Seeing each other before the ceremony?! Crazy!

One of the major decisions for the wedding day is not just about the flowers or the linens, but about whether or not the couple will have a “First Look” and see each other prior to the ceremony. Traditionally, it was said that it is bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding. But did you know that this tradition originated in the times of arranged marriages? It’s true! This tradition was originally based on the idea that marriage was no more than a business transaction between two families. In fear of the groom seeing the bride and finding her unattractive, the bride’s parents would keep her hidden until the last possible moment (the veil helped with this!) so that he would not have a chance to call off the wedding. 

Regardless of the less-than-romantic past of the tradition, it is becoming more and more common for couples to see each other prior to the ceremony and sharing a private moment with each other. This new tradition is called a “First Look”. There are so many reasons why the first look can be so beneficial to the overall structure of the day and we highly recommend doing a first look.

First of all, the wedding day is always an emotional day for the couple. There is so much pressure built around seeing each other for the first time in front of all your friends, family, and about a hundred cameras. You can’t talk or see your fiance’ on the other side of the building, you have no idea if they are even there, and it can be scary for even the most confident couples. Why not alleviate that pressure and see each other? It never fails, as soon as they see each other, a huge weight is lifted and everyone is so much happier and more excited!

Also, your photographers already have their work cut out to cram all of your portraits with your bridal party, family, and alone in a very short amount of time during the cocktail hour. Often times, the couple doesn’t even get to take a break before having to be rushed into the reception. Wouldn’t it be nice to have the majority of your photos done prior so that you and your new husband or wife can have a moment alone before being tossed to the wolves – I mean your loved ones! 

I know what you’re thinking, you want that butterflies-in-your-belly moment while walking down the aisle to meet the love of your life and seeing that reaction on their face. Regardless of if you see them before the ceremony, you will have that! This is one of the biggest days of your life and that moment is special, that is the moment when it all feels real! That is a moment that you will never forget.

So do yourself, your photographer, and your planner a favor and do the first look! Relieve that pressure, find comfort in each other through the stress, knock out the bulk of the photos, and have more time to party!