Do you really need to do a first look?
Let’s dive into a discussion about first looks on your wedding day.
Are they needed? What’s the benefit? Will I still have those “butterflies” at ceremony?
First look at Old Polo Estate
Let’s dive in. There is obviously a reason first looks have come into popularity over the years and for the simplicity lets focus on the main two reasons: logistics & photos. Getting married in the fall or winter months we are faced with the harsh reality that the sun is not in our favor meaning less light for romantic photos of you the couple, family, and bridal party.
As a bride to be - You become well aware of the timing and attention to detail that goes into each moment of planning. The timeline of your wedding day is what everyone follows from hair and makeup all the way down the line to your dj and flow of reception. A first look can help with the flow of your wedding day, If you do your photos beforehand, you will have more time after ceremony for you and your guests to celebrate without worrying about photos taking up time during the reception. We have found that the flow of the day and tension between brides is much more carefree upon doing a first look at the beginning of the day
With a first look, you can schedule your couple portraits before the ceremony, right after getting ready and have time for more relaxed photos around your venue, utilizing all aspects of the property. This allows more time after the ceremony for mingling with guests at cocktail hour, and have your portraits taken in better light, depending on the time of day and ceremony time.
Our timeline
We start with getting ready details of brides and grooms three hours prior to ceremony. This gives us ample time to take photos of the final touches of hair and makeup, invitation details and brides/grooms getting into their dress and suit. After this - depending on the time of year is when a first look really comes into play. If your ceremony is at 4:00P.M. this allows us to start at 1:00P.M. however after ceremony we are left with only roughly 30-40 minutes of natural sunlight for all portraits of the couple, family and bridal party. As you can tell from this brief example, it puts a rush and extreme time crunch for everyone, when really after saying “I do” you and your family want to celebrate with those that came to be in attendance with you.
That said, not every couple chooses to do a first look and we always recommend doing what is right for you! One main detail we would recommend is bumping up the ceremony time to start early making sure you have plenty of sunlight for formal photos.
A brief look at a real wedding with first look where we utilized all light to take couple portraits, bridal party and family photos prior to ceremony allowing for a relaxed vibe heading into the rest of the night.
Planning a proper timeline for your wedding is key to making sure everything goes smoothly and everyone stays on track. Here are some solid reasons to make sure you have a detailed timeline in place:
1. Keeps Things Organized
A well-structured timeline helps you stay organized and ensures all the essential activities are planned, from hair and makeup to the last dance. You won’t have to stress about forgetting any important moments or activities.
2. Helps Manage Time Efficiently
With so many moving parts on a wedding day, things can quickly get out of hand if you don’t have a plan. A timeline helps ensure each part of your day is allocated enough time, preventing delays or rushing through crucial moments. For example, having enough time for family photos before the ceremony can save a lot of stress.
3. Maximizes Vendor Coordination
Vendors often work on tight schedules, so having a detailed timeline makes it easier to communicate with them. A solid plan lets your photographer, caterer, DJ, and others know when they need to arrive, what they should expect, and when they can pack up or start preparing.
4. Reduces Stress
Knowing that you have a well-thought-out schedule in place means you don’t have to worry about where you should be or what should come next. A timeline gives you a sense of control and allows you to focus on enjoying the day instead of thinking about logistics.
5. Improves Guest Experience
Guests won’t be left wondering what’s happening next. A timeline ensures they know when to expect key events like the ceremony, reception, speeches, dinner, and dancing. You also can plan breaks for guests to socialize or grab a drink, which makes the experience more enjoyable.
6. Makes Room for Unplanned Moments
With a timeline in hand, you can allocate buffer time for those unplanned moments—like running a few minutes late or spontaneous speeches—that might pop up. Having a cushion ensures the day stays on track even when unexpected things happen.
7. Ensures Key Moments Happen
By having a set schedule, you ensure that special moments, like the first dance, cake cutting, and speeches, are not skipped or rushed. Sometimes in the excitement of the day, things can get pushed to the side. A timeline ensures that everything you’ve dreamed of gets the time it deserves.
8. Helps With Teamwork
Whether you have a wedding planner, bridesmaids, or family helping out, everyone needs to know where to be and when. A timeline acts as a roadmap for everyone involved, helping them to stay on the same page and keep things running smoothly.
9. Makes It Easier for You to Enjoy the Day
With everything accounted for, you can focus on enjoying your wedding instead of worrying about the next step. Knowing that you’re on track and everything is planned lets you take a deep breath and soak in the moments.
10. Saves Money
Sometimes, if things run late or there are delays, it can cost you extra—like additional hours for your venue or vendors. A timeline helps prevent unnecessary overtime, which could save you money in the long run.
Do you already have a wedding planner, or are you working on organizing the timeline yourself?