If you’re wondering if you should do a first look on your wedding day, the answer is “you probably should”. If you aren’t sure about this tradition, this blog will explain why it would be a romantic addition to your wedding day celebration that not only adds to the experience but also reduces stress. Please know that I would never want any of my couples to feel pressured to go with this option. However, I always try to make sure that I share all of the benefits of a first look because there is a reason 80% of my couples do this and LOVE it!
So do answer your question of “should I do a first look on my wedding day?” Here are five really strong reasons for how it can benefit your day. Take the time to think about it before dismissing the idea immediately. Let your finance read the benefits too and decide together.
40% more portraits
You’re investing a lot into your wedding photography. With a first look, you’ll receive 40% MORE portraits of the two of you… and those are the images you will decorate your first home with! With a first look, you make the most out of this large investment and get the most for your money.
Enjoy the surprise freely
You actually get to have intimate time on your wedding day with your man. Most brides don’t realize that when you come down the aisle and totally SHOCK him with your gorgeous-ness… he can’t even tell you how amazing you look. He can’t touch you, embrace you or even SPEAK to you. You have to wait until 30 minutes later when the ceremony is over for him to react and tell you how amazing you look. And after 30 minutes of the ceremony, the reaction isn’t the same as the initial first glance.
Extend your day by 3 hours
First Looks allow you to extend your wedding day. Normally the wedding day would start when you come down the aisle, then the ceremony would end, you would rush through portraits so that you’re not late for the introductions and then it’s reception time. With a first look, your wedding day is extended by almost 3 hours! Instead of being rushed for your bridal party portraits… you actually get to enjoy them and have fun hanging out with your BEST friends on your wedding day. The WHOLE first half of client’s wedding albums are filled with images just from this time together before the ceremony.
Your only alone time
First Looks allow you to be TOGETHER and alone on your wedding day. When you see each other, not only will it be intimate, it will be your only time to be alone the whole day! You’ll cry and laugh and cry some more… and then that will put you in the PERFECT mood for your romantic portraits. Normally portraits are a little rushed after the family formals, and it can be hard to really get back into that “lovey-dovey” mode…. especially with family around! When you have just shared your first look, you’re READY to love on each other, and I always capture some super sweet images during those moments!
Diminishes nerves
You get rid of your nerves! I’d say, literally 1/2 of my couples who have decided to do a first look, the grooms were not fans of it at first. However, because they have never experienced their wedding day before, they didn’t know how nerve-racking it can be!
