Should the bride let the groom see her before the ceremony?

Should the bride let the groom see her before the ceremony?

One of the important questions that brides always like to ask me is whether they should see each other before the ceremony to take photos. Indeed, this question is the popular cause of doubts, headaches and confusion!  Should you really sacrifice the amazing moment of your husband-to-be gazing at you, gorgeous, at stunning white dress, walking down the isle with tears in your eyes? After all, maybe that’s just the moment you’ve been waiting for since childhood! Well, your grandmother might advise you to do it the old-fashioned way , but as a photographer, I say – Common! -Just Do it! – See each other BEFORE the ceremony!
And here’s why. First of all, let’s face it.. Deep inside you might feel a tiny bit nervous about that whole photo-session extravaganza. Maybe your fiancée is very stiff and you don’t know how many posed shots he will handle before getting irritated; perhaps you are afraid that you won’t be able to help it but put that tense fake smile on your face. Maybe you both are camera-shy or just hate being in front of the camera [You are not alone here!:)]. If either of these apply to you, I advise to use good old wisdom – just let go of  your fears ASAP! In other words, – get it over with early in the day, and enjoy the rest of the time worry-free.
But that’s not the main reason why do it before the ceremony. The main reason is Timing! Couples that don’t see each other before the ceremony are on average left with only 40-50 minutes to take ALL their “posed” photos. Keep in mind that the average “mid-size” family shots can take good 20 to 30 minutes. If both sides have siblings and large extended families, then even 30 minutes estimate is too optimistic. And then don’t forget about your bridal party! All your dearest girlfriends in the cutest matching dresses… You want some photos with them too, don’t you? Last but not least, you would definitely want some photos of just the two of you.. You two – walking, talking, kissing, as well as standing there smiling and looking at the camera [yes, that’s a cliche, I know, but your grandchildren will want to see that one!:)] And, did I mention that you would miss a big part or all of the cocktail hour? Some people don’t mind it at all, but if you were working hard on hiring a famous chef, and meticulously arranging the menu list, it’d be a pity to miss it.

 

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Here’s the bottom line: if you don’t see each other before the ceremony, you are putting yourself on a very tight time-line. Tight time-line is stressful by definition. If seeing each other while walking down the isle is truly important to you, then go for it, but plan well your photography time during the cocktail hour. Otherwise, if it’s semi-important… then Do see each other earlier! Do give your photographer more time to take your photos, because you’ll have more beautiful, relaxed, creative, fun and natural photos to last you a lifetime!

Author Anna is a freelance wedding photographer based in Manhattan, New York. She brings laughter and joy to the wedding day, and always tries to shoot the same with her camera.She tries to utilize meditation concepts in her photography whenever possible.

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Categories: Wedding Photography

Tagged: modern bride and groom photos, wedding photo advice, wedding photo tips, wedding photographer tips, wedding photography, wedding photos, wedmepretty.com

Date: February 25, 2013

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