A first look is when the bride and groom see each other before the wedding starts. At this point, both are fully dressed and ready for the ceremony. The couple share a moment to appreciate each other before the wedding begins, and the photographer gets some pictures of the couple together. Of course, the photographer will make sure to get a shot of the first look moment as well. Usually, the couple will then take photos with their families and wedding parties – after the first look and before the wedding begins.

Having a first look moment gives the couple an opportunity to see each other before the wedding starts, and have a moment of peace and intimacy together. It also saves time during the wedding itself, as the photographer will already have taken photos of you with your family and wedding party, meaning you don’t need to step away from the wedding for a photoshoot. And, of course, you’ll end up with pictures of that beautiful moment in which you see your loved one, all dressed up, for the first time on your wedding day.

If tradition is important to you, then a first look may not be the best choice. Furthermore, some couples argue that having a first look makes that moment of walking down the aisle less dramatic. Although we politely disagree, there’s really nothing that can hinder such an emotional moment. One thing we completely agree with, though, is that you’ll have to get ready a lot earlier if you want to have a first look photoshoot before the wedding.

Now that you know everything about first looks, you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.

Congratulations! You’re in charge of planning a bridal shower, and now it’s time to tackle one of the most important tasks – creating the guest list. Who should you invite? Let’s look at the traditions and etiquette surrounding bridal shower invitations. So, grab a cup of tea, and let’s get started!

Traditionally, the bridal shower guest list includes three main groups – the wedding party, close family members, and close friends. However, it’s important to remember that the guest list is ultimately up to the bride and the host and can vary depending on personal preferences and circumstances.

This may seem like common sense, but it’s worth emphasizing, only invite people to the bridal shower if they are also invited to the wedding. Inviting someone solely to the bridal shower might give off the wrong impression and appear gift-focused. One exception to this rule is an office shower, where coworkers may want to express their well wishes without attending the wedding. In that case, it should be hosted separately from the personal shower.

Remember, the bridal shower is an intimate gathering for the bride’s nearest and dearest. Sure, Aunt Cathy might want to bring her cat Mr. Whiskers as her plus one, but unless he’s wearing a tiny tuxedo and knows how to dance the cha-cha, it’s probably best to keep the guest list limited. Strive for a mix of family and friends who know the bride best; they’ll be the ones cheering the loudest during those fun shower games!

Together with the bride, the host should consider the venue’s size constraints and the overall budget. If the bride’s guest list exceeds the determined number, you could consider hosting multiple showers, such as one for friends and another for family. Sometimes, more than one person wants to throw a bridal shower for the bride-to-be, and that’s perfectly okay. In such cases, ensure each host has a unique guest list based on their relationship with the bride.

Cross-reference the bridal shower guest list with the wedding and reception guest list. Connect with the bride-to-be to discuss who will be invited to the wedding and use that as a starting point for crafting the bridal shower guest list. This will help you keep the guests straight.