First Look Timing: The Simple Guide to a Smooth Pre‑Wedding Shoot

Planning a first look? The biggest mistake couples make is ignoring timing. A well‑planned schedule keeps you relaxed, ensures great light, and gives the photographer enough room to capture every emotion. Below you’ll find the exact steps to pick the right time, avoid rushes, and get natural, beautiful photos without the stress.

Pick the Sweet Spot for Light

Natural light is your best friend. Aim for the "golden hour" – the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset. The light is soft, warm, and flattering for skin tones. If your venue opens at 8 am, try a 7:30 am start for sunrise magic. For evening shoots, schedule the first look about an hour before sunset so you still have light when you move to other locations.

Check the weather forecast a day ahead. A cloudy morning can still give you diffused light, but a sudden rainstorm can ruin a tight schedule. Have a backup indoor spot ready – a hall or a covered garden – just in case.

Build a Realistic Timeline

Start with the ceremony time and work backwards. If the ceremony is at 11 am, set the first look for 7:30‑8 am. That gives you 1.5‑2 hours for makeup, dressing, travel, and the actual shoot. Add a 15‑minute buffer for traffic or unexpected delays.

Talk to your photographer about how many locations you want. Each spot adds travel time. A single location can be covered in 30‑45 minutes, while two locations need about 90 minutes total. Keep the plan simple: one main location for the first look, a second for group photos.

Don’t forget to schedule a short break. A quick sip of water or a brief snack helps keep energy up, especially if you’re wearing heavy outfits.

Now that you have light and timeline covered, here are three quick tips to keep the flow smooth:

• Prep the outfits the night before. Lay out the dress, shoes, and accessories. This saves precious minutes in the morning.
• Assign a point person. Choose a friend or planner to handle logistics – ushering you to the spot, checking the gear, and confirming the schedule.
• Practice a quick walk‑through. Even a 5‑minute run‑through of the shoot order helps everyone know what’s coming, reducing nerves.

By following these steps, you’ll hit the right light, stay on schedule, and enjoy every moment of your first look. The result? Natural, heartfelt photos that show exactly how you felt before the ceremony.

Remember, the goal isn’t a perfect, rigid script. It’s about feeling relaxed, capturing genuine smiles, and preserving a memory you’ll love forever. So pick your golden hour, plan a realistic timeline, and let the photographer do the rest.