Catching a Glimpse: Should You See Each Other before the Ceremony?

July 21, 2010

photos courtesy of elimurray.com

Traditionally speaking, it’s considered “bad luck” for a bride and groom to see each other before the ceremony.  This type of old-fashioned thinking stems from an even more ancient tradition when the groom was not allowed to see his bride AT ALL before the big day.  Not ever.  Not once.  Not even a glimpse.  Nada.

While I’m happy to report that prearranged marriages and hide ‘n’ go seek brides - for the most part – have been eradicated in most cultures, there are still several people who like to hold the base of this tradition true.  Often times, couples will choose to not see each other beforehand because they feel it adds to the excitement and anticipation of their wedding day.  (Agree.)

Others, however, have poo-poo’ed  conventional thinking for a more modern day train of thought and choose to have a moment before the ceremony all to themselves.  This is a time just for them to really take each other in, and better yet, a time for a photographer to capture some beautifully candid shots.  (I mean, just get a load of this groom!)  Couples can have a moment of privacy to talk, hug, give a little smooch or simply calm each other’s nerves.  (Also, agree.)

For brides and grooms who see each other pre-ceremony, it can also help take care of some of the formal wedding photography of the bridal party, in order to allot more time after for everything else.  Woot, woot!  But regardless of what you choose, just know that there is no right or wrong choice… merely Choice 1 and Choice 2, and it’s up to you to decide which one fits you and yours best!  Good luck, and cheers to many years of happiness :)

photos courtesy of elimurray.com

Filed under: Wedding Etiquette,Wedding Planning 101

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