Choosing to do a first look or not at your wedding is surprisingly one of the earlier decisions a couple needs to make. It impacts the ceremony time as well as the overall timeline for the day. Here are some questions to think through:
-Do you want to spend the majority of your wedding day together? By doing a first look, it allows the couple (and the wedding party) to all be together much earlier in the day instead of waiting until after the ceremony is over.
-Do you want to attend cocktail hour? If so, I strongly recommend a first look. Otherwise cocktail hour is the timeframe that photographers need to capture family group shots, full wedding party photos, and bride & groom photos. If getting to your party ASAP is important to you, then getting the majority of your photos done before the ceremony is key.
-Do you plan to read personalized vows to each other? If so, discuss with your partner if they feel comfortable reading them in front of a crowd or if they prefer it to be a more intimate moment. Everyone has differing opinions, but it's important to be on the same page when it comes to something as sacred as your vows.
-What will the lighting be like when the ceremony ends? For couples who opt out of a first look, an earlier ceremony time may be needed so that all their photos are not done after dark. In December and January I strongly advise either a first look or if not, an early afternoon ceremony to ensure the best possible lighting for photos.
Overall, I am a big fan of a first look (I did one myself at my own wedding!). There are so many good things that come as a result of seeing each other earlier in the day. However, each couple gets to make this decision for themselves! Not all my couples choose to do a first look (although the majority do). If seeing each other for the first time at your ceremony is something that is really important to either one of you- great! Just make sure to let your creative team know so we can adjust the schedule so we can still capture everything you will want to remember.
*Note- The exception to this rule is an early afternoon Catholic Mass. I've had many clients with a 2pm Catholic ceremony opt out of a first look because they enact what I call "the Catholic gap." The gap refers to a several hour break in between the ceremony and reception where we take many of the photos.
