If you are wanting to maximize the value of your investment in photo and video, then you've probably been told to consider having a "First Look". The First Look is a rather new tradition where the Bride and Groom see each other ahead of the Ceremony in order to spend time during the day taking photos/video, and to minimize the guest waiting time between the Ceremony and Reception. However, there are still many couples who prefer to wait and see each other at the aisle during the ceremony. The decision is ultimately up to you and your fiancee, so here are some things to help out with whichever option you choose:
I'm Having a First Look - How do I make the Most of it?
Timing: Be sure your First Look will be early enough that you aren't still taking photos when guests begin arriving. Most couples prefer to have at least 20-30 minutes of private time again prior to the ceremony. If you don't start early enough, it really negates having the First Look at all.
Who to Include: There are several options here. You can do this totally privately, with only your photo/video team, or you can choose to include parents and/or your wedding party. BONUS TIP: Some brides find it more calming to get ready ahead of their bridesmaids, having them put their dresses on while the first look and romantic photos are taking place, they would then meet up with the wedding party for those photos.
Hidden Benefits: Other than the obvious breathing room for photo and video coverage, a nice benefit that most aren't aware of is that the First Look serves as a way to really calm the nerves of the Groom especially. We find Grooms are striving to please their brides and being able to see them and talk with them before the ceremony give them the confidence boost they need that everything is going just how she wanted.
Also Consider: In addition to your individual portraits, prep time, and details, the three main components of your photo/video schedule are: Full Wedding Party, Family Formals, & Romantics with the Couple. If you are keen on attending your own cocktail hour, you may want to ask your Family to arrive early and do all those photos before the Ceremony. This will mean getting ready even earlier, but the payoff is that after the Ceremony you have a lot more free time. BONUS TIP: If lighting will be better after the ceremony, you may want to have your Full Wedding Party and Family Formal sessions immediately following the first look, and then have your Romantics done after the ceremony (during cocktail hour).
I'm NOT Having a First Look - How do I make the Most of my Photo/Video time?
Organize: Have a detailed list of Family Formal groupings that you want. Reach out to everyone that is needed for those photos and make sure they know they are needed immediately following the ceremony. BONUS TIP: Don't have immediately family walk out in the recessional - instead, have them stay seated so you can begin the family formals ASAP!
Limit Distractions: After you walk back out of your ceremony, HIDE so you don't get caught up greeting guests. Also, don't start drinking heavily just yet - inebriated people take much longer to get posed for photos/video.
Serve Apps: If your Guests will be arriving to the reception room more than one hour ahead of you, consider serving some appetizers or light snacks. It staves off hunger, keeps the occupied and makes the time pass faster.
Location, Location, Location: If you are having a traditional "long break" it can be tempting to make a longer list of locations you want to go for photos. More locations means more time wasted driving and not taking photos/video. Keep the list to 2 or 3 locations at the most.
Also Consider: Always check the sunset time for your wedding date. Once the sun goes down, outdoor photos/video aren't advised, so make sure you won't be running up to that last 30 minutes unless it's for a specific sunset photo. We always say, there are a lot of things we can re-arrange if you get behind schedule, but the sunset is the one thing we can't change!
I'm Having a First Look - How do I make the Most of it?
Timing: Be sure your First Look will be early enough that you aren't still taking photos when guests begin arriving. Most couples prefer to have at least 20-30 minutes of private time again prior to the ceremony. If you don't start early enough, it really negates having the First Look at all.
Who to Include: There are several options here. You can do this totally privately, with only your photo/video team, or you can choose to include parents and/or your wedding party. BONUS TIP: Some brides find it more calming to get ready ahead of their bridesmaids, having them put their dresses on while the first look and romantic photos are taking place, they would then meet up with the wedding party for those photos.
Hidden Benefits: Other than the obvious breathing room for photo and video coverage, a nice benefit that most aren't aware of is that the First Look serves as a way to really calm the nerves of the Groom especially. We find Grooms are striving to please their brides and being able to see them and talk with them before the ceremony give them the confidence boost they need that everything is going just how she wanted.
Also Consider: In addition to your individual portraits, prep time, and details, the three main components of your photo/video schedule are: Full Wedding Party, Family Formals, & Romantics with the Couple. If you are keen on attending your own cocktail hour, you may want to ask your Family to arrive early and do all those photos before the Ceremony. This will mean getting ready even earlier, but the payoff is that after the Ceremony you have a lot more free time. BONUS TIP: If lighting will be better after the ceremony, you may want to have your Full Wedding Party and Family Formal sessions immediately following the first look, and then have your Romantics done after the ceremony (during cocktail hour).
I'm NOT Having a First Look - How do I make the Most of my Photo/Video time?
Organize: Have a detailed list of Family Formal groupings that you want. Reach out to everyone that is needed for those photos and make sure they know they are needed immediately following the ceremony. BONUS TIP: Don't have immediately family walk out in the recessional - instead, have them stay seated so you can begin the family formals ASAP!
Limit Distractions: After you walk back out of your ceremony, HIDE so you don't get caught up greeting guests. Also, don't start drinking heavily just yet - inebriated people take much longer to get posed for photos/video.
Serve Apps: If your Guests will be arriving to the reception room more than one hour ahead of you, consider serving some appetizers or light snacks. It staves off hunger, keeps the occupied and makes the time pass faster.
Location, Location, Location: If you are having a traditional "long break" it can be tempting to make a longer list of locations you want to go for photos. More locations means more time wasted driving and not taking photos/video. Keep the list to 2 or 3 locations at the most.
Also Consider: Always check the sunset time for your wedding date. Once the sun goes down, outdoor photos/video aren't advised, so make sure you won't be running up to that last 30 minutes unless it's for a specific sunset photo. We always say, there are a lot of things we can re-arrange if you get behind schedule, but the sunset is the one thing we can't change!
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