Bride Tip Tuesday – First Look with your Dad

Dads are traditional the first to see the bride before she walks down the aisle. He gets to see his little girl all done up for the first time before she walks down the aisle. He also often will let his emotions show as no one surrounds them in their private moment before they walk down the aisle. When a dad sees his little girl in a wedding dress, it truly hits him that his little girl isn’t so little anymore. Here is how to make the most out of your first look with your dad.

1.)    Set time aside for the photo – Budget about 15 minutes before the wedding to do a reveal with your dad. Have the photographer coordinate with you and your dad about location and get everyone in position. Allowing these first moments gives you a chance to get the emotions out before walking down the aisle and it also allows you to get some portraits with your dad. The full 15 minutes allows for makeup touch ups before you open the doors to walk toward your husband to be!

2.)    Choose a setting – Either have your dad come into the getting ready room or pick a spot on location where you can meet. Make it secluded and don’t allow many people to watch. This allows your dad to be authentic in his reaction to you. If you are choosing the getting ready room, keep it neat and clean. A cleaner background will make for more elegant photos. If you are choosing a location on set, have your photographer and second shooter coordinate and get everyone in position for the reveal.

3.)    Have the photographer ready – Have you photographer close so that they can snap a photo when your dad first sees you. Having your photographer close will give you those special moments with your dad before you say “I Do” and give you photos you will cherish for a lifetime.

Here are a few favorite First Looks with 1416 dads!