FIRST LOOK AND FORMALS BEFORE YOUR CEREMONY: YES OR NO

In America it is very popular for couples to have a first look photo shoot before their ceremony this takes place about two hours, bride and groom will meet in an agreed placed, such as the grounds of your wedding venue.  I think this is a brilliant idea from both a bride and photographer point of view (my groom is having none of this, will not entertain the idea at all).  What do other people think about this.


Reason I think this is a brilliant idea is because the first time you get to see each other on your wedding day you can be emotional with each other without having peering eyes on you I think this is valuable time before you go off to get married you get to see each other all done up (and who really believes it is bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony.......... only ever really apply to a church wedding).  Once you've had your first look and had some time to be with each other as a photographer I would than start taking your portraits in a more relaxed manner where you have not got your guest keen to talk to you after we have taken your couple photos we would go on and meet your bridal party and take all those formal photos that you really would like taken we can have fun and everyone get excited for the ceremony about 45mins before we will stop so you can freshen up and   get ready for your ceremony.


Advantages to this are that you can get most of your formal photographs done before the ceremony meaning you have more time afterwards to mingle with your guest which surely is better for you and them.  Also if you are having a winter wedding or later wedding you do not need to worry about the light because if your having your photos taken before your ceremony there will still be plenty of light for lovely outdoors pictures.


So I ask the question is having a first look and formals before the ceremony a good idea what do you think?


Below is my timeline with doing your formals before the ceremony.