Not doing first look? Photo Question

I would assume that the 3.5 hours before the ceremony will be split up something close to 15 minutes of detail shots (accessories, invitations, dress etc.) 15 minutes of shooting the actual venue space(s), an hour of getting ready/getting into your dress photos, and then 2 hours of bridal party and immediate family photos. I don't think it could hurt to have a chat with your photographer about how you could reconfigure your time, but keep in mind she will need time to do things like detail shots and photos of the venue, you will value those pictures later!

I don't see how it could be a problem to ask to switch the 2 hours to after the ceremony. It's still time she's getting paid for and she doesn't have to get to the venue so early. I changed my mind last minute about having a first look. I was against it but after assessing my personal timeline I decided to go ahead and do the first look. What I would suggest is getting as many of the photos done before the ceremony as possible. Make a photo grouping list for your photographer of all the shot combinations you want. (example: Father of the groom & groom) and all of the photos that don't include you and your groom, do before the ceremony. The more organized you are the less time after the ceremony you'll have to use taking pictures instead of partying! Hope that helps at all.

We didn't do a first look! You can do a lot of pictures before the wedding. She can do all your details pictures, getting ready pictures, pictures of you & bridesmaids & mom & dad, groom & groomsmen & mom & dad, and get all the pictures out of the way that aren't ones you both will be in. We had our photographer for 2 hours prior and our entire wedding after (6 hours).

We aren't doing a first look either! Try negotiating with your photographer if you want to delegate more photos for the reception

We didn't - like I said in an earlier forum on favors, half this stuff has been made up in the last 25 years, lol!!! We never had bridesmaid proposals, memorial tables, welcome bags, photo booths, signs everywhere, sand ceremonies, favors, first look, the wedding having a "theme" (isn't getting married enough of a theme?) cocktail hour (the whole reception was one big drinkfest, lol!) If you want to do it, go ahead. Our thought was the moment we saw each other was special and we will remember it and no need to photograph it.

I sound like a crabby old lady - gotta go shoo kids off my lawn now, lol.

Just don't be pressured to do something you don't want to do.

No I agree with you so much!! All those things become more to manage and pretty soon the bride is tearing her hair out over a chocolate fountain or people are not speaking to each over what a favor will be or not be!!!

I am 100% with your hubby on the memorial table. Look, I don't show up at a funeral and try to turn it into wedding, why are you turning our wedding into a funeral or memorial? My late parents would have been HORRIFIED to think pictures of them were on display at our wedding. Plus we were both 52 - that would have been one BIG table, lol!!!

We aren't doing a first look.

We had friends who didn't do a first look, and the groom's knees buckled, and he put his hand to his face as he tried not to cry and grin at the same time. That is one of my favorite moments from all my friend's weddings... so I don't want to do a first look. I want to see how FH reacts. (I figure I'll cry when my dad sees me, because I know he'll cry.)

We are not doing a first look. However, even without a first look those 3 1/2 hours are still definitely needed! This is the time for your HMU pictures, getting ready pictures, family pictures, bridal portraits, pictures with bridesmaids, and any other individual picture. You would want to do as many individual pictures you can before the ceremony so that after the only pictures that need to be done is group pictures so that way you can enjoy your cocktail hour as well!

I am not doing a first look and in my area, none of our friends have either. I think there's something special about seeing each other at the ceremony. I will have first looks with my dad and my bridesmaids who have not seen my dress/me in my dress. The photographer should be asking you what your timeline is, not telling you what they have done in the past. I agree 3.5 hours is too much. Ours will be there 2.5 hours earlier and still working the whole reception til 10pm (8 hour package 2-10pm). I don't need nor want them there earlier than that.