Considering doing the “first look?” Read on!
Brides often think carefully about when she and the groom will see each other after they’ve dressed for the wedding. “The first look” is the time before the ceremony when the bride and groom either take pictures with their families, or first see each other on the aisle. 
The tradition of saving the first look for the first moment of the ceremony originated from pre-arranged marriages. The father of the bride feared the groom wouldn’t follow through with the wedding if he saw his bride prior to the ceremony. Although as years passed more and more couples began to reshape the traditional “first look” and take their wedding party pictures before the wedding begins. One of the most special moments for the bride and groom is first seeing each other dressed up ready for their wedding day! But there is still controversy among whether or not that moment should occur before the ceremony or when the bride walks down the aisle. Below are some pros and cons of the having the “first look” before the wedding:
PROS
This moment is extremely emotional, and many bride and grooms would prefer to cry in the presence of close family a
nd friends rather than in front of the 400 people attending the wedding.
The first look allows the wedding itself to move faster, the guest are not waiting at the reception for an extended amount of time while the couple and wedding party take pictures. In addition the bride and groom may be less stressed not trying to fit in pictures and instead can enjoy the cocktail party. Photographers also prefer taking pictures before the wedding; the session is less rushed and they have more time to dial into their creative side and produce great images.
The first look calms the nerves, the couple can actually spend time laughing, crying, talking and enjoying the moment.
Also keep in mind the location of the ceremony because some churches restrict access to the front of the church which can make it hard for the photographer to get a good shot during the ceremony.
CONS
It’s a tradition to see each other for the first time as the bride walks down the aisle!
Many believe you miss the true glow of the wedding and the newly wed couple in the photos, because they are technically not married yet. Some also believe it is essential to “prolong the mystique.”
The first look may prevent from cutting into the ceremony and reception time, but it does shorten sleep and bridal prep time.
By having the first look the bride and groom also risk something happening that could ruin or soil the dress, tux, shoes, makeup, etc.
YOU DECIDE!
It is important to consider the pros and cons when determining if the first look is right for your wedding. Whichever you choose, the moment when the bride and groom first lock eyes on their wedding day must be captured!
Sarah Lurie, June 26th 2016
Ivory Events