Before wedding group pictures

[Mike_C.]

I think I've read here on the forums about doing all the pictures before the ceremony to help save time between the ceremony and the reception. Are many or any of you doing this? And if so, is it becoming more common place or very rarely done? I'm on my second marriage and both times the bride would have freaked out at the mention of being seen by the groom before the ceremony. I can see where it would be more relaxed to get it done before the wedding, but I just don't know how well that's going to go over with the bride.

[coreypolis]

I've only been to 1 where they didn't see eachother before. It really helps in a lot of ways. The next one I'm doing the couple is leaving 4 hours for pictures and going to a park away from the church. Should be lots of fun.

[Mike_C.]

I think I would really like shooting weddings where they do the photog before. It would make things alot better in my opinion. I was just fishing to see how much this is becoming common place or not.

[coreypolis]

I'm sure it really depends on the area for one, and the couple's background.

[jessiper]

We always do at least some formals beforehand, and most couples do see each other before the ceremony, but every once in awhile, they want to wait to see each other.

[Big Mike]

From what I can tell...it is becoming more popular as people become less traditional and realize the benefits. However, it's a very strong tradition for so many people. I tried to pitch the idea to a bride last week and she shot it down pretty quick.

What I have seen, that I really like...is the set up of the first sight of each other. For example, I've seen shots where they are each dressed up and on either side of a door. As they slowly come around and see each other for the first time...you just sit back and capture the magic. Not only is this a great opportunity for great emotional photos...but it will be a great memory of the wedding for the couple. The ceremony has so much going on that it can afford to loose the moment where they first see each other...IMO anyway.

[samnz]

I'm doing more and more weddings where the B&G see each other before the ceremony. For me this is a shame, 'cause I love that FIRST eye contact and oh - the tears...THE TEARS streaming down the face - emotions running high!!! So I have to pause and recompose myself!!!!!!:lol: :lol: :lol:

Seriously, it's not as emotional from a ceremonial point of view, but for time management - awesome!

I couldn't help but capture the emotions of this beautiful Bride.

151993

[_Jo_]

My B&G's never see each other beforehand. It is all 'in the moment' - which as a photographer I love!

[CyberPet]

Almost all my portraits are done before the ceremony. I think I've only had one occasion where the groom didn't see the bride before the wedding. In Sweden you also walk in together - hand in hand - as to show that it's a joint decision to get married. I find it good, as I would have hated to have my dad with me - he's always nervous! :D

[JustKat]

It's about 50/50 for me, but it is getting more popular around here for the B&G to see each other before the ceremony so they can get the pictures done and go straight to partying after the "I Do". I like it better this way too, seems a lot less stressful to me.

[jessiper]

In my experience, it's easier to get better emotion shots after the ceremony if they don't see each other, because they're doubly excited. They just saw each other and they just got married. Otherwise, they just want to hurry and get to the reception. Also, it's not quite as exciting if they see each other before hand, because the excitement of "we just got married!" isn't there yet to add to it. Just my experience, though, but it does make it easier time-wise if they do see each other before the ceremony.

[turaund1]

we do as many group images before the wedding as possible. The only one not included is the bride. this helps with big wedding parties. Later we do all the poses that are left with the bride. It helps with the inbetween time. someone is always rushing you inbetween

[krista]

We always do the photos after the ceremony - but I am excited to have my first pre-ceremony one booked this year!

I have watched a couple DVDs that do the first sighting as Big Mike describes and love it. What I have described to couples is we'll set them up - groom with his back to the bride, she can walk up, tap him on the shoulder and I'll capture that emotion. Then I'll leave and give them a few minutes alone.

Personally, I love the idea. Otherwise, you go into the ceremony where you can't talk to each other, then straight into the chaos of receiving line and guests eager to congratulate you, then formal photos, then reception and then... and then... wait! It's suppose to be about the couple! Give them a couple minutes alone so they can actually respond to the first sighting!

And, I think there will still be lots of emotion left for the ceremony. It might not be the first time they see each other that day - but they are about to make a HUGE commitment. There will still be loads of emotion around that!

[Joe Cyr]

Only once in 8 years of weddings has the bride and groom done the formals before the ceremony. Like many, I do all the bride/bridesmaid formals and groom/groomsmen formals before hand (if they can get themselves ready in time!) Couples don't realize how long the photos can take.

[jillybean]

I generally try to convince them to see each other before with the following plan-
I start w/bride alone, then someone will notify me the groom is ready- I clear the chapel of ALL people except bride and let him come in for some personal time. They generally have me stay to 'capture' the moment. All of the couples have told me they enjoyed this time so they could 'freak' out about getting married together.
I would say this works for me 80% fo the time and I love it. Another convincing remark is that your guest will not have to wait at the reception for you to start the party.
Maybe I am slow, but I need all the time I can get.

[nmdigifan]

I am not "the" photographer, haha, just kinda got thrown into one for a friend, when the local photographer (and at our church) was out of town. It was the Bride's second wedding and even SHE didn't want them to see each other until the moment that she walked down the aisle. I know my friend that is very busy shooting weddings, she does all that she can for pictures before-hand. With someone leading the way to take the pictures and she shields them from seeing each other. They make rotations into the church for their sets of pictures. After the service is when the B/G and their familes all together happen.