Wedding Photography and Videography Forum

To have a "First Look" or not???

My Fiance and I are having a hard time deciding whether or not we should get first look photos before the ceremony or wait until afterwards.  He feels strongly about not seeing me before the ceremony, which I'm totally fine with.  But, I would also be fine with a first look, so we wouldnt feel rushed with photos.  Problem is, is that we are only having a 4 hour reception, including the cocktail hour.  We really don't want to miss out on our own reception, since it will only be 4 hours..and not 4 hours with a cocktail hour (total 5hrs).  Any thoughts or suggestions on what we should do?

Re: To have a "First Look" or not???

  • sarahjsmythesarahjsmythe member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Oh and we are having the ceremony and reception at the same place...
  • fallbride1109fallbride1109 member
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    edited December 2011
    My husband wasn't up for it either initially but as the wedding got closer, I talked to him about it and we agreed to do one and we are so glad we did.  The stress of the day just melts away once you see each other.

    We also had a 4 hour reception (7:30-11:30).  We took pictures by ourselves during the cocktail hour and were announced at 8:15, with dinner starting at 8:30.  We had plenty of time to do everything in that 3 hours.  So if you decide not to do one, don't worry too much about it.

    It's a very personal choice and only you know if it's right or not.  Brides that do one don't regret it and the brides who don't do one don't regret it either.
  • edited December 2011
    It's completely worth it to do as many pictures before the ceremony as possible! It really does make the day MUCH more relaxed. Of course, if he won't see the benefit, you need to respect his wishes, but it's worth continuing to discuss with him until the absolute last minute. Just be clear on what time you want the photographer to show up.
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  • gundy21gundy21 member
    1000 Comments Third Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    We had the ceremony and reception in the same place, too.

    We did a first look - and I don't think my DH would have let his emotions show as much.  We are both so happy we did it this way.  Our ceremony wasn't until 4:30, so we had a plenty of time to do pics beforehand and then were able to enjoy cocktail hour with our guests.

    Our photographer posted a few pics from our first look on her blog - take a peek, it might help you decide if it is right for you both.

    http://www.lisamathewson.com/blog/kristen-joel-wedding-milwaukee-wedding-photographer/
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  • edited December 2011
    We originally planned to, but since we are having a morning ceremony, the more we talk about it, the logistics of it seem too complicated.  If we were having an afternoon or evening ceremony, we would definitely do it.
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  • tingleys87tingleys87 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I have been debating this as well.  I was originally against it wholeheartedly.  but the more i think about it the more it makes sense.  We are also doing everything in one place, but they dont really have anywhere for pictures, another issue is its going to be november so its probably going to be cold as well.  so we would have to go elsewhere for pictures and drag everyone with us... im not sure but i think im leaning towards first look...
  • sarahjsmythesarahjsmythe member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Thanks for all the input!!!  I think it will end up being a last minute decision!
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