"First Look" Pros & Cons
Dawn Crane • April 17, 2019
There are both pros and cons of a first look before the ceremony, sometimes a little education on the topic can help you decide what is best for you.
If you are tossing around the idea of whether you should do a first look or not, I'm hoping these tid-bits will help you decide. There are pros and cons both approaches so when push comes to shove, go with what fits your emotions and what you feel in your heart. At the end of the day, my personal
opinion weighs heavily toward a first look. A first look utilizes the time you have allotted for your wedding day the most effectively (at least from this
photographer's perspective.)
First of all, what is a "first look?"
A first look is simply allowing your future husband or wife see you all "dolled up" prior to the ceremony. There are pros and cons to both sides of the spectrum but it is ultimately up to you and your preference. After the following pros and cons of having a first look, I hope you can decide which route would be best for your vision.
Pros:
- First and foremost, you get to grab, hug, kiss, love and appreciate your future husband or wife without interruptions from guests after the ceremony, there is rarely time to slow down after the ceremony.
- All of your "bride & groom" formal images can be captured before the ceremony, limiting distractions and allowing you to visit with your guests quicker and longer. You can also enjoy cocktail hour earlier because your bride and groom images have been captured prior to the ceremony.
- There is a lot more control and flexibility as far as location and lighting, ceremonies don't always have this luxury.
- Hair and make up is FRESH and not yet impacted by potential windy, hot or humid conditions.
- The main focus when the bride enters the ceremonial location can be on the bride and the reactions of the guests to her grand entry.
- If you are even remotely emotional like I can be, a First Look gives you the opportunity to become a blubbering mess in front of your awaiting spouse and a few others(the photographer and videographer are the only ones really required) instead of losing it in front of all your guests. You also get an opportunity to recompose(or re-apply if you are the bride!)
- Can ease any remaining nerves or jitters before walking down the isle.
Cons:
- You have to plan on starting your day earlier to allow enough time for getting ready, the first look and the formal images.
- That magical, first glimpse will not be shared with your guests(this one is more neutral, just depends on your preference.)
- May increase nerves as the videographer(if you have one) and myself will be closer to you than if we had captured the first look at the alter.
- There has to be a separate space available out of eyesight of the guests that can be utilized for the first look.
There is no right or wrong decision. Whether you chose to do a first look or not is absolutely between your fiance and you. If your fiance and you cannot come to an agreement(I promise it won't be the last time you can't agree on something,) talk to your photographer about some alternative options or ideas that can work for both of you such as a "first touch" or sharing of an item or love note(like Alyssa's fiance did right before their ceremony pictured above.) Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, suggestions or just want to talk a little more about the topic, I'm always happy to help. :D
Much love friends!
-Dawn
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It is said that if we don't start making sacrifices to live our lives in a more sustainable manor, that we are dooming the future generations to the effects of global warming. We are already seeing the dangerous foot prints that our convenient lives are leaving in our wake. Larger storms, flooding, droughts, earth quakes, tsunamis and so many other powerful environmental catastrophes... all in an attempt for mother nature to warn us that we are tipping scales and change NEEDS to happen before it's too late. It really is a lot to take in and it's incredibly scary but change starts with compromises and influences that begin in the home and grows into a worldwide strive to do better. If you haven't been able to tell as of now, this is something that weighs heavily on me and I plan on making a difference. Starting with my business, I hope to simply encourage my clients to consider using options for their wedding day that carry a positive impact on this beautiful world we live in. There are so many different aspects to a wedding that even going eco-friendly in one area will make a difference. There are so many different ways you can help lessen your impact and I'm sure I'll add to this list as I learn more and as the years go on, but here are some things you can consider to "green-up" your wedding. Consider finding a second hand dress and/or tux rentals. Alterations are far cheaper and we are avoiding importing/creating new materials. Rent plates, silverware, glasses, etc.. There are several local companies that rent tables and all. Consider more plant based or vegetarian options for your food options. Livestock is one of the number one contributors to global warming not only through the methane released, but also because valuable forests and woodlands are cleared to make room for our domestic animals. Instead of having any florals imported, consider locally grown and sourced floral arrangements. Party favors can be used to encourage spreading eco friendly AND outdoor ideas. I've seen small trees in biodegradable containers, packages of flower seeds, bird seed, locally sourced products, etc.. When considering things like bridal robes, bags, gifts, etc., finding products made in the USA will lessen our importing weight and support our economy and growth. Instead of using graffiti, drying out flower petals or leaves and hole punching or shredding provides a great alternative with no impact or garbage to pick up. Center pieces and arbors can be bought second hand at a great rate, search around before investing in "one-time-use" products. I'm sure there are so many ideas that can be added to this list and if you have any, PLEASE let me know and I'll include it. It's so important that we start making life changes to protect this beautiful world we call home. Anything you are willing to contribute will be so appreciated by not only me, but by the earth itself. Thank you.
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