First Sight


Should the bride and groom see each other prior to their wedding ceremony? Modern weddings sometimes hew to tradition, yet more couples are finding their own paths that work best for them and their guests. The bottom line is there is no right or wrong answer to this--only the way in which you feel most comfortable. That said, let’s lay out some advantages and disadvantages to seeing each other prior to your ceremony.


Advantages There are two primary advantages to what we call First Sight. The first is that you get to, often in the presence of your photographer, enjoy a few private moments alone with your soon-to-be-spouse. As the bulk of your wedding day is often dictated by a pre-ordained schedule, this period may be the only opportunity the two of you really have alone to reflect on the commitment you’re each about to make. Many clients have reported the alleviating of undue nervousness because they saw their partner first as well.


The second primary advantage to a First Sight is you now have the opportunity to do some of your portraits with the two of you, your wedding party, and perhaps even your family members prior to the ceremony. The upside to all this? You can now attend most, if not all, of your cocktail hour, mingling with your guests. This may also negate or minimize the need to visit each table during dinner (which has the added benefit of giving you and your new spouse the opportunity to actually eat your delicious meal without rushing through it).


Disadvantages Your parents, or even your partner, may have strong feelings about this. Just like in any relationship, the


40 TheWeddingPlannerMag.com


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