For a traditionalist, the idea of a first look (or seeing your fiancé before the wedding) is a hard no and I fully get it. I personally love the sentiment and relate with wanting to wait. That said, after 15+ years of seeing the day unfold, there are a lot of reasons to embrace the first look, including:
YOU DON’T MISS OUT ON ANYTHING. IN FACT, YOU GET THE MOMENT TWICE
When you have a first look, you get both an intimate moment between you and your someone AND a moment where you’re surrounded by your loved ones. I suggest keeping the first look between the two of you allowing those images to be a sweet couple’s shoot that is incredibly different than the images that will be captured as you or your fiancé (or both) walk down the aisle.
A FIRST LOOK CAN CALM YOUR NERVES
No matter how excited you are to get married, you’re bound to have a bit of residual nervous energy. I’ve found that no one knows how to cure that anxious energy more than your special someone. Seeing them before you’re in front of all of your guests can help you find a little ease before the I do’s.
YOU CAN ENJOY YOUR COCKTAIL HOUR
The most common reason to arrange a first look is so you can attend your cocktail hour. Seeing each other before the ceremony allows you to get most of the couple’s portraits checked off the list. Keep in mind, however, if you don’t capture family photos beforehand as well, you may still have some business to take care of overall as it relates to photography.
YOU GET MORE AND BETTER IMAGES
When having a first look, you’re giving the photographer more time and opportunity to capture images, which is always a good thing. Allowing them to capture you when you’re less distracted by lingering guests can make for the most magical pictures.
No matter what, as you plan your wedding timeline, call on the expertise of your photographer and planning team to ensure they’re being set up for success overall.
Images from a recent wedding in Ravello, Italy at Villa Cimbrone, captured by David Bastianoni.
