You've heard it before,
the Groom is not supposed to see the Bride before the wedding. It's bad luck.
It's a tradition. You can't do it. And while there is plenty to do to keep the
bride and groom in their separate corners on the morning of the wedding, many
couples feel this is an outdated tradition (including me). Honestly, my husband
and I not only saw each other that morning, we ate breakfast together with some
of our guests and we had a few moments alone exchanging gifts and it was
absolutely perfect. There was no pressure or work to keep us hidden. We did
exactly what we wanted. And so should you.
The
superstition/tradition originated from a time when most marriages
were arranged and grooms didn't know who he was marrying (I can't imagine
this). Back then, there was a possibility he might take one look at her and
run...deciding not to proceed with the marriage. So the parents took charge and
said the first time he should see her is at the altar, thus placing more
pressure on him to marry her (isn't there already enough pressure?).
Now-a-days many people
agree this is an outdated tradition. Many people participate in the "First
Look" and it has become a very special moment on a very busy day - the
Wedding Day. The First Look is often coordinated with the photographer to find
a somewhat secluded, intimate or private space where the couple can meet and
see each other before the wedding ceremony. You'll see many pictures of the
groom facing one way as his bride approaches from behind to greet him. Once
they meet, they can share a moment in peace that can be beautifully captured by
photo and film - First
Look by Studio Vieux Carre.
As a bride, this moment
provided a chance to see my groom and look him in the eyes before all the crazy
started. It allowed us to relax just a bit more. As a bride, it allowed me to
take a quiet moment with my soon-to-be husband and just take in the moment.
There was no rush to get pictures done between the ceremony and reception.
There were no people wanting hugs or wanting to talk. It was just the two of us
looking into each other eyes and taking in the moment.
As a coordinator, this
eases tension because the bride and groom are dressed, ready and in the same
place well before the actual wedding; therefore they're less likely to have
logistical issues arriving to the ceremony on time.
By no means am I trying to
convince any couple to do something they don’t feel comfortable with. If you're
a traditional couple, go for it and wait until the ceremony? As I've said it
before, it is YOUR day, so remember it the way you want.
As for me, I did it my
way. I didn't care about tradition. I ate breakfast with my soon-to-be husband
and enjoyed a moment or two with him again before the ceremony. I loved every
minute of it.
If you choose to do the first look, it's important to coordinate
this with all vendors and parties involved - coordinator, photographer, and
videographer. Do you want your parents or his parents to see? Mine watched from
an area which allowed us our moment but still allowed them to take part in it
from a distance.
