After photographing over 400 weddings, we have shot many first looks. So this guide is here to help you decide if you should have a first look and if so, the best way to plan one.
Deciding whether to have a first look is a daunting task. It might seem like a great idea at first but the more you research and the more you plan for one, the more questions you have! If you’ve been part of a wedding party that has had a first look, then you might have some idea but we thought we should get some clarity out there so couples really know what they are getting in to when planning a first look for their wedding day.
PROS
Helps ease nerves before the ceremony. Some people get very nervous before the ceremony so being able to get the first look over and done with can make you enjoy the rest of the day more
As photos get done before the ceremony, you get to spend more time with guests after the ceremony
You get a very emotional moment together that is private. Rather than hiding your emotions in front of everyone at the ceremony, you get to be a little more comfortable with your emotions in a private setting
It makes the mingling time a lot more relaxing not having to rush off for bridal party photos
CONS
The day starts around 2-3 hours earlier than usual
The light is the absolute worst for photos
Due to the bad light, you often have to find shaded photo locations which sometimes isn’t possible
If hair & makeup run late, this will reduce the first look & photoshoot time
Sometimes there is no reaction and things are a bit awkward
As the day starts earlier, if you want coverage of the full day from your Photo/Video team, you will likely need them beyond 10 hours so might have to pay for additional hours
It takes away the reaction of the first look at the altar
Your hair, makeup and dress won’t be in perfect condition for the ceremony
Still going ahead with the First Look? Here are our TOP TIPS
When there is a first look, we would say about 80% of the time couples don’t plan enough time and this results in cutting into your photoshoot time. A first look means you often need to be ready 3-4 hours before the ceremony so suddenly you need to get hair and makeup finished much earlier in the morning.
The bigger your bridal party, allow for as much contingency time as possible. Make sure you have 90 minutes to JUST get into your dress. This time is vital to not allowing everyone to go into panic mode when things are running behind time.
An often overlooked aspect of first looks is how this can impact the photoshoot locations. Your Photographer wants to deliver the best photos possible, and unfortunately, the light during midday (when a first look usually happens) is when it looks the worst as it creates dark shadows on your face. So plan to shoot at locations with shade! Nothing is worse than sweating out the suit before the ceremony has even started. While your Photographer might be able to suggest some locations, if you consider shady locations before making the decision to make things as easy as possible.
Also, consider that your Photographer will still want to take sunset photos at the end of the day. This is because they want to shoot in more flattering light so be prepared to still spend 20-30 minutes on couple photos at sunset.
Last of all, make sure you enjoy the moment! Choosing a first look comes with the privilege of being able to see up and close the reaction of one another. It can be a very large emotional release so be sure to have some tissues handy! Give yourself time to cherish one another in that moment, have a talk about the morning you’ve had and always, don’t forget to compliment each other!
Chat with your Photographer about the best spot to have the first look. Often they will have somewhere in mind or will have a look around the area to find the best looking private spot. The Photographer is often the one who will take the lead and instruct you where to walk and when your partner will turn around.
Our tip - don’t let any friends or family be near where the first look will happen. Unfortunately, they will ruin the moment 9 times out of 10 so we often try to make sure they are hidden away and out of sight. On allow your Photographer/Videographer to be the ones in the area.
Chat with us about how we can help plan your dream First Look!
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