To See or Not See

The Bride stands ready at the back of the church. In a few moments, the doors will open and she will triumphantly walk down the aisle to meet her soon-to-be husband. The Groom anxiously awaits his Bride at the altar, tears fill his eyes and the anticipation grows.

Finally, the time has come. She floats down the aisle and embraces her Groom; he feels a few tears fall and looks around to make sure no one saw. But the room is empty. No guests, no attendants, no minister -- only a photographer, trying to stay out of the couple's way. Is this a bad dream? No, it's just a "first look".

More and more couples these days are opting to see each other before the ceremony begins. They meet either in the church, outdoors, or in a secluded room and catch their first glimpse of one another in a private, intimate way. Obviously, this is against tradition, but which way is best? Here are some of the pros and cons to help you decide if the "first look" is right for you.

First Look

This allows you to see each other for the first time privately, without anyone's eyes bearing down on you. It gets the first jitters out and gives you a chance to calm your nerves and reassure one another. It also allows for a great photo opportunity, as your photographer is able to get close enough to really capture those tender moments between the two of you. It also gives time for you to get some other shots together, saving time after the ceremony. However, even though you are able to relax, you will not have the excitement and triumph on your face at your actual ceremony. It can almost make your entrance at the wedding less formal and anti-climactic, as you will not have the normal emotions present on your face.

Waiting until the Ceremony

This is a moment your guests have waited for -- they want to strain their necks to see your expressions as you see each other for the first time. It is a precious, raw moment that is reverent and emotional. Brides who have already had a first look tend to be a little more casual about going down the aisle; therefore, your guests are teary-eyed and you are bouncing down the aisle giggling. It's also the traditional way of doing things. For generations this has been one of the most anticipated moments of a wedding. If you want to see that twinkle in his eye as you walk toward him during the ceremony, this is not the route for you. However, on the flip side, if you or your fiancée are extremely nervous, it can also distract from the beauty of this moment.

So whether you choose to lay eyes on one another beforehand or not, now you know you have options. Just make sure you've discussed this beforehand and your photographer / videographer is well aware of your plan. Regardless of the way you do it, you will want the moment captured on film forever.