, but we get it, there is something to be said about the way tradition goes and the look on a couple’s face when they see each other. Remember that it is your day, your flow, your choice! No matter where you are when you see your partner for the first time on your wedding day, you are going to have all the feels and there will be photos to remember it.
