Categories

You’ve probably heard the old saying that it’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding. But did you know that waiting to see the bride until the wedding only took place because of arranged marriages? The groom wasn’t to see the bride until she was at the altar to ensure the groom would go through with the marriage regardless of the bride’s appearance. I don’t know about you, but that old tradition puts a bad taste in my mouth.

Marriage today is about finding the one person who sets your soul on fire and committing your neverending patience, love, and faithfulness to them in front of your family and friends. If marriage has evolved into something more than marrying a person who you’ve never met before, why are we keeping these old traditions on our wedding days?

By doing a first look, you’re not only breaking an old tradition but there are SO many perks that will benefit you and your future spouse. Here are my 5 reasons why you should do a first look on your big day:

1. Time alone together. Believe it or not, you won’t spend very much time together with your spouse on your wedding day– crazy, right? You will be so busy getting ready, taking photos, and seeing friends and family that you won’t have much time to be alone by yourselves. Doing a first look ensures alone time together as well as calming any built-up nerves during the getting ready process.

2. Nerves. Speaking of nerves, doing a first look will calm those anxious nerves. You might not think you’ll be nervous on your wedding day, but holy cow, you will be wrong! Most brides don’t feel like a bride until she’s all dressed up and then a sea of nerves and emotions rush over her. Once you’re able to see, touch, and kiss your future spouse all of those nerves will dissolve in about two seconds.

3. Two reactions. Some brides think a first look will ruin the emotional reaction of their future spouse seeing her as she walks down the aisle. What may not be realized is a first look and the ceremony are two completely different events. I have seen grooms break down and cry when he sees his bride during the first look and then again during the ceremony. I have seen grooms not have much of a reaction during the first look and then are a complete sobbing mess during the ceremony.

4. More photos. Believe it or not, you will receive almost double the number of photos of couple portraits, wedding party photos, and reception photos if you do a first look than if you have to wait until after the ceremony.

5. Time with your guests. After doing your first look, your photographer will go into photos of just you and your future spouse, then wedding party photos, then family photos. After the ceremony, your must-have photos will be done and all you will have to do is grab a drink, enjoy yourself, and spend time with those who traveled near and far to celebrate your special day with you.