Incredible photos of the two of you on your wedding day is one of the biggest reasons for hiring a professional photographer (along with preserving the story of your day, of course.) Deciding whether to have those photos taken before or after the ceremony can make a big difference in the flow of your event. As photographers, we prefer the photographic benefits of taking photos before the ceremony. However, we are also fairly traditional in nature and totally understand if you want to preserve the tradition and suspense of not seeing each other before the aisle. You will not receive any pressure from us in either direction. Here are a few pros and cons that may help you decide…
BEFORE THE CEREMONY: Bride and Groom arrange to share a First Look, spend a few special moments together, and have photos taken together before the ceremony.
PROS
- The first time you see each other is private and shared just between the two of you
- You will both look your freshest for photos together
- The nerves of seeing each other for the first time will be gone and you can look forward to, focus on and enjoy your ceremony and promises to each other (which is really what the event is all about, right?)
- Helps ensure there is enough time for the most important photos (the ones of you two!)
- Provides a great trial run for walking around and moving in your dress before doing it in front of everyone at your ceremony!
CONS
- Seeing each other before the ceremony goes against tradition
AFTER THE CEREMONY: Bride and Groom do not see each other before the ceremony when the bride walks down the aisle.
PROS
- You get to keep a long standing wedding tradition
- If you enjoy the suspense of waiting for something exciting, you have a bit more time to anticipate…
- If you are wanting to entertain guests or have them mingle between the ceremony and reception, taking photos after the ceremony will allow time for this
CONS
- If the ceremony begins late or family photos run longer than expected, it’s always the bride and groom photo time that gets cut short
- The photo time needed after the ceremony will take longer so guests will have approximately an hour and a half to two hour break from the end of the ceremony to your entrance at the reception. If you are not planning to entertain guests during this time, many of them may leave before enjoying the reception with you.
Like we said, the decision is up to you. Happy planning!
Best wishes,
Chris and Jeannette
