What You NEED to Know About the “First Look” on your Wedding Day!

When we come to timelining our destination wedding events, one of the trickiest decisions our brides are asked to make is whether or not to include the famous “First Look”. Familiar with the concept? The first look is a pre-scheduled meeting between the groom and his gorgeous bride-to-be, shortly before ceremony time. The encounter generally relies on interaction not only between the happy couple, but also their photographers, who record the private moment for inclusion into the final wedding album. Why is the decision so tough? Let’s take a look and the pros and cons…

It takes the pressure off! Many a nervous bride has benefited from a few moments of alone time with her groom before that nerve-wracking walk down the aisle. Having already seen his reaction to her dress, shoes and makeup, most are more at ease come ceremony time.
It guarantees some gorgeous photos that are sure to be treasured for a lifetime. Any wedding photographer worth their paycheck will be familiar with the concept of the first look. The moment when the bride lightly taps on her groom’s shoulder to announce her arrival, and the emotion charged look on his face as he turns to greet her is something our photographers and their second shooters love to capture. The fact that the couple are alone means photographers have the time and space to capture the details, without being interrupted by the famous “Uncle Bob” and his iPhone mid ceremony.
It speeds up the timeline. Getting some of the couple’s portraits out of the way pre-ceremony often means that the post-ceremony sunset session takes far less time! Brides who opt not to do a first look rarely have time to join their guests at cocktail hour. On the contrary, couples with a first look under their belt are freed up somewhat, and able to mingle with guests almost immediately after their ceremony is complete.

So what’s the flip side?

Your hair and makeup must be completed earlier when including a first look into your timeline. This may mean a very early morning start depending on the number of services you have hired. Brides with large bridal parties having hair and makeup services, or those wanting to have a leisurely brunch with their nearest and dearest on the wedding morning often opt to forego the first look.
The heat. Los Cabos is renowned for its “year long summer”, meaning temperatures are warm, warm and even warmer most of the year. With a first look generally taking place 3 to 3.5 hours before sunset, a makeup touch up may very well be needed after the first look and before the ceremony.
Your guests (including Mom and Dad) aren’t present during the encounter, and many family members may be disappointed not the have been witness to the moment. On the contrary, brides choosing not to include a first look first meet their groom at the altar, with family and friends as witnesses.

Whether you choose to have a first look or go the more traditional route, timing is the key. Speak to your wedding planner well in advance to ensure the pre and post ceremony events run smoothly and remember, your special day will be beautiful either way!

Come take a look at some of our favorite couples that did their First Look!