Should We Have a First Look?
[4 minute read]
Wedding traditions are constantly evolving as every generation’s idea of a wedding expands and contracts! We love seeing how our couples make their wedding day into their own, and one of the trends we have seen becoming more and more prevalent is the “First Look!”
Never heard of a “first look”? This is when the couple has a scheduled time to meet prior to the ceremony, be it alone with their photography and videography team or along with their families to share in the moment. The First Look offers many benefits and it may be something you’ll want to consider! Here are the main points we discuss with our clients when deciding on whether or not to have a first look and how to execute your first look:
Timing: If your ceremony is later in the day or in the evening, a first look may be necessary in order to give yourself time to have your photos done. Most photographers will want 1.5-2 hours for bridal party, couple and family photos so be aware that if your ceremony is later and photos are in between ceremony and reception, you may have poor lighting for your photos and your meal could be quite late into the evening.
Flow of the day: When you have a first look, you can easily transition from ceremony to reception without having to allow a block of time between the two for photos. This is especially helpful if your ceremony and reception are in the same location. If you aren’t having a first look, consider what your guests will be doing while you are having your photos taken. Does the venue have something to keep the guests entertained during this period? Quite often our couples tell us that they want to spend as much time with their family and friends as possible, so we always suggest a first look in that instance. This allows the couple to be present at their cocktail hour to entertain their guests and receive well wishes.
Nerves: Many of our couples report that their first look was the best part of the day because it was the moment that all of their nerves were erased, revealing only excitement. By having this reveal in private rather than in front of an audience, it can greatly lessen the amount of nerves one or both parties feels and takes the pressure off to generate a “reaction.”
Lighting: This is especially important to consider if you are having an outdoor ceremony as the major element you can’t control for that is lighting - but you can control the lighting for your first look because you can control the location! For most, a first look will happen in the early afternoon when the sun is high in the sky which can cast harsh shadows and cause you to squint. By having your photos done first, you can safely select a location that is either in the shade or with favourable lighting, and have the ceremony later in the afternoon when the sunlight isn’t as harsh.
Kari & Tyler’s First Look by Emily Taylor Photography
If you’ve decided to have a first look, then you should consider who you want to be present. Most of our couples opt to have just the two of them, along with the photographer(s) and videographer(s) and us (coordinator(s)), though sometimes couples will invite their parents and/or bridal parties - it all depends on what you’re comfortable with and how many eyes you want on you!
Mike & Sarah’s First Look by Caley Joy Photography
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever heard when it came to first looks came from my friend Brady McCloskey who advised my workshop brides not to have any expectations for a reaction out of your partner. A lot of the Pinterest photos we see of the “perfect first look reaction” are often staged, or extremely over-rehearsed, or just come from people who are naturally very expressive with their facial features! Don’t go into it expecting to see tears or a breakdown - just go into it knowing you’re both going to be excited to see each other all done up! You and your partner both want to be able to have a real reaction, and remember that nerves can sometimes get in the way and mask honest emotions.
My friend Marie Roy just recently actually released a blog post of reasons to have a first look, and my other friend Alana recently posted her opinions on them too!! Go have a read if you’re still undecided!
So, what do you think, will you have a first look?
Until next time,
xox Kristina