Would you consider getting your wedding pictures taken before the ceremony?

My friend suggested that we get our formal wedding pictures taken before the actual ceremony. She wished that she had since the photo taking took up all of her cocktail hour.

So with my wedding we took care of all of the formal pictures before we actually married each other. The photographer took all of the family pictures as well, before the wedding.

There are two reasons why I am so thankful I did it this way.
1. My makeup was perfect for the pictures so I was free to cry my eyes out at any time during the ceremony.

2. We were able to enjoy cocktail hour and feel relaxed instead of rushing around to take pictures. Everything was taken care and the only think we had left to do was have fun and enjoy the night.

The photographer was happy that we took our pictures before hand because we were able to capture some sunlight. Our outside pictures are my favorites.

Would you consider getting your wedding pictures taken before the ceremony?

I am a wedding officiant and I find my couples who do their photos before are much calmer during and leading up to the ceremony.

The first time I saw it 10 yrs ago I thought it was strange. But it really is a good idea.

Definately, that's what we're doing before ours in August. My mother tears up at almost anything, and I know I'll cry during vows, so smudgy mascara and blotchy red faces are NOT what we're looking for in our wedding photos.

I'm glad this worked for you, but I have to say that I wouldn't want it that way.

There is a look in our wedding photos that is part of the day. I don't think we would have had that if we'd had pictures done beforehand.

I know a lot of couples that have done that. That's fine if that's what you want to do.

I didn't opt for that...I wanted my HTB to see me for the first time that day as I walked down the wedding aisle. I did take some pics with my bridesmaids beforehand & he took some with the groomsmen.

I was fine with taking the rest of the pics in the cocktail hour. I got to mingle with everyone later.

I personally think it's a great idea, although some couples really feel that the bride and groom should not see each other before the wedding.

It's up to you. It's a very good practical choice for the reasons you mentioned. My friend did this and it worked out perfectly (and her pictures are fabulous!). Note that you may want to wear your rings for the shots. They did not.

I did consider doing the same, but my now husband insisted that he did not want to see me before the ceremony. So we did some family/bridal party shots individually before to cut down on photography time after the ceremomy, and did our bride/groom and combined group shots during cocktail hour, as traditionally done. So we were able to get some formal shots out of the way, but not have to see each other.

If seeing each other before the ceremony is not a big deal for you (some cultures tradtitionally DO meet before the ceremony anyway...), then I think pictures beforehand is a smart option.

If not, do something similar to what I did...get some of the formals out of the way.

We actually made our grand entrance right on time (6:15 for dinner at 6:30), and I think our guests appreciated not having to wait to eat. We arrived right on time and got the party started. I have seen couples arrive an hour late to dinner because of pictures. Avoid this if you can..it's not fair to your hungry guests!

Good luck!

well i really want the first time my fiance sees me in my dress to be when i am walking down the isle... so nope i wouldnt consider it.. but it is a great idea

We are doing that for your wedding. The only that will not be done are the ones that involve both of us. The first time that want to see her in the dress is when she is walking down the aisle. We still need to sit down with photographer and figure out the order.

We also got our pictures taken before the ceremony. We set up a "first meeting" before hand and that was also photographed. I highly recommend it because we attended our cocktail hour and got to mingle with our guests and it just made everything seem so much more laid back. When the wedding party is gone for an hour after the ceremony taking pictures it really puts a dent in the day for the guests.

Absolutely, and I think this is a great idea. IT's what I plan to do also.

I can see the benefits to doing that, but I'm going to be traditional. I think that moment where I walk down the aisle & see my husband for the first time will outweigh having perfect makeup and a few cocktails before the reception.

Never. Simply because I would always know we weren't married in the photographs.
Really true, you would think about it later. Well, I sure would.
Most people slot enough time after the ceremony - at least 2 hours - before the reception to get photographs done. You provide a cocktail hour for the guests, and then the wedding party arrives in time for dinner.

NO, they are not Wedding Pics.

Plenty will be taken by everyone who attends, just ask them to send you copies.

Pre-staged are NOT Wedding Pics, what's the use? It's not from the BIG Day!

JMO