Traditionally, group wedding photos of the bride and groom with their parents and wedding party are taken directly after the ceremony while the guests proceed to the cocktail hour. While this is a popular wedding time line, it is also very restricting and not always practical. This is especially true if you are working with a large group or want the photographer to take a lot of shots. Brides and grooms have relayed countless horror stories of their group wedding photos taking up the better part of their reception time, leading them to miss out on all but the last hour of the receptions they worked so hard to plan.
While it may seem unconventional, taking these group photos before the guests even arrive is a much easier time line to work with and will ensure you do not miss a minute of your wedding reception. Here are some of the benefits to taking your wedding photos before the wedding.
You Are Not As Rushed
Trying to take several hundred shots of you and your bridesmaids in the span of one hour is a difficult feat. You may feel so rushed to get all of the pictures done in time that the pictures turn out a little bit less than Kodak moment worthy. If you are feeling stressed and pressed for time, it will show in your photographs. By opting to take the photos before the ceremony, you will be more relaxed and in the moment, resulting in better pictures.
There’s More Time To Experiment
If your venue has a lot of scenery and decor you want to have your wedding pictures taken with, taking the pictures before the ceremony will give you the time to do it. Walk around with the photographer and point out particular points of interest to you or discuss poses you want to try. Since you will not be trying to cram in all of the photographs into such a short time slot, you will have a lot more flexibility to try out photo ideas as you think of them.
You Will Look Your Best
If you happen to cry as you walk down the aisle, red puffy eyes are the last thing you want in all of your wedding shots. By taking the pictures before the emotions of the day start to hit full force, you will look bright eyed and beautiful.
No One Will Know the Difference
While taking photos before the wedding is a certain break from the tradition of not seeing each other before the wedding, no one who sees your photos will know the difference. Besides, the tradition of not seeing one another stems from the olden days of arranged marriages. Brides and grooms were not allowed to see each other for the first time prior to the marriage for fear they would decide not to wed. The pictures you take before the ceremony will be just as beautiful (if not more) than the photos you would take during the cocktail hour.
