Should We Do a First Look? Pros & Cons to Consider

A first look is a wonderful opportunity for the bride and groom to share an intimate and emotional moment before the wedding ceremony. It’s a popular trend that has been embraced by many couples in recent years, and for good reason! Whether you do a first look is totally up to you and your boo, but your decision will inform the order and pace of your wedding day. It’s likely one of the first questions a photographer or wedding planner will ask to build your timeline, so let’s get into it!

What is a first look?

A first look is a moment before the ceremony where the bride and groom see each other for the first time in their wedding attire. During a first look, the couple typically meets in a private location away from their guests. This can be a chance for them to share anticipation and joy, and to calm each other’s nerves, or exchange gifts or letters. A first look can be a beautiful and emotional experience that creates memories that the couple will cherish forever.

The Pros

Gone are the days where the bride and groom don’t see each other before the ceremony. Many couples in the past 5-10 years have embraced the first look, and here are a few reasons why:

1. An Intimate and Emotional Moment: A first look provides a private moment for the couple to connect and share their excitement before the ceremony. The rest of the day will be filled with busy moments with friends and family, so a first look is a great opportunity to start out with just the two of you.
2. Calm nerves: After spending a months planning and hours getting ready, it’s natural for some nerves to be built up! Doing a first look gives both of you the chance to let go of those nerves, loosen up, and relax before the ceremony.
3. More time with your love: When you forgo a first look, you spend about half the day away from the person you’re so excited to marry! A first look gives you a few extra hours to spend together while taking photos.
4. More photos: Speaking of photos… You will get more variety in your photos if you do a first look. Why, you ask? You can get 2-3 hours of time to do couple portraits, wedding party, and family photos! By double or tripling the photo time, you can explore your venue for great photo spots and get more photos with more variety.
5. More time with your guests: When you do a first look, you can take the majority of your photos before your guests arrive. Rather than spending cocktail hour with your photographer, you can spend it with your guests! Knocking out your photos before the ceremony allows you and your family to get to the party ASAP.

The Cons

Just like anything in life, there are pros and cons to the situation. It’s important to consider the following factors when deciding if a first look is right for you.

1. It’s not your dream: The tradition of seeing your bride or groom at the ceremony might be something you’ve dreamed of for a long time. If that’s the case, a first look might not be for you! In my mind, this is the most important con. If it’s not your dream, then don’t do it!
2. Your friends and family won’t be there: Though you can invite anyone you want, it’s common for the moment to be shared between just the bride and groom. If it’s important that your friends and family share in the moment, then save it for the ceremony.
3. You will need to get ready earlier: First looks typically happen 2-3 hours before the ceremony. This means that you will need to start your hair and make up earlier in the day to be sure you are ready for photos!
4. You won’t technically be married in some of your photos: Chances are you won’t think about this when looking back at your wedding photos, but if it will bother you, don’t do a first look. Pro-tip: Put on your wedding bands for photos and then take them off before the ceremony!

First Look Alternatives

Feeling on the fence? You’re not alone! There are a few alternatives that allow for an intimate moment, while saving the wow factor for the ceremony. They don’t give you the logistical ease of getting photos done before the ceremony, but they might be a great middle ground for couples who want the best of both worlds.

• First “touch” or hand hold: This can make for beautiful photos if you find a great corner or doorway! It also allows you guys to talk for a few minutes and calm those nerves down. Consider reading vows or a letter, or even a quick toast to your future together!
• Exchange gifts or letters: Let your soon-to-be-spouse know you’re thinking of them by having someone from your wedding party deliver a letter or gift.
• Family first look: Do a first look with your parents, siblings, grandparents, or wedding party! This is one of the best ways I’ve seen to hype up a bride or groom on the wedding day.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to do a first look is a personal one. These alternatives offer unique and creative ways to capture intimate moments before the ceremony, without sacrificing tradition. So, take the time to consider all of the options and choose what feels right for you and your partner on your special day. Your photographer and wedding planner are great resources to ask if you need help deciding!