Traditionally the bride is not seen by the groom before the wedding ceremony.  So much of the time I have found from couples they didn’t really think about there being another option.  

 

So whether you think the tradition is the best, you know what a first look is and like it or are just now reading there could be another option this is for you.

 

I’m going to break down the benefits of both traditional and modern first looks.

 

What is a modern first look?

 

It is when the bride and groom take an intimate moment to see each other for the first time before their wedding ceremony.  This moment is often photographed but doesn’t have to be. I’m not sure where this started or even if it did “start” before I knew what it was. I opted for this to streamline the day and leave me more time with my out of town family. 

 

Reasons to do a Modern first look

 

Intimacy

 

I don’t know about you but I don’t love being emotional with loads of eyeballs aimed at me.  In this modern first look it allows the freedom for someone like me to let loose/and just be. And those who would feel comfortable to display their feelings in that traditional big moment often still react at the public reveal.

 

In addition to this it allows you and your fiance to have this intimate moment captured if you so desire in a way that you and he have this personal and intimate moment but you can share it with others if you so desire or have these keepsake images for your personal recollection. 

 

On top of allowing this personal moment for you to treasure it also give you both a few minutes of intimacy on what will end up being a busy day.  I have seen so many couples find such relaxation and grounding coming out of having these moments of intimacy. 

 

More time

 

Doing this modern first look not only lets you get this intimate moment but it also allows you and your partner to spend more of the wedding day hand in hand.  Because this first look will happen before all the photos you can be together leading all the way up to your wedding ceremony if you desire. 

 

Party more

 

Being able to see each other before the ceremony allows you to streamline the process of photos.  You can take almost all of the photos before your wedding ceremony so that you can go directly to be with your guests and even take part in cocktail hour or go straight to reception! 

 

This also keeps your guests from being antsy and having to hire entertainment or troubleshoot the time they would have just had to sit there while you did the traditional time for photos. 

 

Cons of Modern first look

 

 Your wedding ceremony might be a bit later in the day than you originally planned to make sure to have enough time for photos

Your partner might really desire that traditional wedding first look, settling in that case might not be a good idea. 

 

What is a traditional first look?

This is where the bride and groom have not seen each other before the wedding ceremony and there is the big reveal right as the bride walks down the aisle.

 

This tradition is harnessed back to arranged marriages when wedding ceremony would often be the first time a couple met, this was done in a fear that the couple might back out of the family affair/ commitment.

 

This foundation remained even after arranged marriages stopped as tradition of superstition of seeing the bride before the wedding and that being bad luck. (if you’re interested in more history on this tradition: https://www.bridalguide.com/planning/wedding-ceremony-traditions/wedding-superstitions)

 

There are so many interesting and weird traditions we still practice in weddings and  so many aspects of our life. Curious at more interesting traditions : https://www.buzzfeed.com/sarahburton/the-bizarre-origins-to-western-wedding-traditions?utm_term=.urrqBzw8O#.tuQxVWraB

Doesn’t front load the day

 

The first half of the day is usually the busiest and the easiest to get behind on the schedule.  If you opt not to do a modern first look then you have one less thing to have on your timeline before the ceremony.

 

Tradition!

 

Maybe you have always thought of and dreamed of that moment when he sees you coming down the aisle for the first time.  If this is a thing that you value than settling for something else will likely not be worth the gains of streamlining. 

 

Cons for traditional first look

More social pressure (at times this can be a huge factor) 

More time apart on your wedding day

More time the wedding party is a part and apart from the celebration

Less streamline of process and often less photos because of time crunch (instead of just being ceremony then reception it is ceremony, formals, family, bridal party and then reception)

 

Professionally and personally

 

As a wedding photographer in Raleigh NC, I will suggest to you a modern first look for how it streamlines your wedding day, offers you the chance to get more pictures in the same time frame and helps you be less stressed.    But I will say, with the help of professionals your timeline can go smoothly either way.

 

As a bride, I chose to do a first look for all the reasons.  I wanted the streamlined process of photos but even more so I wanted to spend more time with my partner on the wedding day.  But this is something I wanted.  If you have your heart set on tradition be careful about settling for something else.

 

Based in Raleigh NC, I am Rachel Abi and your engagement and wedding photography is my top priority!  I desire you to have images that you treasure and help you recall these amazing moments in your life!