This is something I've been struggling with (obsessing over if I'm honest) lately. As much as I'd love to get right to the party and join our guests at the cocktail hour, my wonderful FI doesn't want us to see each other until I walk down the aisle. So sweet but not very practical! (He tends to be the romantic one in our relationship.)
My best friend is a photographer and gave me what sounds like great advice. If you don't want to see each other before the ceremony, make a very detailed list of all the photo groupings you want to capture after the ceremony. Start with family as they tend to take a bit longer. Then, SEND THEM AWAY to the cocktail party. This leaves the bridal party. Send them away as they are no longer needed until you have just the two of you. If you have a very specific idea of what you want, pictures will go a lot faster.
Like everyone already said, it is all about personal preference. I'll probably change my mind 100 times before our actual wedding in April!