A First Look
Traditionally speaking, most couples know the customary rule that the bride and groom shouldn’t see each other at all until the moment she’s walking down the isle. Some would even consider doing so is bad luck. I’m all for tradition, but breaking the rules can be worth it sometimes. I want to share an option with you that you may have never considered before -- A First Look
What is a First Look?
An opportunity to see each other before the ceremony and share those first intimate moments as husband and wife together
(with your photographer shooting away in the distance)
What is a First Look?
An opportunity to see each other before the ceremony and share those first intimate moments as husband and wife together
(with your photographer shooting away in the distance)
What are the benefits of a First Look?
- This will ultimately be one of the few intimate moments you have alone together on your wedding day
- This moment is so beautiful and touching, you and your soon to be hubby might shed a tear - you'll never forget that feeling
- Bonding beforehand may ease the nervousness you experience just before the ceremony
- A First Look makes for a much smoother layout of your day and takes the “rush-rush” element out of photographing your bridal party and family portraits between the ceremony and reception
- If you have a late (sunset) ceremony and you don't want your portraits done in the dark, a First look is a great idea
- With portraits out of the way early you actually get to enjoy the Cocktail Hour! Mingle with you friends and out of town family
- Seeing each other before the ceremony will by no means take away from the moment when your eyes meet at the end of the isle. The two experiences are equally powerful and still very different.
Your Choice
If the first look is something you’re thinking of incorporating into your wedding daytime line, great! If not, that’s great too! I for one feel that there are no rules for creating your perfect wedding day accept for the number one rule I believe every bride should follow:
Do what makes YOU happy!
The Layout
Below is an example wedding day timeline showing the layout of a day that includes a First Look. No two Weddings are the same, so I will always take the time to work with each Bride individually to ensure a 'wedding day timeline' is in place. This helps to make sure your day runs smoothly whether the First Look option is chosen or not.
Example Wedding Day Timeline
2:00 p.m Photography Begins
*Details photographed (wedding dress, shoes, jewelry, invitations, bouquet)
*Last-minute hair and makeup touch-ups
*Candid photos of the bridesmaids preparing
3:00 p.m. Bride Dresses
*Candids of bride with mom and bridesmaids
3:30 p.m. First Look
*Bride and groom see each other before the ceremony for photos
4:00 p.m. Bridal Party Pictures
*Bride with her bridesmaids, group and solo photos
*Groom with his groomsmen, group and solo photos
*Entire group
4:30 p.m. Bride Gets Tucked Away From Early Arriving Guests
*Photographers shoot ceremony details and cocktail hour location, if available
5:00 p.m. Ceremony
5:30 p.m. Ceremony Ends
5:40 p.m. Family Pictures
6:10 p.m. Sunset Photos with Bride and Groom
6:25 p.m. Photograph Reception Details
6:45 p.m. Grand Entrance
6:55 p.m. First Dance
7:00 p.m. Welcome and Prayer (if applicable)
7:15 p.m. First Course Served
7:30 p.m. Toasts
7:45 p.m. Second Course Served
8:15 p.m. Father & Daughter / Mother & Son Dance
8:25 p.m. Open Dancing (Parrr-tayyy)
9:30 p.m. Cake Cutting
9:40 p.m. Bouquet / Garter Toss
10:00 p.m. Photography Coverage Wrap-Up
10:00 p.m. Photography Coverage Wrap-Up
Final Thought
Again, the final choice is yours and yours alone! Personally, as I get ready to walk down the isle myself later this year, I definitely plan to do the First Look giving ourselves plenty of time to get the portraits done early so we can enjoy the awesome food we've picked for the cocktail hour and mingle with family we haven't seen in years! I don't want to miss a thing! *squeal* :D
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