Ah, the First Look. A new, yet very popular addition couples are including on their wedding day. What used to be a good-luck superstition, the first appearance being at the altar, is now a thing in the past according to almost half of all couples. However, tradition is tradition and the other half of couples are sticking to it. Chances are you and your fiancé have contemplated whether or not you want to have a First Look photography and video session before the wedding ceremony. There are definitely some pluses to the First Look but there are some downsides to it too. But don’t worry, we’ve got you both covered. Here are some pros and cons of having the First Look on your wedding day.

Pros

Timing Is More Efficient

If you and your SO don’t want to be preoccupied with timing, doing a First Look is the way to go. Not only will you be able to get the bulk of your wedding photos out of the way before the ceremony, but you will also have more time after the ceremony to enjoy cocktail hour and time with your relatives.

Enjoy A Private Moment With Each Other

As much as your wedding is about you and your SO, you won’t have a lot of one-on-one time during that day. From getting ready to walking down the aisle to the picture session to the reception, you and your SO will be surrounded by your friends and family so the First Look is a great opportunity to have an intimate moment with just the two of you.

Nerves Get An Opportunity To Relax

Do you think you or your SO will be jittery the day of the ceremony? What about if you both are naturally emotional? Doing the First Look could be a great idea if either of the two statements relate to you. We get it, the wedding day stirs up a lot of feelings and nerves from the couple and so doing a pre-ceremony glimpse can really make the wedding day experience a lot less stressful.

Cons

The Wedding Day Will Start Earlier

You and your SO may need to begin your morning cup of coffee a little earlier if you two opt for the First Look. For the First Look, you and your SO will need to start getting ready potentially one to two hours earlier. If you are not a morning person or you feel like sleep is a must-have on your wedding morning, then the First Look may not be for you.

Walking Down the Aisle May Feel Less Momentous

Walking down the aisle to greet an emotional partner may be something you and your SO have thought about for a while. From what we see on TV, films and even our friends and family’s weddings, the tradition of the first appearance being in the ceremony venue is very special and it could potentially be less intimate from a First Look.

The First Look Can Bring the Pressure For the Groom

Some men are, in truth, reserved with their emotions. Others don’t necessarily know how to react when they see their bride for the first time. The First Look could be a little stressful for the groom to “perform” well for his bride and the photographer/videographer.

Depending on you and your SO’s priorities and desires, the First Look could be a great addition on your wedding day or you both may be better off without it. We suggest beginning a conversation with each other, your families and of course your photography/videography team. Your team will guide you successfully in the direction of your choosing. At the end of the day, your wedding is about you and your fiancé. So whatever will make the two of you the happiest, go for it!

R.E.M. Video and Photography

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