If you are considering the different options of your wedding timeline then a good starting point is always the time of your ceremony. There is the tradition of not seeing each other until the actual ceremony, but I am here to turn that upside down. Time to trash the tradition and consider the pros and cons of having a pre-ceremony photoshoot, which includes a first look, more time spent together, a relaxed atmosphere, and family formals. Through this post we will also suggest alternatives to pre-ceremony photoshoots such as having a first look with the bridal party or family members and having a first touch if you are still keen on not seeing each other until the ceremony. The article also provides a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for a successful pre-ceremony photoshoot, from communicating with the photographer to alerting vendors and the wedding party. Overall, we encourages couples to consider alternatives to the outdated tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony, especially if you want to have a wedding day filled with emotions.

The outdated tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony

This tradition of not seing each other before the ceremony used to be linked to the belief that seeing each other before the ceremony would bring bad luck. This originated when the weddings were arranged and couples often haden’t met face to face yet. The thinking was that if they saw each other before the marriage it would be an opportunity for the other to bail out before the wedding due to the other’s appearance. Over the years this has also being associated with enhancing the moment when the person waiting at the ceremony space gets to see their fiancee all dressed up for the first time as they walk in to the tune of their wedding song. Although this choice is yours, we would like you to consider alternatives to this moment especially if you want to have a wedding day filled with emotions.

Pros and Cons of taking wedding photos before the ceremony

• Pros of a Pre-ceremony photoshoot - First look

  • More time spent with each other.

  Consider the time of your ceremony, if this is at 3pm for example, you will only be spending around 8 hours of your wedding day with your partner. That’s half of the time if you could get ready at the same location.

  • You will create a more relaxed atmosphere

  While still having an element of surprise you can create a more relaxed atmosphere as your partner won’t have to be at a different location or add another layer of logistics and transport.

  • It gives you the opportunity to have a first look

  Although you might be getting ready at the same location, this doesn’t mean that you will have to see each other, you can leave this special moment to the two of you and enjoy a first look, which is a private moment where you will see each other for the first time without having all the praying eyes on each other.

  • More variety of images available of your day

  Having a first look or a photoshoot before your ceremony can be a quick moment of 10 to 15 minutes at a location in between your getting ready location and your ceremony location. This option will add a location to your wedding day, and will allow us to have a greater variety of images. This can be a meaningful location like your first date, a local street with awesome street art.

  • Have family formals before the ceremony

  If you have a group of family members with you while you get ready then this is a great opportunity to knock off some of the family formal portraits and have a chance to chat and catch up with friends after the ceremony without having to run away from them to do family formals and your creative shoot.

  Cons of a Pre-ceremony photoshoot

  • Early start to your day

  Having a pre-ceremony photoshoot or first look, will add to the list of things that need to happen before your ceremony, this means that your hair and make-up will have to start earlier in the day, to allow for these moments to happen on your way from the getting ready to the ceremony location.

  • Hair and make-up retouch needed

  Your hair and make up will still be fresh, but keep in mind that this moment could be very emotional so be ready to touch up your make up if you cry.

Alternatives to pre-ceremony photoshoots

We understand if you want to follow the tradition and see each other for the first time at the location of the ceremony, here is a list of options that are alternatives to a pre-ceremony photoshoot that you could consider.

• Consider having a first look with your bridal party or a family member

If you are set on wanting to see each other at the ceremony location, you could still consider having a first look with a special family member (your mum and or dad, your grandparents, or someone significant for you) or your bridal party.

• Consider having a first touch

Instead of looking at each other, why not add a layer of meaning by touching each other instead of looking. This moment is a beautiful one to have, and it can help to build the excitement and anticipation of the ceremony.

How to prepare a successful pre-ceremony photoshoot

Just like any photoshoot, a pre-ceremony photoshoot can be simple but still needs to have a level of planning.

Step 1: Start by communicating your thoughts to your photographer.

Make sure that your photographer is aware of your plans early on, as they will have to keep everyone in time, to make sure that everything else runs smoothly. Your photographer should be great to provide great options, as well as consider options for a wet weather.

Step 2: Brainstorm possible locations with your partner and your photographer

This is the fun part! Start by considering locations that are meaningful to you, or locations that stand out that have great street art, sculptures, landscape.

Step 3: Calculate the transport time between getting ready, pre-ceremony photoshoot to ceremony location

Keep this in mind, the day goes very quickly and some options like a cocktail kind of wedding will provide a greater flexibility rather than a sit down meal wedding.

Step 4: Alert your vendors and your wedding party

Once you have made up your mind and you have your prefered location, make sure that you alert your other vendors like your hair and make up and florist, to make sure that you are ready on time for the photoshoot.

Step 5: Relax and enjoy the moment

This will probably be one of the scarce moments that you have to just the two of you, make the most of it, let the emotions flow and get ready to take the step into newlywed life together.

In conclusion, the tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony has its roots in arranged marriages and superstitions. While some couples still opt to follow this tradition, there are many alternatives available that can make your wedding day even more special. A pre-ceremony photoshoot allows you to spend more time with your partner, create a relaxed atmosphere, and capture a variety of images of your special day. If you choose to do a pre-ceremony photoshoot, make sure to communicate your plans with your photographer, brainstorm possible locations, calculate transport time, and alert your vendors and wedding party. Ultimately, your wedding day is about celebrating your love and choosing what works best for you as a couple.