First Look- For or Against? Regrets either way?

akb3f7

Hi everyone,

My wedding is coming up in June. It has a mostly traditional style. My mother is very staunch on traditional wedding do's and don't's. However, I am starting to consider doing a first look with my FH on our wedding day before our ceremony. My reasons: #1 we are paying 3k for an AMAZING photographer... I want to get the MOST out of that and I want to have PLENTY of pictures of my special guy and me #2 I would like to spend time with our guests and not miss our cocktail hr, especially since quite a few are coming in from across the country #3 I don't want to listen to A) My mom nagging me to hurry up because people are waiting and the voice in my head saying hurry up because people are waiting C) We both have divorced parents and a pretty large bridal party (5 attendants each). I am worried that pictures will take FOREVER and the ones we will sacrifice will be of FH and myself. 

So I would love to hear from you ladies (and gents?) about your opinion. Particularly I would like to know if you or someone you know has regretted having a first look pre-ceremony, because that is my biggest fear. 

Thanks for all your help

kerbohl

Out of curiousity, what time will your ceremony be at?  I am very traditional myself, but would have nothing against first-look photo shoots.  In fact, the tradition behind not seeing the bride the day of the wedding before the ceremony is not that nice, so it is one that I would not have minded getting rid of.  But, my  ceremony is at 11AM, so I'm not doing the first-look thing.  I think whatever makes you feel less stressed and seems to make the most sense, do it!  Also, having the first moment seeing each other a bit more intimate (other than in the church surronded by tons of people) does seem very nice.  That's some of my opinions!

akb3f7

Thanks! Ceremony is at 5 pm in June (not sure when sunset will be but probably late). Ceremony and reception are at the same location.  

jenphotochick

We are doing a first look!! Also a 5pm ceremony reception not far away at all but sunset is around 6 so we need to make sure we still have some daylight and also it will make for some gorgeous emotional shots! Plus then we can gather a few shots around the city with our friends and then off to the reception!

JennniferNoel536

I so want to do a First Look photo but my FI is being very adamant that he doesn't want to see until I'm walking down the aisle.  I did she a neat idea on pinterest where the groom was blind folded and still couldn't see the bride.  I think that's so cute and I'm going to see if I can get my FI to agree to that one.

My cousin got married last year and they did all of their bridal party pictures before hand, they even took their pictures together then as well.  That way they didn't miss any part of the reception and were able to visit with everyone.  The only pictures left to take during the reception were the father/daughter and mother/groom dance and the cutting of the cupcakes.  They both said that they were glad they decided to do them in advance. 

fallbride1109

We decided at the last minute to do one and as you see by my siggy, we don't regret it.

ethadiva

I have the same exact question.  I am getting married at 5pm at a church ceremony and then my parents want to have a receiving line for guests.  My cocktail hour is 30min away and party will start at 6:30pm.  I love cocktail hour and do not want to be rushed through my photos.  Like you I have a large bridal party (12 total) and our parents are divorced as well, so tons of pictures to take.  We originally were going to wait until after the ceremony for pictures but seeing our time frame and that we don't want to miss the entire cocktail hour, we will probably be doing first look.  At first I did not like the idea, but now I feel as though it will be much less stressful and a more intimate moment between the two of us.  Good luck!   Also how long are you planning on taking pictures prior to your ceremony?  That is now the million dollar question...trying to figure out how long is enough time but not too much time.  And taking into account that guests will start to arrive for ceremony prior to it so space will be limited as day progresses (if you don't want guests to see you before the wedding). Thanks!