Iowa Wedding Timeline: Skipping the First Look
Planning on skipping the first look? If you’re planning a wedding in Des Moines or anywhere in Central Iowa and choosing to skip the first look, you’re not alone. A lot of couples want that traditional, emotional moment walking down the aisle. But here’s the truth most people don’t talk about. Skipping the first look doesn’t just change one moment; it impacts your entire wedding day timeline.
Let’s break it down so you can decide what’s best for you.
Skipping the First Look?
When you skip the first look, you’re choosing this magical moment you have dreamed of your whole life. It’s classical, emotional, and timeless. Something you may not have thought about is that in the Midwest, ceremonies happen between 3- 5 p.m. Half your wedding day is over, and you have not seen each other yet. The person who calms your nerves is waiting for you at the end of the aisle. Having that first reaction happen at the aisle means a lot of what you need to happen after the ceremony. You won’t be a part of your social hour because you will be off taking photos.
Here is what you need to know about the first look.
Without a first look, you’ll need to fit ALL of the photos that need the couple together after your ceremony during your social hour:
- Full wedding party photos
- All family photos
Once you have done all of those portraits, couple portraits still need to be taken. Realistically, these photos take 60–90 minutes minimum. Things will need to move quickly, and we need everyone where they need to be for these to be seamless.
Having an assertive photographer is very important if you choose to hold off on seeing each other. That will help you not feel overwhelmed by the wrangling of your family/guests. This gives you peace of mind knowing they have it under control.
Pro Tip: Add activities to your social hour: Photo booth, Yard games, or Caricatures. This way, your guests are entertained if you need to have a longer social hour.
Do You Need Two Wedding Photographers?
Something else to consider is having two photographers. This can help with the flow of the morning and capture different angles and areas. Keeping you separated on your wedding day can be hard. Having two photographers means you can have a photographer in different locations while getting ready.
That priceless moment of the look on their face happens at the exact same time as the walk down the aisle. To capture both moments and the candid emotions of mom’s tears, it’s helpful to have two viewpoints. As you get into those group shots during social hour, it will speed up photos to have someone call off shots, pose family, and have people on deck. If the second photographer is not needed for that, they are off capturing the social hour since you won’t be present for that.
First Look Alternatives
Des Moines wedding timelines are based around the time of year, sunset, locations, and special moments like a first look. Every wedding is different; every love story is unique. Some unique and different ideas include:
- First Touch
- First Prayer
- Private Vow Readings
- First look with the bridesmaids
- First look with the groomsmen
- First look with the Father of the Bride
It’s your wedding, your way. We want to take your dreams and make them a reality. Every one of these moments affects your timeline differently. Consult with your wedding team for best practices.
