One of the most frequently asked questions we hear from our prospective brides is: “Should my fiancé and I see each other before the ceremony?”

In some religions and cultures the option of seeing each other before is simply not allowed. For most people, however it is not only permissible but quite practical as well.

Here are some reasons why I think it’s a good idea. First of all, your wedding day will go by so quickly and be such a blur that the entire day will appear to have transpired in an hour. By choosing to see each other early in the day, you and your fiancé will extend the precious time that you have together. I can’t tell you how many grooms we have encountered over the years who are a nervous wreck up until the moment they see their bride. Once they are together, the jitters melt away and the day becomes much more fun.

From a photographic stand point your photographer can choose a quite place for your big reveal, allow for you two to have a special moment together and get some amazing shots too. Quite honestly, this moment is usually my favorite to capture and always yields very spontaneous, emotional images.

Let’s also not forget that your hair and makeup are going to look
a lot fresher earlier in the day and wouldn’t you rather have your new husband’s first glimpse be of you looking perfect?

Another argument for seeing each other before the ceremony is that once you are pronounced husband and wife, and the champagne is flowing and the hors d’oeuvres are being passed around, the last thing you are going to want to do is tear yourselves away from your guests and all of the festivities to have your pictures taken. Not to mention, that this is the optimum time for your photographer to capture all of the fun candids during the cocktail hour as well as the centerpieces and room decor before your guests are seated.

In the dozen or so years that we have been photographing weddings, the majority of our clients have chosen to see each other before the ceremony. Sometimes it has taken a little gentle prodding from us to do so but we have never had any one say that they regretted that decision. In fact, those who were reluctant made a point of thanking us not only the day of the wedding but again once they saw all of the beautiful photos that just never would have happened if they hadn’t seen each other before walking down the aisle.