When is a First Look the right choice?!  Every wedding!  Ok, I only say that because of how much I absolutely LOVE first looks.  But, I understand that everyone has different desires and I would never force anyone to do a First Look if they were uncomfortable with it.  However, there are reasons that I strongly suggest having a first look to my couples.  So if you fit one or more of the categories below, I would strongly consider a First Look for your wedding day.

(If you don’t know what a first look is, check out my post from last week First Looks – What Are They And Why They Are Awesome!)

 

You Want To Have A Sunset Ceremony

Don’t get me wrong, sunset ceremonies are amazingly dreamy.  But that dreamy atmosphere is caused by the setting sun, which means there will be little to no light to take pictures after the ceremony.  Which also means, you will need to take all of your pictures before the ceremony.  This is where the First Look comes in.  You can get all of the pictures done before the ceremony while there is still gorgeous light.  And if your photographer plans it and everything runs on time, you can get a few dreamy sunset portraits after the ceremony!

 

You Want To Get To The Party

Most couples don’t get to step foot in their Cocktail Hour.  This time is set up to entertain the guests while you get your photographs done.  Or is it?!  You could mingle with your guests and get your drink on if all your pictures were done!

(Note: I still steal my couples for 15 minutes after the ceremony, but after that, it’s party time!)

 

You or Your Future Spouse Gets Nervous In Front Of Crowds

Seeing each other for the first time on your wedding day is a very emotional moment.  And if your first time seeing each other is walking down the aisle, it is in front of 50 – 250 people!  If either you or your future spouse is shy, this could be very uncomfortable.  You may be uncomfortable just thinking about saying “I Do” and the big kiss in front of all your friends and family, much less showing the emotion of seeing each other for the first time.  During the First Look, it is just the two of you and your photographer.  No pressure, no on-lookers, just you: together.

 

You Want A Lot of Portraits Together

Not only do you get photographs of your First Look, but a First Look allows more time for portraits on your wedding day!  Instead of trying to squeeze in family pictures, bridal party pictures, and your bridal portraits all in one small cocktail hour, you will have more time for portraits.  My standard timeline doubles the time for portraits when we do a First Look.  If you are seeing each other before the ceremony, you can customize the timeline even more and add as much portrait time as you want!

 

You Want To Spend As Much Time Together As You Can

During a traditional wedding timeline, your time together starts at the altar.  So essentially, you are spending as much time with your new spouse as your are your guests.  (Ouch, that sounded harsh.  Harsher: You are probably spending more time with your parents than your spouse.)  But not with a First Look!  Then you are spending almost the whole day together: the first look, your portraits, bridal party pictures, the ceremony, and the reception!  With a first look, the only person you may be spending more time with is your photographer.  😉

 

 

I hope this helps you make the right decision regarding a First Look for you on your wedding day!  Want more tips for creating an amazing wedding day?  Click here for more Wedding Tips!