The wedding day is full of so many special and memorable moments. One of the biggest and most precious memories to most couples from their wedding day is the first time they see each other, whether that be during a first look or at the altar during the wedding ceremony. Today, we are going to talk about waiting to see each other for the first time at the ceremony.
Interested in learning more about a first look? Click here.
Need timeline help? Click here to review the perfect wedding day timeline if you are not doing a first look.
Waiting to see each other until the ceremony is for you if:
- You are a more traditional couple and want that fateful moment of seeing each other to be at the ceremony.
- Sharing the moment of seeing each other for the first time with your family and closest friends is important to you.
- It is important to your to be legally married in your portrait session.
We oftentimes get the question, “should we do a first look?” from our couples. The answer is not a simple one. Deciding whether or not to do a first look truly is a very private and intimate decision that you should make as a couple and not because of what others are saying you should do. It’s your day, not anyone else’s. We’ve compiled a list of five reasons why you should consider waiting to see each other at the altar.
1. Waiting to see each other until the ceremony is a tradition
Many years ago, it was thought to be bad luck for the bride and groom to see one another before the wedding day. Now, rather than it being a superstitious belief, it has become more of a tradition as the wait builds anticipation and excitement leading up to the ceremony.
2. Share the moment with family and friends
Waiting until the ceremony to see each other for the first time includes your family and closest friends into that incredible, heartfelt, and memorable moment. They get to see your reactions to one another and share in the excitement with you.
3. You will actually be married in your first couple’s portraits
This is a big one for some couples, especially if you are a sentimental person. Being able to look back at your photos and remember that moment and exactly how you felt adds a nostalgic feeling to your portraits.
4. You can start your day later
With a pre-ceremony first look, you have to get ready much earlier. Opting out of the first look gives you more time to get ready and you can get a bit more beauty sleep!
5. You look your best for the ceremony
When choosing to wait until the ceremony to see each other your hair, makeup, and attire will be freshly done and in place since you would have likely just recently finished getting ready. With a pre-ceremony first look, you are oftentimes ready a few hours before the ceremony so the chances of having to make touch ups before the ceremony are higher.
6. There are less expectations for how to react
The first look can be a daunting idea to some couples because of the expectation to react a certain way when you see each other for the first time. Sharing your first look during the wedding ceremony helps relinquish that feeling and allows you to live in the moment, soaking it all in.
Choosing whether to share your first look in an intimate setting or with all of your closest friends and family during the wedding ceremony is a private decision to be made only by you and your partner. When making your decision, think about what would make you the happiest when looking back at your photos and that will lead you to which way you should go. As always, we are here to help every step of the way and can assure you that you will receive beautiful photos of every moment no matter which way you go!